Are you going on any summer vacations? Back in January, I did a travel-themed week, and I'd love to do another one this week! First up: When you're traveling with kids, bring along a soccer ball. Our friends, who have two young boys, bought a soccer ball during a trip to London, and they'd take spontaneous breaks from sight-seeing to kick the ball around. They even made friends with local kids. What a great idea!
P.S. 10 tips for traveling with a baby, and travel fantasies.
yay! i love travel-themed anything:) can't wait!
ReplyDeletexx,
Aja Lake
the gold hat.
Soccer balls are a must for a family with boys! After a couple of years renting homes across France, this year we are going with a caravan! I know the boys love it, but I am still busy saying goodbye to comfort! ;)
ReplyDeletexoxox
Yay! I love travel-themed weeks. I still have your guys' Amsterdam trip photos bookmarked as inspiration. Is this a destinations week type of thing, or more of a how-to-travel XYZ series?
ReplyDeleteGoing to Turkey in July! I would love tips from any readers who have been... Looking forward to this week's posts!
ReplyDeleteYes. Travel. I can nearly never say no to travel. I did earlier this year and I've been mostly regretting it ever sense.
ReplyDeleteMy travel plans consist of a trip to Chicago to visit my best friend and a trip to the UP (of Michigan!) for some toolin' around. Copper Harbor, Houghton, waterfalls. Cheboygan will get an annual visit and the rest will be staycations in Bay City.
i never really leave commments, and it has nothing to do with this post. but just wanted to say i love your blog and i think you are just lovely. you are so genuine and i can't quite put my finger on the other right word. but thanks for inspiring us all every day with your fun and thoughtful posts and smile.
ReplyDeleteThat hotel you featured was on Groupon a couple days ago...not sure if it still is! !
ReplyDeleteLove it! We're going to Chicago this summer and I'm really looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteWe've already taken a trip for the summer (to Naples) but we'll be going to Disneyworld for our honeymoon in October!!! SO EXCITED!!! Traveling is great (minus the flying)
ReplyDeleteEurope with my husband for the WHOLE month of August! Love travel themed!
ReplyDeleteFor families on a budget? Chincoteague Island VA
ReplyDeleteWe're traveling to see the inlaws in the French countryside...Soccer ball is such a great idea - as it's a great way to meet others. We always picnic when traveling and have found such great parks & playgrounds!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea - when I was a kid my famil used to drive from Nova Scotia to Ontario ever summer (roughly 2000km) to visit fam, and your post made me recall one summer where my younger sister and I brought soccer ball, and practiced juggling together at every rest stop... I looked forward to this and I am sure the burnt energy was much appreciated by my parents :)
ReplyDeleteI'm doing a study abroad session in Salamanca, Spain in July. Needless to say, I'm super excited! :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday!
I am v lucky this summer, and am off to Crete with my boyfriend and Italy with my Ma! Very exciting, since I didn't get away at all the previous year :)
ReplyDeleteI can't tell you how much I'm looking forward to getting away from sodden England- it's actually flooding here at the moment! Insane!
www.ciderwithrosiebee.blogspot.com
I'd like to go visit my friend in Italy, I think I just might do that.
ReplyDelete/Avy
http://mymotherfuckedmickjagger.blogspot.com
♥
since we live in the caribbean we're doing america this year, nj, nyc, a big trip in ca renting a vw bus for a week to see wine country, then spending some time in sf, and of course we have to do the christmas thing with the family in maine!
ReplyDeletenext year i don't think i will have to go to america, lol!!!
This couldn't come at a more perfect time! I'm off to London, Paris and Rome a week from today with my cousin and I couldn't be more excited!! I know you've been to Paris (not sure about London and Rome) so do you have any tips for must see sights? I'd really appreciate it!
ReplyDeleteThat is a cool idea, we Brits always like a kick-about. We're going to Cornwall in July but are currently in the middle of a what appears to be a monsoon season, so I'm a bit worried about the weather!
ReplyDeleteMy boyfriend and I just got back from Iceland - not your typical summer vacation, but it was.. amazing. For lack of a better word. I just booked a lazy trip for us to St. Louis, where we'll clown around in the City Museum by day and order room service in our pajamas by night. The best part is, he has no idea we're going on a "relaxation" in less than two weeks ;)
ReplyDeleteMy family used to travel twice a year to visit my grandparents in Southern Alabama, and I always thought of that as my second home. Vacations can be so magical, especially as a child. :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like this is the summer of travel! Can't wait to read all the posts this week
ReplyDeleteTreasure Tromp
What a fantastic idea!! It's good to have something to keep the kiddos occupied ;)
ReplyDeleteNurse Frugal
http://ladiesgofirst.wordpress.com
Terrific idea. Kind of like the beach ball bouncing around in a waiting crowd or at a concert. Makes it much more fun :)
ReplyDeleteyay! this is just what I needed! We leave for China on Thursday and I'm at a total loss!
ReplyDeleteTravel week! Woo! Can't wait to read!
