Roadtrip packing question?

Angel

Hey guys. I will be going with my fiances family to Florida for ten days in December. We live in Wisconsin. I've never really traveled before, and I have never been away from home for more that 4 days. It's a 22 hour forty minute drive,so obviously we are stopping halfway to stay at a hotel. Anyway, we are staying in a waterfront beach condo and will be touring the Kennedy Space Center,the Everglades,Bush Gardens and Sea World. Now for my questions:
1. What do I need to take? I'm not sure what's usually included in a condo amenity wise
2. I'm used to 20 degree weather in Wisconsin,so how warm is it in FL and what clothes do I need?
3.What are some things to do on the drive there because we are figuring 14 hours one day and approx. 8 the next and my fiances dad does not make stops...
4. What are some necessities that I should pack?

Sorry about all the questions,but I really don't want to forget anything for this trip because it's not like I can hop in the car and run home for what I need like when I go camping lol Your answers are much appreciated! Thanks! :)
when I say he makes no stops I mean on a 13 hour drive he stopped one time for gas and made everyone suffer because he didn't wanna have to stop to pee or anything...lol

Answer
most condos have bout everything u would need,except of course like toothpaste,hairspray an any personal items such as that,if u prefer a specific toilet paper or kleenex id bring ur own,they have a iron,pots n pans,silverware etc,florida is very humid which makes it feel warmer then the tempatures may reflect if u get the forecast from ur home,so bring some light clothing,but also some pants an clothing to go to a nice restuarant,it also rains quite supriseingly often for short an long periods of time,so a change of clothes mite be in order if u get wet,same as shoes,also perspiring can be a problem too,i like to have alot of clothes for whatever occasion so that i dont have do laundry,who want spend time doing that!for the drive books an portable dvd players keep you or kids occupied,music cd's,extra phone n car chargers,acouple good maps,get local maps at ur destination,sunglasses for sun for both driving an outside,radardetector,pillows or blankets for sleeping an being comfortable in car,of course lots of snacks an drinks,bring sandwhiches or sumin to eat for the ride if your not wantin to stop,but take advantage of all gas stops to get what you need an use restroom.always gonna be someone who unexpectedly needs to go ,that forces a stop,if you decide to eat a restuarant get sumin simple an easy,drivethrough is best,close to highway,we stoped a sit down restuarant,we was there over a hour,it jus adds unwanted time an expense,sum nessitys are sunscreens an sunburn lotions,type homemade mixtures for jellyfish attacks,they can be frequent i came to find out,check internet.any type of medicines from antacids from constant eating out of various kinds food,shampoo,deordant.any personal items u think thers a chance of needing,tourist towns everything is marked up!do some of your shopping there at large chain stores there less expensive,you will have to do shopping for food there for the condo an plan prepare sum breakfast, dinners an lunches,its alot cheaper then eating out an more cozy to enjoy your company,maybe bring sum condiments an seasonings so u dont have to add to your shopping list, any thing watersport related buy at home,you'll find them expensive,some items like a cheap scuba mask we bought an then returned before we left,but i didnt like to have to buy a nerf football for playing on beach!if you plan on spending alot time on beach you can find yourself bored quick,we brought chairs,beach umbrella etc,makes more comfortable,have a duffle bag or sumin for visits to beach or amusement park,a personal insulated cup to refill,a flashlight incase car breaks down,an for beach at nite etc,if your not renting a car make sure you have the car looked at by a mechanic first,have insurance info,watch for highway patrol phone numbers on signs state by state,extra money for expense that occur with the car such as a tire,but make sure you have a back up plan if the transmission goes out etc etc,you dont want to be stuck in the middle of say kentucky for however long!plan on when your goin to stop an stay at what hotel an check for availability,we was late geting into florida,got to our destination at 3am,had to stay unexpectedly at a motelan a higher priced one for jus 6 hours because our condo wasnt ready in middle of nite of course,ive covered quite abit but im sure i missed a few things like i always do on a trip,please contact me if you have any questions,enjoy!

I'm going to Puerto Rico in July what are good family activities to do while down there?

