3 Kids and Us

How to Pack for a Trip

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When you are going on a trip, the way you pack can have a big influence on how the trip turns out. This is more than just about getting to your destination only to find that your shampoo or lotion bottle came open and your clothes are all gooey. It also has to do with what goes into the suitcases. You will pack differently for a business trip than for a trip to the beach.

Let’s take a closer look at how to pack for different trips.

Business Trips

When you are going on a business trip, you will need to be sure to dress smartly in order to impress your colleagues and close the deal.  That said, it might be a bit intimidating to try and decide what to pack. If you mess up and pack the wrong clothing items, you can be overdressed, or uncomfortably cold or hot.  For this reason, it will always be a good idea to pack performance dress shirts for any professional setting. These shirts are made from comfortable materials that are resistant to wrinkles. They are great for that business meeting as well as for going out for a happy hour at the end of the day.

Colors

You might also want to go with a few articles of black clothing. This is because black goes with everything and can be dressed up or down.  You can make it through extended trips with a suit or two, and some basic black clothing items for when you aren’t in meetings. This is one of those business travel hacks that can go a long way toward saving you trouble when you pack and trying to decide what to wear while you are on your trip.

Luggage

Luggage is also an important element. You should decide on your luggage based on how long you will be gone. Most of the time, a suitcase measuring 22 inches will be ideal. If you will be lugging it everywhere, you might want to invest in a suitcase that has wheels.  If the trip will only be overnight, you might get by with just a briefcase and a small tote. Remember to leave space in your luggage for things like devices, special equipment, work files, and a laptop.

On the Plane

Decide what you will be wearing on the plane if you will be flying. If you only pack a single suit, consider wearing the jacket while you are on the plane so that you will be able to save space.  Wrinkles will fall out of it when you get to the hotel and hang it up for the night. Also, most of the time, hotel amenities will include an iron. While you are packing, remember to set aside what you will be wearing on the plane and try to wear shoes that slip on and off easily so that there won’t be a hassle with security at the airport.

Traveling for Recreation with the Family

Sometimes, tips for traveling with kids can coincide with those for packing for a business trip. One of these things is to make a checklist before you pack so that you don’t leave anything out. Make sure that your list includes rental car and hotel info, reading material, toys, guidebooks, maps, paperwork necessary for the trip, toiletries, shoes, clothing, and maybe a few snacks for while you are on the road. The checklist will keep you from forgetting simple necessities easily overlooked such as deodorant, razors, pajamas, hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, socks, and even underwear.

Space and Activities

You might also want to not underestimate the amount of space it will take for everything that needs to be packed.  Consider leaving out extras. For example, if you will only be gone for the weekend, do you really need 5 pairs of shoes or 3 coats? Take the weather into consideration so that you will be prepared for anything that might come your way. Also, think about the activities you and the family will be doing. You wouldn’t want to head to the beach with clothes for skiing, and yes, if you let children help with the packing, that is exactly what might happen if you aren’t careful.

7 Tips for Taking a Road Trip With a Teen Driver

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Did your teen just get their driver’s license? Are they more eager than ever to take part in this year’s family road trip?

Getting through the teen driving phase is one of the toughest periods for any parent. It’s inevitable that one day they’ll get behind the wheel, but it always seems to happen too soon. Despite all the stress, studies have shown teens that get their license earlier usually end up being safer drivers.

If your teen wants to be one of the drivers during your family road trip here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Update Your Car Insurance Policy

The car insurance pros at acceptanceinsurance.com suggest that parents check their policies before taking a road trip with teen drivers. The law requires that all drivers must be covered by liability insurance in the vast majority of states, even if they don’t drive a car of their own.

If your teen has a driver’s license and plans to drive the family car, you should add them to your auto insurance policy. Your teen should be listed as an operator of the vehicle, not just a household member.

Plot Your Course Together in Advance

Choosing the destination for a family vacation is one of the first to-dos that have to get done. But often we wait until the car is loaded to pull up a maps app and find the best route.

Knowing where you’re going in advance always helps every driver regardless of age. At least a week or two out, sit down with your teen driver and consider your route options. Consider things beyond distance such as the terrain, highway conditions and traffic. For example, a trip where you’ll be hiking in Vancouver has dramatically different driving conditions compared to visiting the city of Los Angeles.

Discuss all the various factors with your teen driver. It’s also a good time to decide how much driving your teen will do and which legs of the trip will be safest.

Check the Teen Driving Regulations in Each State

Every state lays out their own regulations for teen drivers. After going through the learner’s permit process, you’re probably familiar with your state’s regulations, but what about the states you’ll be driving through?

The states you plan to visit could be more strict or more lenient. Make sure to check with the state DMV for more information to avoid accidentally violating the rules of the road.