ReplyDeleteBringing a soccer ball or any games is a great idea for kids.. My brother and sister-in-law always bring the Leap frog Pad. It works wonders especially when the kids are in the restaurant.
ReplyDeletethat's a fantastic idea for kids!
ReplyDeletewe're taking an epic trip to asia this summer/fall(no kids to worry about yet). can't wait to hear some other travel tips and stories.
Did you see this recent article in the NYT? Lots of cool sites!
ReplyDeletehttp://travel.nytimes.com/2012/05/27/travel/six-sites-that-curate-lodging-options-so-you-dont-have-to.html
Hooray for a travel-themed week. I love love love travelling. However, after our wedding and honeymoon earlier this year, I am not sure we will be taking any travelling vacations this summer. Fingers crossed that we will do a local weekend trip, though, which are always fun as well!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to love your blog(even more) this week!!!
ReplyDelete:-)
@Stephanie I love Turkey :) I'm lucky enough to have visited twice if you want any tips or recommendations!
ReplyDeleteThis October we're going to San Francisco for a wedding! We're still debating whether we want to drive or fly. I can't wait!
Excited to see the travel posts! My husband and I are planning a 5 year anniversary trip to Rome this October- we'd love some Italy traveling tips if you have them!
ReplyDeletehmm. soccer ball actually, sorry, seems like a totally ridiculously to travel with. I'm trying to imagine traveling with my kids and their stuff and then a soccer ball? Maybe I'm not picturing the same kinds of travel. Sure, if you have a minivan to transport all your stuff, sure bring a croquet set while you are at it, but we usually travel with backpacks and as light as possible, so the idea of a shoving a soccer ball in the carry on sort of my nightmare!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Just a couple simple trips to visit family/go to weddings this summer: Austin and Wisconsin! We're saving up for an exciting trip to NYC this November to run the Marathon. Can't wait - first time to NYC & first marathon!
ReplyDeletei need a vacation so badly. i think i've said this a dozen times this weekend. hopefully we'll get to the beach at least once.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great tip. And could work just as easily for adults - who need breaks too!
ReplyDeleteI wonder what adults could have... Frisbee?
http://www.randomlyhappytoday.blogspot.co.uk
Can you feature great places for "off-peak" travel locations. I am planning a trip for my boyfriends birthday to New Orleans the first week in November. Have you been? Any cannot miss sights?
ReplyDeleteI'm thrilled with this idea, as I am obsessed with travel, particularly international travel.
ReplyDeleteThis is actually timely as I have just started a new blog which was originally intended to chronicle my self-study of French, but which I expect to broaden out to include travel issues, photography, etc.. (I hate to blatantly "sell" my blog here, but this is actually relevant.)
My very first post from two days ago includes a rather extensive description of the approach my husband and I take to "living like a semi-local" while travelling abroad. We love to do that because it both saves us money and gets us out of the tourist areas.
http://theintrepidfrenchlearner.blogspot.com
We are booked for a week at the base of a rainforest in Puerto Rico this summer!
ReplyDeleteLast year my 8 year old brought his heeleys (shoes with a heel wheel) and wheeled his way along side Seine and the Bosphorus Strait.
@ Stephanie, re: Turkey. We have been many times...
http://sara-another100yearoldhousereno.blogspot.com/search/label/Turkey
If you have any questions I may be able to recommend a must do tour or something.
Yes, my cousin (best friend) and I are heading to Boston from Winnipeg, MB, Canada, for the coldplay concert! We also hope to include lots of walking, a couple shows, nice dinners, good wine, and shopping. If anyone has any tips on some things to do on a budget that'd be spectacular!
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! With little ones, pack a beach ball instead of a soccer ball. It's easier to pack (deflated) and makes a great toy in the hotel as well as outside at the park.
ReplyDeleteGreat tip! With little ones pack a beach ball and balloons. They're easier to pack (deflated) and make great toys for inside the hotel and outside at the park. (Toddlers and preschoolers love playing with balloons filled with water. No need then to pack bath toys.)
ReplyDeleteJust got finished with a quick beach trip to the South Carolina coast, but it was too fast. My boys definitely found friends to play in the sand with on the beach- it was too cute.
ReplyDeleteIn college I went back-packing around Europe with friends and we always brought a soccer ball with us. You never know when your bus will be late. Also, you can only do so many museums before you need fresh air and exercise. So it's a good idea for grown-ups too! Frisbees are good too.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great pic of Jackie. My number one tip is boring, but essential. EAR PLUGS ;)
ReplyDeletePenny Dreadful Vintage
We have been to Chicago and Colombia recently with babies and both were successful. Biggest tip is not to overplan.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, I was wonddering if I could advertise on your blog and what your rates are? I emailed you but maybe the email got lost. :)
I am lookin forward to my vacation, with my two boys, i must carry some little cars...
ReplyDeleteWe are going to the beach, to an amazing place in Menorca, Cala Galdana, white sand and clear water!
http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es
Yay! What a timely post! Traveling to Venice in a few weeks. And we've had soccer/football fever over here for the past few days with the Euro Cup!
