5 quick tricks to ensure safety on your family holiday

Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia

We get it – family holidays are hard. There’s simply so much to think about, not only in preparation but also when you arrive. One of the primary concerns is safety, especially when visiting busy cities and risky areas around the world.

With that being said, there are plenty of tried and tested ways to keep you and your kids safe whilst on your holidays. Here are just five quick tricks to consider in order to ensure a smooth trip.

Make a plan in case someone gets lost

In the unlikely case of someone in your party getting lost in a busy, built-up area, it’s important you establish a plan to ensure you’re reunited easily and quickly. If you’re in a city, for example, determine a landmark that can become the meeting point should you become separated, just one of the useful tips recommended by CTI.

And perhaps the most important thing to do in this situation is to not panic and remain calm. Stay level-headed and sensible, and you’ll be able to make more rational decisions. So long as you have an established plan in case of an emergency, you’ll be reunited easily.

Pack some essential supplies…

Remember to bring the things to keep you safe and healthy throughout the trip – medication is always a worthy addition to your suitcase, whether it be paracetamol, allergy medicine or antiseptics for any little scrapes or cuts anyone may suffer during the adventure. This helpful guide outlines what you should pack, and what medicines and dressings are easily available in many countries.

And, of course, don’t forget the lotion. Depending on where you are in the world, it’s paramount you all lather yourselves up with a sufficient amount of suncream in order to avoid any nasty burns, sun stroke or even sun poisoning in the most extreme cases.

…including a safety kit for the little ones

Consider conjuring up a little safety kit to give both yourself and the little ones peace of mind, especially if they’re young. Give them a little backpack to wear with ease when out and about, and put some things inside it that will aid both them and anyone who may help in the case of them being separated from your party.

A helpful thing to give them is a family photograph. This will allow anyone who helps your little one to seek you out in a crowd, making the situation a lot less stressful than it could be otherwise.

Be constantly watchful and vigilant

Regardless of where you are in the world, it’s important you remain vigilant of the people and the environment you’re surrounded by. There will always be things you need to look out for, whether it be a dangerous part of terrain or a shady group of people you don’t trust.

Unfortunately, there will be risks wherever you are in the world, even at home. But the added risk of being in an unfamiliar location may be slightly more unsettling – remain watchful of your surroundings and keep a close eye on everyone you’re with to avoid winding up in negative circumstances.

Don’t attempt anything risky

Last but not least, don’t let anyone do anything that isn’t safe. Whether it be swimming in particularly rough waters, playing in a risky area or talking to strangers, make sure there are rules set in place so nobody puts themselves in a dangerous situation.

Sure, it’s important for everyone to be free to enjoy themselves on a family holiday – but make sure there are at least some boundaries set in place.

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Top kids activities in Maui

Take a break from the beach and pool: Check out these family friendly activities in Maui

Once you arrive in Maui, you’ll be dazzled by the beautiful ocean views and soft sand between your toes. It may be difficult to leave your vacation villa or resort. If you haven’t booked your stay yet, consider forgoing the hotel for Maui beach house rentals. You are able to pick your ideal amount of rooms and location on the island. In addition, renting a beach house come with amenities such as a kitchen that are difficult to come by at a resort hotel. When booking a place to stay, these things are perfect for traveling with kids.

Traveling to Maui with kids is definitely an adventure in more ways than one. After a few days of swimming and playing in the sand, it will be a good time to explore more of the island. Check out the Top Things to do with Kids in Maui.

Atlantis Submarine

Under the Sea is where you’ll be; 125 feet below to be exact. From start to finish, the Atlantis Submarine experience is enjoyable for kids. You start off by riding a shuttle boat to the location of the submarine in the ocean. Next, your guide directs you where to look as the submarine slowly emerges to the surface. The process feels like magic. Minutes later you are off the boat descending down the stairs into the sub.

Atlantis SubmarineShortly after you find your seat, the 48-passenger submarine door is sealed and you are off to explore the world below. The guide points out ocean animals along the way. The viewing windows are wide and therefore my four-year-old son had no issues finding the creatures being discussed.  

The Grandparents, my four-year-old son, and I felt fortunate to experience ocean life without getting wet. During our submarine ride, we saw sharks, eels, rays, a variety of tropical fish, and a shipwreck. My son was intrigued the most by the shipwreck and all the fish that seemed to have found homes there. At the bottom of the shipwreck were 3 white tip reef sharks taking a break. He squealed with delight at this sight.  The ride was the perfect amount of time. Note: Children must be a minimum of 36" in height to ride the submarine.