Toni L

I am going to Puerto Rico in July for 2 weeks with my Dad (who's 53) and my twin girls (who are 3) for vacation. This is our first vacation that we have ever taken together. We are renting a car and staying in a hotel in San Juan. He has already made all the reservations and paid for the hotel and the plane ect; however, he has given me the task of figuring out family friendly activities to do while we are down there. All I can think of is, well...the beach! and El Morro. Any other suggestions!??! I do have umbrella strollers! And I'm not afraid to walk! This is my first vacation since I've had the girls and is way over due! (last one was in 2006). I don't mind going out of San Juan either. Before I had the kids I USED to be a bit of a traveler and go to places like Germany, Japan and South Korea just to name a few places. So I'm game for anything; however, with my dad being in his 50's and the girls being 3, I don't know how well they would fair. So any suggestions that would be insightful would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

Answer
SInce you guys are renting a car it gives you the advantage of seeing the best of what PR has to offer outside San Juan. The first place I recommend for you to go is down south near a small town called Guanica. There is a small mangrove cay with crystal clear calm waters that are perfect for little ones to play. Buy a set of inexpensive snorkeling equipment and bring it with you, the snorkeling is great around the island. You take a ferry here and need to bring what you need with you. I suggest to get a small disposable cooler, or just bring one of those insulated carry along bags so you and your girls have plenty to drink while there. Also you should do this on a Wednesday, stay away on the weekend, I've given you fair warning! http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/gilligans-island/

Also on the south side, off the town of Ponce, is a great day trip to Caja de Muerto. My family and I went there this past summer and we saw dolphins! It's a pristine island with those dream like Caribbean waters, calm, clear and blue green. This is a weekend trip and you MUST make reservations in advance. It's worth it. The drive to Ponce is only an hour and a half by the expressway, and the docks are easy to find. You would need to leave San Juan early to make sure to make it on time. On the docks at La Guancha (the port in Ponce) you can feed pelicans, and watch huge fish swim around. Vender's sell little bags of food for them and the kids LOVE to feed them. There are also shops and restaurants to explore, it's really nice. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/isla-caja-de-muertos/

Another suggestion is to take a day trip sail out of Fajardo to Culebra with East Island Excursions. Culebra is a real gem. It has the Caribbeans #2 best beach, according to discovery chanel, called Flamenco Beach. The trip includes lunch, and snorkeling. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/culebra-east-island-excursions/

IF you want to get away from the beach PR has the most beautiful mountains, with waterfalls, rivers and lakes. On a Saturday or Sunday take a boat ride on a lake in Utuado to local restaurants right in the middle of the lake. It's called Dos Bocas, and it's a lovely setting with cool mountain air and great local food. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/lago-dos-bocas/

One of PR's most known and amazing sites is the Camuy Caverns, it's just west of Arecibo and is one of the worlds largest underground cave systems. You can take a guided tour, with a tram, and I think the kids and adults will be amazed. http://www.topuertorico.org/city/camuy.shtml

Just south of San Juan is the town of Guavate, near Cayey. Here is where the Puerto Rican specialty Lechon (roasted pig) is made. And on the weekend there are local arts and crafts being sold. When you make the turnoff from the highway don't be fooled by the few easy to get to Lechoneras right by the road. Just keep going and you will find the real Guavate, it's great not just for the food but for the many stalls of homemade goods for sell, this is where you should get your souvenirs. Just a little further down the road is a great mountain pool with a waterfall. It's an easy hike on a well maintained trail and the water is bright blue and makes for great swimming. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/guavate-lechon-and-music/
http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/charco-azul-carite-forest/

The site i've given you most of the links to is great, I live here and I use it all the time! They give fantastic detail and their directions are spot on. Puerto Rico Day trips has lots more suggestions you should look at them all to find the perfect things you guys love to do. Don't forget to bring and use lots of sun block, and reaply often!! And if you ever need suggestions, directions or advice feel free to ask!

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Do PACK IT lunch bags really work?

Audrey Mon

I'm a mom of 3 and my kids are going to start a new school year. I want to find them a lunch bag that keeps cold and fresh. I was thinking about getting each of them a pack it lunch bag, but I'm not sure until i know if it works.