Don’t Sleep While They Drive

Teen drivers need supervision, especially if they’re driving through unfamiliar territory. It may be tempting to catch a power nap while your teen is driving, but fight the urge. Stay awake and alert so you can act as their co-pilot and make sure they aren’t doing anything risky like texting while driving.

Keep Your Emotions Under Control

We have a way of feeding off the emotions of others. If you’re stressed and on-edge while your teen is driving it will do nothing but increase their anxiety. Raising your voice or getting into an argument should definitely be avoided since it can make your teen driver emotional.

If you find that your teen’s driving is just too stressful during the family road trip ask them to pull over at the next stop so you can use the restroom. Once you’re done, take back the driver’s seat.

Avoid High-Traffic Areas and Times

Some believe in throwing a person in the deep end to teach them how to swim. That’s not an advisable tactic for teen drivers on a family road trip. It’s best to stick to portions of the route that are less likely to have traffic and times when there are fewer cars on the road.

Avoid Teen Driving in a Rental

Are you planning on renting a vehicle for your family road trip? Then your teen may have to put up with sitting in the back seat. No car rental company will rent a vehicle to a person who’s under 18, and many refuse to turn over the keys to drivers that are 20 years old or younger.

Even though it’s legal for a teen to drive while the parent is in the car, the car rental company may forbid it. Read the fine print carefully to avoid potentially expensive problems.

Top Tips For the Novice Fisherman

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Fishing is great fun, both alone or as part of a group. It can be the perfect way to spend time with family, so long as you can go hours without fighting or potentially even saying much at all. To get the most out of the experience, you will have to have a certain amount of knowledge about what you need to do and when. Depending on where you fish, your style and equipment needs will change. Follow these tips and develop your skills as a fisherman.

Patience

The first thing any fisherman needs is patience. Without it, you will not catch anything. When making a catch, patience is the difference between scaring away your dinner and reeling it in, nice and gentle. If you are a person who lives life in the fast lane, fishing might not be for you.

Research

To ensure you have the right bait and are going at the right time of day and the year, research thoroughly before you go on a trip. The best knowledge you will get is from local fishermen, but there are also community websites that will give you some industry know-how. Ensure you are ready by packing thoroughly – nothing ruins a trip quicker than being ill prepared.

Get the Right Rod

Once you have decided where you want to fish, and want sort of fish you want to catch, you can establish how much rod power you will need. If you are casting far out, your rod will need to be heavy, but if you are staying tight to the shore, an ultra-light rod will do. Rod action is how much your rod can bend; the lesser the bend, the faster reeling a catch in will be. A novice fisher will probably want a rod with a decent amount of bend.

Lake and River Fishing

It is important to know the difference between saltwater and freshwater fishing, especially with regard to the places that fish tend to dwell. At the point that the water becomes shallower, you will likely find fish here as they will be searching for food in the area. At the shoreline is where you will get the most bites as areas with lots of debris provide the perfect place to find nibbles. Remember that depending on what you are fishing, different bait is appropriate. Worms might suffice to catch some fish, but locusts are preferable for bigger fish like bass.

Planning a Good Trip

There are so many lakes and rivers across America, and so many places to engage in deep sea fishing, it can seem that wherever you will go, you will get a good catch. This is not the case, especially for the beginner. If your budget allows for it, consider hiring out an Alaska fishing lodge. Try to book with a reputable company like Alaska Sportfishing Expeditions. With more varieties of fish than is found in the south of the country, and a good mix of fresh and saltwater areas available, you might find it a good place to start learning about your particular preferences.

North America is Your Vacation Playground

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So many people take a vacation and decide to head to another country. However, North America really is your vacation playground, offering so many different cultures and experiences for anyone who is ready to embark on a journey. Whether it’s visiting a coast, the opposing coast, or another region you haven’t been to, you are sure to find great vacation packages and a lifetime of fantastic memories. Before you plan your next trip, here are our top suggestions!

Palm Springs, California

A trip to a palm springs resort will certainly be a luxury gift to yourself! You will not only be able to enjoy some of the best weather around, you will also have access to some of the best activities one would want on a vacation. Take a shopping trip to Palm Springs Canyon Drive and enjoy the best scenery, awesome boutiques, and an array of delicious restaurants and cafes to enjoy. Or you can schedule a tee time and experience golf in a new way. Palm Springs is also home to museums, art galleries, and beautiful gardens that will appease the eye and the soul alike.

Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Palm Springs has a competitor for the best resort and that competitor is Cabo San Lucas! Cabo San Lucas is relatively easy to travel to by driving or by sea, but we highly recommend to do it by sea. An ocean cruise will get you in the spirit of luxury and prepared to relax. The weather is comparative to Palm Springs in that they receive sunshine on average around 300 days per year. There are plenty of beaches to enjoy the sand and the sun while providing plenty in the water activity arena. Cabo San Lucas is also well known for their fantastic food and vibrant night life. No matter what kind of vacation you want, Cabo San Lucas can provide it.

