Traveling with kids...

I was contacted by Kendra- a mom of three kiddos earlier this week to share some of what she has learned about traveling with kids.  She was the former Orbitz director of communications and traveled all around the world.  She visited 28 countries and 6 continents, so this woman knows a lot about traveling!  She loves to write about travel trends and tips and thought she would share some of her favourite tips on traveling healthy with your kids.

If you have any questions for Kendra you can contact her via Twitter: https://twitter.com/KendraThornton 
or on her Website: http://www.thorntonpr.com/.....also, Sara will be choosing a winner for the Shabby Apple giveaway this afternoon!

How To Stay Healthy and Sane While on Family Vacations

We all know traveling with children isn't the easiest thing in the world. What with all the time cooped up in a car, the excess of fast foods running through their systems and new sleeping arrangements. It's enough to make even the most laid-back of families frustrated and irritable.

But it doesn't have to be that way. With a little planning, your trip will run smoothly and you and your family will create memories for a lifetime. The following tips will help keep your family happy and healthy on even the longest traveling adventure.

1. When going to an amusement park, plan for everyone to eat a healthy, substantial breakfast. This way you save money on park food and your family has enough energy for park adventures. Most hotel chains and resorts offer healthy breakfast choices included in your room rate.

2. Try to go to sit down restaurants as much as possible. This allows you to ask your server how your meals are prepared and modify them if needed. It gives your family a larger selection of healthier meals and a chance to relax. Ensuring your family is getting a healthy meal as opposed to fast foods loaded with calories and sodium. Even when your family has to be “on the go” food wise, try to still make healthy fast food decisions!

3. If your child or children are still in their napping stage, allow them to take naps as they would at home. By keeping the naps the same amount and length will ensure they stay on their normal sleeping schedule. Which will keep them healthy and happy, and you sane. When looking for places to stay, keep in mind that many hotels in Orlando and Walt Disney World, offer quiet hours to ensure that your family gets a solid nights rest!

4. Stop as frequently as possible to give your children time to get some fresh air and work off any excess energy they may have. Places such as rest stops, parks and playgrounds gives everyone a chance for a little fun to break up a long car ride. Which will prevent anyone from becoming overly restless and agitated, and allowing a smoother trip.

5. About 58 percent of adults don't wash their hands before leaving the restroom. Now how many children do you think actually wash their hands, doing more than just running their hands under cold water. Encourage everyone in you family to wash their hands regularly, and make sure they are washing them properly. Reducing the amount of germs getting spread will work out well in the long run to keep anyone from getting sick.

Above all, remember to relax and have fun. Treat yourself occasionally; it is a vacation after all.