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! Or even a beach ball bc they fold up. :)
ReplyDeleteFlorida gulf coast to a favourite beach house and Oregon coast camping! A ball is always with us, and always a pot or two of play dough, pens, paper, Bring on the summer.
ReplyDeleteWe're driving from DC to western Minnesota (Ottertail Lake to see family, as we do every year). We'll be doing this with a toddler and our soon-to-arrive newborn baby, who should be a few weeks old when we hit the road. This might be the most drunk-sounding idea of all time, but it just goes to show you how desperately we need a vacation, and how much we love the destination.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't make this effort to go anywhere else in the world.
I've been traveling so much that being home feels like a vacation!
ReplyDeleteWhen I travel, I like to find a cute cafe or park and stretch out with a good book. Even if it's for twenty minutes between sightseeing, it always makes me feel less like a tourist and more like a local.
I've been looking at luggage a good bit today!
ReplyDeleteHoping to make it to the beach, but will have to wait and see how the summer pans out.
But, I would love to read some travel blogs!
mylifetintedpink.blogspot.com
j. elizabeth, new orleans sounds amazing!! i've never been but i'll let you know if i hear anything insider-y :)
ReplyDeletebring earplugs -- smart tip, penny! :) thanks for these comments:)
ReplyDeleteI'm going to Switzerland in July to perform in a flute masterclass with Sir James Galway. So excited! If anyone's been to Switzerland, I'd love some info on where to go/what to do :)
ReplyDeleteI'm off to Hawaii soon so I'm looking forward to some expert advice. And about the soccer ball tip-so true! It saved my little brothers (age 6 & 8 at the time) from many museum induced temper tantrums when we visited Paris!
ReplyDeleteSoccer is a must if you have kids especially boys. This will really help to avoid tantrums during the trip. Have fun in your vacation.
ReplyDeleteWe just got back from a road trip.. Baltimore, DC and a few places in Virginia before hitting Ocean City, NJ and then back home. We always have a few little cars for our almost two year old and recently bought a table mat with non toxic markers that is wipeable. This way he is occupied in a restaurant and can eat off the mat too.. plus there are a lot of places who don't have crayons for kids.
ReplyDeleteJoanna, this is unrelated to this post (oops!), but did you see the article in the NYT magazine this weekend on French woman and dieting? It mentions Bringing Up Bebe and French Kids Eat Everything...
ReplyDeleteI will leave for Aruba next Friday the 15th with my mother, for ten days. This is a big trip for both of us, since two years ago in June of 2010 we were involved in car accident that almost killed us. So this is a celebration!!!! We are so happy!
ReplyDeleteEveryone's travel plans sound so great! I'll be headed to Austin, TX to help my sister in-law with a brand new baby girl. Not exactly backpacking the Mexican ruins, but it should be unforgettable all the same.
ReplyDeletePanama seems to be a big destination lately, even the NYTimes mentioned it not too long ago. Costa Rica and Puerto Rico are my second and third right after France! Will visit my sister in Italy in December during College break, I am traveling on a very tiny tight budget so I appreciated any Italy trip advice you guys came share.
ReplyDeleteSee ya...
Lily.
Another, more packable, version of a soccer ball is a frisbee. I took one to India and it was great! Along with a tennis ball - met plenty of new friends.
ReplyDeleteI'm heading down to New Smyrna beach and Orlando with my friends and family for a relaxing (and busy) vacation to the beach and theme parks! Should be interesting and fun to see how the Harry Potter park turned out!
ReplyDeleteI'm traveling right now! I'm currently visiting Dallas, TX and next we're off to Pennsylvania then Tennessee! Gotta love summer :)
ReplyDeleteBrooke
Oh, can't wait! I love travelling!
ReplyDeleteKate {Something Fabulous}
http://thesomethingfabulous.blogspot.com
Travel week before I go on holiday? This is perfect Jo, great timing! :)
ReplyDeleteWe took a $3 "poof" ball from walmart on a recent trip to the zoo and it made a great break for our 2 year old daughter to run and play after riding around in her stroller for awhile. Another toddler joined in, which made it even more fun! She remembered it the next day, too, so you know it was a win :)
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Travel themed posts are definitely my favourite! I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteThat makes sense. Soccer/football is the 'world's beautiful sport' and wonderfully popular in basically every continent...except North America.
going camping in Prague and visiting Dresden for the day! :)
ReplyDeleteThat is a beautiful photo of jackie
ReplyDeleteI wish i can travel this summer sadly it wont happen
x
cammi
http://www.cammilicious.com
ironically i missed this week blogging, and am just catching up now due to having been on vacation :)
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Nice photo you got there. I really enjoy playing soccer. Such a great and fun sport. Keep it up!
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Thanks for that advice. Yes, surely we will bring a soccer ball for the next summer for the kids to have fun. Also for the adults to enjoy with.
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Just like me, I love travelling. And I am not a light traveller, I carry things that are I'm sure will make us enjoy on our destination.
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