After the submarine ride, it’s fun to walk around the town of Lahaina. Grab shave ice at our favorite place, Ululani's Hawaiian Shave Ice.

FreshCruiser tip: When you check-in, there is a map of the submarine route at the office. Show this to your children so they get an idea of where the submarine will be traveling and that there is an end.

Zipline

There’s nothing better than that feeling of flying through the air! Maui is an ideal place for ziplining. It is accessible, fun for all ages, the scenery is gorgeous, and safety is a top priority as companies must follow American safety standards.

Every ziplining company has different age and weight requirements. It’s important to check with the company before you book. Some companies allow children as young as 5 can take part in the adventure.

Ziplining in Maui

A little fear may begin to set in as we got harnessed, grabbed a helmet, and listened to the safely rules. We slowly climbed up the bridge to the first ziplining station and waited for our turn to zoom down. I wondered if I made a mistake! However, seconds later the screams of joy and laughter filled the air as we flew. At the bottom, I was met with, “Let’s do that again!” Luckily we were just getting started and the first one was considered “the warm up”.  The views were spectacular. I had to remind Grandpa to keep his eyes open! The first zipline was definitely a memorable part of the experience. My family enjoyed the Piiholo Zipline as it offered Hawaiian history, nature expertise, and adventurous tree top ziplines.

FreshCruiser Tip: Encourage the young-at-heart to participate as well.

Maui Ocean Center

The centrally located Maui Ocean Center educates visitors on the local ecosystem through various exhibitions. It is a fabulous experience to see and learn what is in the local water and beyond. The exhibitions include shallow reefs to the vast open ocean. The Hawaiian viewpoint of the aquarium gives kids an understanding of where they are vacationing.

During our visit to Maui, we spent a relaxing morning visiting the Maui Ocean Center. We were happy to take a break from the beach and took our time wandering through. For toddlers, there was the perfect amount of things to see and was not overwhelming or too crowded. As we walked through the exhibits we stopped to watch the Open Ocean presentation. My children were in awe that there was a scuba driver in the tank! The diver spoke to the kids and answered all questions the audience had.

For an extra special experience, make reservations for The Behind the Scenes Tour. The 1-hour tour takes guests to the Aquarium lab to learn about coral restoration and how marine animals are cared for at the Maui Ocean Center. At the end of the tour, you are given the exclusive opportunity to feed turtles, sharks, and rays. This tour is appropriate for ages 5 and up.

FreshCruiser Tip: Combine a trip to the Maui Ocean Center with a drive to the town of Paia. It’s a cute town to walk around and grab lunch or shave ice.

Her View From Home: Why we Ditched our Phones on our Family Vacation

Excerpt from a recent article featured on Her View From Home, written by FreshCruiser.

"I recently got back from a trip to Maui, Hawaii with my children (ages 2 and 4) and my husband. We spent our days at the different resort pools, the beach, searching for treasure in the black rocks, and living the island life. We’re back now and adjusting to reality. Every morning my kids ask when we can go back. 

While in Maui, my husband and I made a decision that turned out to be our best one ever while on vacation..."  

To read the rest of this article, click over to Her View From Home.

Headed to Hawaii with your kids? Make room for these must have items in your suitcase

Tips on what to pack when traveling to Hawaii or an island vacation with your kids

Wailea, MauiReady to leave for Hawaii? At this point, you’ve packed bathing suits, shorts, shirts, hats, and tons of sunscreen. Now it’s time to take a step back and find some space for the less obvious must-haves for your trip. 

Big Beach Bag

Throw in a big beach bag, you’ll be glad you did. It’s great for holding your sand toys, snacks, sunscreen, goggles, water, etc. After prepping it the first day of your vacation, you will have all the items you need already in there and can get out of the room quickly. Also, you don’t have to deal with your kids carrying their sand buckets and complaining that it is “too heavy”.

Pool & Beach Toys

It’s essential to have sand and pool toys while in Hawaii. You will be spending most of your time in one of those spots, so buy a few new toys to play with.

For the pool, depending on your children’s swimming abilities bring a mixture of floating toys (bath toys) and dive toys. Of course, buy sand buckets and shovels for the beach. You can stock up on these items at your local dollar store.  

