This week’s Momorandum is the second feature to spin off of our spring event theme on “How You DO it.” Here are some of the nuggets we gleaned from you on how you do it when it comes to… TRAVEL.
   
How You Do It: TRAVELLING (with kids)

• Fill a carry-on bag with plenty of snacks, portable games (favorite picks: MagnaDoodle, Gameboy) and activities
• If you’re still in stroller mode; don’t travel with your best one. Take a lightweight, inexpensive one that you won’t be devastated to lose
• Relent (if you have not already done so) and buy a portable DVD player. Consider using just for longer travel to make it more special.
• Videotape a little of a trip each day and play it back at night for the kids before they go to bed.
• Pack a travel-size bottle of Woolite so you can do a quick sink wash (and thus pack less).
• Kids + active sports on vacation = busy kids during the day + tired kids at night
• Pick vacation destinations that feature kids clubs, so they can have fun with other kids and you can have couple (or alone) time
• Hone in on the one thing you think would make your kids’ day on a trip… and leverage it to your best ability!
• When all else fails on a long flight… a little Benadryl can be a gift to all.
• Go with only one expectation: that you will leave your other expectations at home and simply enjoy the time away together

How You Do It: TRAVELLING (alone– for business or pleasure)

• Don’t try to micromanage from afar; trust your spouse, your caregiver and your kids
• Turn commuting into time for yourself– if you resolve to work one way, make the return trip your time to just to read a book or listen to music
• Actually TAKE a vacation alone (or with your spouse); and make the next one a family one
• Turn alone travel into a rare chance to catch up on sleep, indulge at a spa… or even simply relish the pleasure of a long, uninterrupted shower
• When travelling for multiple days, leave an inexpensive little present wrapped and marked for each night you are away (or a funny letter for older kids). That way they can count down each night with something fun and personal from you. When the last one is opened- – it means you’re home again.
• Maintain one favorite piece of a child’s routine with ou– you can still tell a bedtime story over the phone
• Take pictures of you with your cell phone and email them home
• When travel is for leisure, keep it that way by imposing a media blackout (cell phone for family calls not included) so you can truly take a break from news, email and the overall daily information bombardment.
• Remember that you are no good to anyone if you are not good to yourself.
• Find the satisfactions, big and small, in travel… and then savor the joy of coming home.

 Now, tell us your best ideas, tips, and thoughts on How You DO it when you travel. We’ll keep compiling and sharing them. In fact, starting next week, look on the home page of executivemoms.com for a new feature of these ideas plus the new ones we get from you…

Share your thoughts on How you DO it when you TRAVEL
 
  
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