Answer
I've seen the ads and I have not really paid attention to them. If there is a30 day money back guarantee, or something like that, you could get one, try it and see if you think it's worth getting two more. When I was in high school, in the early 90s, reusable and insulated lunch bags were just coming out. When my husband was in seminary, about five years ago, I found a large one which I used for work. (It was on the community free table. I spent my days, for about three months, babysitting for another family and working in the office of a local church. I packed breakfast and lunch and if I donated plasma after work, a light snack and ate dinner at home.) We used it for my now three-year-old's food when she was a baby. We have a rectangle one that my pastor husband got as a Christmas appreciation gift from a local funeral home. (It also came with a six pack of Coke.) We use that one now for our seven-month's food. (We use the gel packs that came with the formula solicitations at the hospital when my daughter was born. They're a good size and last awhile.)

When I saw the commercial pr the Pack It, I thought about how we had metal, and plastic lunch boxes and Thermoses and paper bags for lunches and we survived just fine. Yet, there might be something to the Pack It. I just haven't decided if it's worth $20. (I"ve even seen mini-coolers during back to school season, but never saw them marked down to get one for personal use.)

good diaper bag for multiple kids?

Jo

I am pregnant with number three and due in a couple of weeks. I am in need of a diaper bag thats large enough to carry things for 3 kids under 5 yrs of age. Durable,stylish and as I said large.
I am looking to spend NO MORE than 75 dollars on it.
If you have ANY suggestions please let me know! Thanks!

Answer
When I had two in diapers I didn't get a diaper bag at all. I got a Satchel bag the kind ppl carry computers in. It was rectangular and fit the diaper and bottle carrying bag easily it also had several pockets for all my mommy needs. It had an adjustable strap so i could wear it on my shoulder so i could hold the car seat in one hand and my toddlers hand. It was cheaper then any large diaper bag I could find about 25 bucks at target and more adult/ stylish. I used it as my purse and baby bag so when I wasn't with the kids I didn't look like I was carrying around a child's bag. It also was very easy to wash. Also i used a generic insulated lunch sack for bottles that was about $4.00 rather then the very over priced bottle carries. Good luck and congrats.

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what school supplies should i get my daughter for preschool?

large insulated lunch bag kids image

Pink

she is starting preschool sept 8th. i am so excited for her and also excited for me! the free time for me, and the learning and meeting new friends for her she is an only child even though i take care of my niece and she lives with me she is 5 and she is going to 1st grade. she has 1st grade school supplies but what do i get for a 4 year old starting preschool its full time preschool from 9:15 til 3:55 just like regular school. i am so excited for her. she is very excited i got my niece a book bag and my baby was so excited that this year she could pick out 1 too she smiled all the way to the register and didnt want the lady to put it in a bag she had to wear it out the store, they got the same big girl book bags. ahh im soo excited, i think im more excited than her!

but back to my question what kind of school supplies do i get for a 4 year old starting preschool? because i no she doesn't need all the same things my niece does.

Answer
My son's preschool mailed a supply list with his acceptance letter. I don't know if private schools like his are different from what you may be doing or not but his supply list was 2 large rolls of paper towels, 2 large pump soaps, 2 boxes of kleenex and 2 large packages of diaper wipes. Also on the list were a complete extra set of clothing, including pull up or underwear, in a gallon size ziploc bag, a backpack free of characters or offensive print, insulated lunch box free of characters or offensive prints, no hard case lunch containers. They also specified that the kids had to have a school jacket and non-marking sole shoes for school.

Each day he goes I have to provide lunch for him as well as a healthy snack. He has the option to go for an extended stay day for an extra fee and to purchase milk and or hot lunch from the school cafeteria for .50 - $3.00 if wanted.

If you haven't gotten a list yet I'd call the preschool and ask if there are any supplies your child will need to bring the first day of school. Usually I have found preschools will request things like hand sanitizer, paper towels, kleenex, gallon size zip bags,art smock, diaper wipes or other similar things they use in quantity. Other preschools provide everything and require no supplies other than a backpack and lunch/snack for your child each day and change of clothing. It wouldn't hurt to call and ask.