The rule for my kids with all toys is if you bring it to the pool or the beach those items are to be shared. It not only encourages sharing but is an easy way to make new friends. When your vacation is over, there’s no reason to drag them home with you.  Find a family to and have your kids give them the toys, demonstrating kindness to others.

Inflatable Raft

Who doesn’t love floating? An inflatable raft provides hours of fun for all ages.

It’s easy to bring as they are folded up small so it won’t take up much room in your suitcase but you’ll be glad you packed it when you arrive. 

Zip Lock Bags

Treasure Hunting in Wailea, MauiBe prepared by packing a box of Ziplock Bags.  You’ll find yourself glad you have them to reach for throughout the day.

• Kids love to snack. Easily bring snacks with you to the pool or the beach without having to drag the whole bag. Your kids won’t fight over the bag as they have their own bag.  
• Protect your cell phone or camera while at the beach
• Sunscreen goes in a bag in case it opens up and so it doesn’t get covered in sand
• Wet bathing suits
• Put the treasures or seashells your children collect
• Ticket stubs go in one so they are together and ready for scrapbooking. Read the "Top family travel ideas to capture and save memories" article for more tips on easy scrapbooking.
  

Maui Travels

We recently got back from 8 nights in Wailea on the island of Maui with my 4-year-old son and 2-year-old daughter. It was our third time traveling to Maui as a family. We spent our days going between the beach and the pool. Every day was a fun and new adventure that we didn’t want to end.

What less-obvious items do you pack for a beach or pool vacation?

Happy Packing!

FreshCruiser Tip:  Stay away from “we’ll just buy it there” phrase. Try to bring as much as possible so you don’t waste previous vacation hours shopping. 

Capture the Spirit of Aloha at the Te Au Moana Luau in Maui

When on vacation with family, we find ourselves in a constant state of attempting to find that perfect blend of family fun while somehow finding ways to expose the little ones to the local vibe and culture of the destination.

While in Hawaii, the children naturally gravitate to the exciting pools, the beautiful beaches, and the mouth-watering shave ice.  But, how can you find an activity that will be enjoyed by everyone big and small alike that allows your family to surround yourself in the true “Spirit of Aloha?”

The luau has been a Hawaiian custom going back many generations.  It is, in my opinion, the quintessential Hawaiian celebration that is a MUST do activity while in Hawaii.  Sure, the luau is touristy.  Sure, it may even be a bit cheesy at times.  But, in the end, there is no better way to celebrate your family togetherness in a setting that will leave you and your children knowing that you are on the beautiful islands of Hawaii.

I have enjoyed being part of many Hawaiian luaus spread across multiple islands.  No two luau’s are the same – they all have their own character and flavor.  Most recently, my family and I took part in the Te Au Moana Luau on the island of Maui.

The setting of the Te Au Moana Luau truly was spectacular.  Set on the grounds of the newly renovated Wailea Beach Resort - Marriott, just a short walk from the Grand Wailea, Four Seasons, and Andaz properties, the Luau green is set perfectly within the gorgeous palm trees and tiki torches overlooking the sparkling water of the Pacific Ocean.

Upon check-in, all guests are greeted with a Hawaiian flower Lei and then shown to their seat.  Before dinner is served, there are different stations allowing the guests to participate in local Hawaiian customs.  My kids absolutely loved this part as they were able to participate in arts and crafts, get a temporary Hawaiian style tattoo, and flowers pinned to their hair.

It was then time to remove the pig (or piggy as my kids like to call it) from the pit. I thought that my kids would have been a little uneasy watching this part, but, to my surprise, they were intrigued by it! 

After our table was called, we made our way to the buffet.  We found the food to be delicious.  The salad with papaya seed dressing, seafood, poultry, and of course the traditional pork and poi along with many other selections were a big hit.  My 4 year-old went back up to refill his plate with even more pork and poi!  He must have some Hawaiian DNA in there…

Performances

As the sun set below the Pacific casting the most gorgeous Hawaiian sunset across the sky, the performers in their spectacular traditional attire danced, sang, and of course, Hula’d across the stage, leaving the audience, especially my kids with a permanent smile from ear to ear.  The host did a perfect job in extending the local warmth to everyone by telling stories of the past and by explaining the how the local traditions are seen through the various performances.  

One of the highlights of the luau for me was watching both my kids stand up and hula along with the show – they were captivated by the performers.  Accompanying the dancers and singers was a live band playing traditional Hawaiian music and melodies. 