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Taos, New Mexico

If sand and sun are your thing but you are preferring not to be at a beach, then Taos, New Mexico is a perfect desert destination for you. For the adventurous types, there is a wide array of things to do. There are water sports located at various rivers and watering holes to engage you and cool you off in the summer heat. Or you can opt for a sunrise hot air balloon ride. Zip lining, summer chair lifts, train rides, and hunting excursions are waiting for you. For the not-as-adventurous, there are plenty of ways to learn about the indigenous cultures of New Mexico and see some gorgeous works of art. Of course there is delicious food waiting as well. One simply cannot vacation without access to amazing food!

Ronks, Pennsylvania

Ronks, Pennsylvania doesn’t make many vacation lists and it should! It may not have beautiful beaches or a wild nightlife but it has charm and a relaxing quality that offers you time to recharge and reconnect. Ronks is smack dab in the middle of Amish country and there is plenty of fantastic Amish goods to be purchased. The Amish are well known for their furniture craftsmanship and amazing foods. Nothing tastes better in the morning than some fresh bread with a bit of Amish butter slathered on. Take time to check out the railroads, farm tours, small amusement parks, and even scooters for renting to cruise around town with.

Anytime we plan a vacation, we should make a list of what kind of trip we want to have. Maybe it’s slow paced with a lot of nature. Or an adventurous time seeking out all the hottest activities. Or maybe we just want a hotel room somewhere quiet so we can sleep as much as we want. Then take a look around North America, you are bound to find it!

West Hollywood: A Great Destination for a Family Vacation

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Remember how simple it was planning a vacation before you had children? You could plan something last minute with a few dollars to your name and have a great time. Now, planning a trip with children involves a multitude of complexities. Finding the right accommodations, activities that everyone enjoys, and even affordable dining can be quite the challenge as any parent might attest. Though it is without a doubt easier to plan a vacation alone than with children, that doesn’t have to mean it has to present a challenge.

A Destination with Something for Everyone

Mom and dad want to do some shopping, the younger kids want to go swimming and hit the beach, and your teenager wants a plush hotel room complete with a big screen tv for their video games. Everyone has different ideas of what would make a great vacation. The key to pulling off the best family vacation is to select a larger city like West Hollywood, CA that has tourist attractions and accommodations to meet everyone’s needs.

Find Comfortable Accommodations

While you don’t plan on spending that much time in the hotel room, when you do come back from an eventful day, you want to be in a space that you feel comfortable in. If you plan to visit West Hollywood, you can find hotels that offer comfortable bedding, indoor/outdoor pools, gyms, large bathrooms, and flat screen televisions for your gaming teens. If you’re looking to save money on your visit to California, you might select a hotel that comes with a mini kitchen. This way you can prepare some of your meals and save money on dining out.

Tours Are Always Fun – And Educational

Want to add a bit of education to your family trip without the kids knowing? Check out some of the local tours and attractions for a history lesson they’ll never forget. In West Hollywood, you can take tours through famous and historic neighborhoods and studios. Or perhaps head over to the local theme parks where you can check out rides like Transformers Ride 3D. Your younger kids might enjoy traveling in time through Dinosaur Hall in Los Angeles. There’s a lot of fun to be had in this town so be sure to check for discounts on tours and attractions.

Shopping Can be Interesting

Your kids might not like the idea of going from shop to shop as you browse stores. They often get bored pretty easily making your shopping experience anything but relaxing. The great thing about choosing a location like West Hollywood to vacation to is that the shopping can be pretty interesting for your kids. Known notoriously for being the design mecca on the west coast, the shops, fashion studios, and boutiques are all intricately designed to draw attention. This would make for cool selfie backgrounds for your teenagers – which is always a plus in their book.

Plan Around Annual Events

If you really want to see the true culture and diversity of a city like West Hollywood, CA, then you should definitely plan your family vacation around some of the city’s biggest events. For instance, in October, you can join thousands of locals and tourists for one of the biggest Halloween street parties. Your kids will have so much fun dressing up and being amongst others who enjoy dressing up as well. This is certainly an experience your kids won’t forget.

Whether you’re planning a summer vacation, a fall getaway, or a winter retreat with the family the key to having a good time boils down to the location. Choosing a large city like West Hollywood means a better chance of finding things to do that everyone loves and enjoys. It is most certainly a family vacation no one will soon forget.

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We left our home in Sydney, Australia many moons ago in May 2012 and, other than a brief stint back in Perth for Christmas and a wedding in early 2014, we have been travelling the world nomadically ever since, running a business from our laptops and we’re here to show you how to do it!