I'm going to Puerto Rico in July what are good family activities to do while down there?

Toni L

I am going to Puerto Rico in July for 2 weeks with my Dad (who's 53) and my twin girls (who are 3) for vacation. This is our first vacation that we have ever taken together. We are renting a car and staying in a hotel in San Juan. He has already made all the reservations and paid for the hotel and the plane ect; however, he has given me the task of figuring out family friendly activities to do while we are down there. All I can think of is, well...the beach! and El Morro. Any other suggestions!??! I do have umbrella strollers! And I'm not afraid to walk! This is my first vacation since I've had the girls and is way over due! (last one was in 2006). I don't mind going out of San Juan either. Before I had the kids I USED to be a bit of a traveler and go to places like Germany, Japan and South Korea just to name a few places. So I'm game for anything; however, with my dad being in his 50's and the girls being 3, I don't know how well they would fair. So any suggestions that would be insightful would be greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

Answer
SInce you guys are renting a car it gives you the advantage of seeing the best of what PR has to offer outside San Juan. The first place I recommend for you to go is down south near a small town called Guanica. There is a small mangrove cay with crystal clear calm waters that are perfect for little ones to play. Buy a set of inexpensive snorkeling equipment and bring it with you, the snorkeling is great around the island. You take a ferry here and need to bring what you need with you. I suggest to get a small disposable cooler, or just bring one of those insulated carry along bags so you and your girls have plenty to drink while there. Also you should do this on a Wednesday, stay away on the weekend, I've given you fair warning! http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/gilligans-island/

Also on the south side, off the town of Ponce, is a great day trip to Caja de Muerto. My family and I went there this past summer and we saw dolphins! It's a pristine island with those dream like Caribbean waters, calm, clear and blue green. This is a weekend trip and you MUST make reservations in advance. It's worth it. The drive to Ponce is only an hour and a half by the expressway, and the docks are easy to find. You would need to leave San Juan early to make sure to make it on time. On the docks at La Guancha (the port in Ponce) you can feed pelicans, and watch huge fish swim around. Vender's sell little bags of food for them and the kids LOVE to feed them. There are also shops and restaurants to explore, it's really nice. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/isla-caja-de-muertos/

Another suggestion is to take a day trip sail out of Fajardo to Culebra with East Island Excursions. Culebra is a real gem. It has the Caribbeans #2 best beach, according to discovery chanel, called Flamenco Beach. The trip includes lunch, and snorkeling. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/culebra-east-island-excursions/

IF you want to get away from the beach PR has the most beautiful mountains, with waterfalls, rivers and lakes. On a Saturday or Sunday take a boat ride on a lake in Utuado to local restaurants right in the middle of the lake. It's called Dos Bocas, and it's a lovely setting with cool mountain air and great local food. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/lago-dos-bocas/

One of PR's most known and amazing sites is the Camuy Caverns, it's just west of Arecibo and is one of the worlds largest underground cave systems. You can take a guided tour, with a tram, and I think the kids and adults will be amazed. http://www.topuertorico.org/city/camuy.shtml

Just south of San Juan is the town of Guavate, near Cayey. Here is where the Puerto Rican specialty Lechon (roasted pig) is made. And on the weekend there are local arts and crafts being sold. When you make the turnoff from the highway don't be fooled by the few easy to get to Lechoneras right by the road. Just keep going and you will find the real Guavate, it's great not just for the food but for the many stalls of homemade goods for sell, this is where you should get your souvenirs. Just a little further down the road is a great mountain pool with a waterfall. It's an easy hike on a well maintained trail and the water is bright blue and makes for great swimming. http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/guavate-lechon-and-music/
http://www.puertoricodaytrips.com/charco-azul-carite-forest/

The site i've given you most of the links to is great, I live here and I use it all the time! They give fantastic detail and their directions are spot on. Puerto Rico Day trips has lots more suggestions you should look at them all to find the perfect things you guys love to do. Don't forget to bring and use lots of sun block, and reaply often!! And if you ever need suggestions, directions or advice feel free to ask!