As darkness fell over the luau grounds, the fire dancers left my children in awe as they spun and threw their torches in the air.  When the show wrapped up, my family all new exactly where we were – we were on vacation in beautiful Hawaii.

The Te Au Moana Luau truly is a wonderful way to experience the warmth and beauty of the Hawaiian culture in a way that will keep your entire family happily engaged making it a can’t miss event while on your vacation in Maui.

FreshCruiser Tips for the Te Au Moana Luau

• Plan to see the luau towards the beginning of your vacation.  There is no better way to kick off your trip. 
• Book early, before you leave on your vacation – the luau will often sell out.  Keep in mind, the luau is only 4 times each week, so plan accordingly.
• Arrive a little early to get in line. The seats are first come first serve.  After checking in, you are escorted to the best available open seat.
• This luau has a 4:30pm start time, which works well for families with younger kids.

Review of North Star on Royal Caribbean Cruises

I do research on every ship we are considering to find out if the amenities, cruise size, and activities are for my family before we book. I have to admit, when I came across the North Star on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas, it wasn’t on the top of my list. It would be a $40 per person charge since we were sailing during the Ovation of the Seas China season. The price seemed high compared to all the included activities such as the rock climbing wall, bumper cars, roller skating, and Splashaway Bay.

I was wrong.

It was one of my favorite activities I did while cruising on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas. I was able to literally experience a birds-eye-view of the ship.

Your journey starts by entering the capsule. The glass-windowed capsule has 360 degree views. The capsule moves slowly throughout the approximately 12-minute trip.

As North Star’s arm moved over to the port of the ship, you are suspended over the ship, looking back at all the cabins and upper decks.

Next, the arm extends upwards to an 80-degree angle and you are now over 300 feet above sea level. As you look down to the ship, you feel as though you are “soaring” and almost spying on the fun below.

A North Star Date  – Left the kids behind

On a sea day, my husband and I dropped the kids off at the Adventure Ocean and had an afternoon date since my toddlers were unable to go on the North Star due to height requirements. Leaving the kids behind, allowed us to truly take in the vast height and remarkable views. There was only one other couple in the pod with us, which made the experience more romantic and all around enjoyable.

I highly recommend the experience.

About North Star

Below are a few North Star Facts (Source: Royal Caribbean)

• Guinness World Record holder for being the “Highest Viewing Deck on a Cruise Ship”
• Available on three Royal Caribbean ships: Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, and Anthem of the Seas.
• 14 guests including room for one wheelchair, plus one Operator
• Complimentary on all sailings (Except for Ovation of the Seas sailings during its China season)
• Open while at sea and in port
• Air conditioning and heat available in the pod
• No limit to the amount of times a guest can experience North Star
• Premium packages available

 

FreshCruiser Tip: It will be the most crowded at the beginning of the cruise. Plan to go on North Star a few days later to escape the crowds.

Photo Tour & Review of the Kids’ areas on Ovation of the Seas

A photo tour of the kids’ areas on Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas

What is there to do onboard the Ovation of the Seas with Kids?

Ovation of the Seas. Picture taken from North Star attraction.We spent 8 days with our two toddlers on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum Class Ship, Ovation of the Seas in Asia. The ship was child-friendly with many spots throughout the ship specifically for toddlers and kids. The 8-day itinerary included the following ports: Kochi, Japan, Miyazaki, Japan, and Busan, Korea.

Adventure Ocean – Youth Club

My daughter was a Royal Tot (ages 18- 36 months) and my son was an Aquanaut (ages 3-5 years).

My son kept asking us if he could go to Adventure Ocean. On other ships that we have been on, we’d have to encourage him to go each time. The activities were well planned and when I would come to pick him up, he’d say, “Mommy, can you come back after we finish this game?” There is no better compliment than that.

There was a small hourly fee for my younger daughter to be dropped off at the Royal Tots Nursery.  It was the first time we ever left her with someone that wasn’t family. There were never any tears or sadness when we dropped her off. She enjoyed the attention from the staff and exploring all the new toys. 

I wish there was enough staff to have Adventure Ocean open all day as many times my son wanted to go, it was closed. For instance, it was closed mid-day for a few hours and from 5pm to 7pm every night.