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Do you reccomend taking 1 year old for vaction to Mexico for 7 days?

large insulated lunch bag kids image

Mommy of 2

We are going for vaction to Cancun Mexico, middle of december 2009 and we already ordered tickets with hotel for us and our 14 month old daughter. Now, we are still deciding if we should take her. For people who took their 1 year olds for vacation, can you tell me how hard it would be? It's a 3 and half hour flight (direct flight), we are staying for 7 days. How hard was it to adjust to the hotel room, ect. Please give me any tips you have. (Time difference is 1 hour, not too bad) If it's a good idea to take her, will she have fun or will it be too hard for her and for us... What you do reccomend taking for her?
Thanks so much.
It's me my hubby going and 4 other couples :)

Answer
We took our 10month old to Mexico with us it was totally safe and pretty fun we went last apr at the hype of swine flu! None of us got anything.

We also went to Cancun; we live in Michigan so it was about 3 and half hour flight. Just make sure to bring snacks for your child in case your flight is delayed because in flight they donât really have toddler friendly snacks.

We spend most of our time in the pools just be sure to bring the sun screen because you will need it. we used water babies and it was get he never burned he was all pasty looking and most of the people asked what we were using cause they got burnt!

Bring a floaty with you that you can blow up while there. We use one of those spring floats that he just sat in and he loved it. I was at the swim up bar with baby in tow.

There is a wal mart in downtown Cancun if you need to stop and get supplies like diapers, meals, cereals, wipes, etc. I didnât pack any of that because you get charge so much for bags and over weight limits from the airlines and walmart there sells everything. We rented a car down there and it was really cheap but you can also rent a cab too. Remember to pack your Car seat because cabs down there donât have those things. You can gate check the car seat and stroller for no additional cost to you; unlike your luggage.

Things to pack, motrin, Tylenol, sippy cup/bottles, diapers/wipes while in flight, snack foods, milk/formula, jars of food/Gerber Graduates pick upâs (if needed), stroller, car seat, blanket, clothes, float for the pool, sun screen, toys, etc. . .

The airlines will allow you to pack any amount (with in reason) of liquids or solids for the child in your carry-on diaper bag. The only thing I recommend is if you use formula pre mix it or use the liquid kind because they donât like for you to bring bottle water thru the checkpoints; however, you can purchase it once past if you need water. I just used (4) small 6oz Medela bottles and used an ice pack to keep cold in a small insulated lunch bag unless we got then and then wet to walmart to get what I need. They sell everything there that we have here just all in Spanish. Expect to pay pretty much the same amount as here for diapers. If you get them at the resort expect to pay lot.

Some of the resorts offer shuttle services to walmart so because to ask.

Luggage: I used a small carry on size suitcase for his clothes that way I didnât pay the extra amount for another bag of checked luggage and a large diaper bag. Strollers and car seats can be gate checked so there is NO fee for bring those.

We took a few day trips to Xcaret. That was really fun; however, it was soooo hot. Remember to pack some biodegradable sunscreen for that place or you can purchase it there for $$$$. We used our stroller there; however, it was so hot and he was sweaty we were only there a few hours. So if she can walk I would recommend that with a leash because there are uneven walkways n cliffs or the use of a backpack.

Toddlers and babies usually eat free off your plate at most of the on resort restaurants.
Remember to call the resort to reserve a crib which they all pretty much offer for free. Just pack a sheet if you like.
I packed two small toys; I packed his vtech laptop and a rolly ball.

We also went in to the gulf and he loved it the resort we went too had a play center for kid too! We were at the Royal sands
Email me if you want more information.

Just be sure you have your passport for her you will need that to leave the country. Email me if you need more information. Enjoy have fun we really liked it there.



If you are staying at any of the larger resorts you can be sure to drink the water it is all purified and taste pretty close to home. The only time I would not drink the water or ice is if you are going to a small restaurant out side the city but you can always ask if there water is purified. My husband, son and I didnât have any diarrhea or stomach issues.

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