Splashaway Bay - Waterpark for kids

Splashaway Bay has two waterslides, a splash pad area, and a whirlpool pool. The slides offer endless fun and are manageable for kids to go on their own. Splashaway Bay Kids' WaterparkUnfortunately your child must be a minimum of 42"inches tall to ride the slides.  I felt this was strict as the slides are very basic and appeal to a younger child.

Splashaway Bay Kids' Waterpark

Since it can get cool on deck and the water isn’t heated, I’d recommend bringing a wetsuit for your child.

Swimming Pools

 

There are indoor and outdoor pools on the Ovation of the Seas including an adult-only pool at the bow of the ship. My son would jump in and swim to the other side. He loved going into the indoor pool after breakfast during sea days. There were complimentary life jackets for children who needed one. Children must be potty trained to use the pools, no diapers or swim diapers are allowed. 

Seaplex

Seaplex

Seaplex is a large indoor space which offers activities such as bumper cars, roller skating, and basketball. During the roller skating session, my son and I laced up the borrowed skates and took a spin around the rink. It was my son’s first time on roller skates and I hadn’t been on them in over 15 years. The opportunity to roller skate is why I love cruising so much. It got my son out of his comfort zone, tried something new, and we both had fun doing it together. There was no additional charge.

RipCord by iFLY®

My 3 year-old son and I exhibited our adventurous spirit and booked a reservation for RipCord by iFLY®, “the first skydiving experience at sea.” When my son’s two minutes were up, he asked to go again!  It was a special moment to do something like this with my son.  Cruising offers many opportunities to make lifetime memories.

Indoor Play area

“Welcome to Play” reads the sign as you enter the parent-supervised indoor play area on the ship. There are slides, toys, and all sorts of things to play with inside the indoor playground. It offers an alternative to being dropped off at Adventure Ocean. Smaller children can explore and play while with their parents.

Stateroom Toys

As part of the Royal Tots program, we checked-out a bag of toys to play in the room. Each bag has a theme from transportation to building. Every few days we would return one bag and pick up a new one. It provided our kids with something new to play with as we got ready every morning. It also was a good exercise in borrowing and sharing toys.

Ship-Wide - Character Photo Opportunities

My son giving Po (Kung Fu Panda) a hug

The DreamWorks characters were also sailing on the Ovation of the Seas with us!My son was in awe while meeting the characters during their daily appearances throughout the ship. The characters typically came out and performed a 1-2 minute dance and then posed for pictures.

Adventure Ocean Dance Party with Dreamworks CharactersOn our final day at sea, there was an Adventure Ocean dance party with the DreamWorks characters which was definitely a highlight of the cruise.

Additional Adventures for Kids

The activities for kids on the Ovation of the Seas are endless. Although my toddlers were not tall enough to experience all of them, the additional activities include: North Star observation capsule, FlowRider® surf simulator, and a 30-foot high Rock Climbing Wall. Even though my kids were too short, it will give them something to look forward to trying on future sailings.

We always felt there were many activities to pick from during our 8-day cruise on the Ovation of the Seas. The ship was truly designed where there are spaces for kids of all ages.

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Travel Tips for visiting Hong Kong with Toddlers

Heading to Hong Kong with your toddlers? Here’s my survival guide including tips on how to survive jet lag and what to expect when visiting Hong Kong with kids.

Plan Day 1: Stay awake

Our flight left Los Angeles at 10:30pm and arrived in Hong Kong at 5am local time. The flight time was approximately 15 hours. We made it to Hong Kong and had a full day ahead of us.

Before you leave, contact the hotel to tell them your arrival time so they can try to have your room ready. After a long flight, everyone will feel better after a shower and new clothes. Depending on how much you and your kids slept on the flight, it can be a difficult day, don’t plan to visit the big sights. Your main focus should be to get settled and try to stay up until after dinner.

If your children take a nap, don’t let them sleep more than a few hours as their internal clock is saying that it’s night time, not nap time.

Be prepared to get up early

It may take a few days to adjust to the local time.  If your kids are up at 4am, you will be as well. It’s important to be flexible. When deciding on a hotel, book one that includes breakfast or has easy breakfast options for the family.

Enjoying breakfast in the hotel is a stress-free way to start the day. If the restaurant is not opened yet, I recommend ordering room service for breakfast and going sightseeing early. I love exploring a city before anyone else is out and about –there’s a magical feeling when you have it all to yourselves.  

Try the local food

An important part of experiencing a different culture while traveling is eating at local restaurants. In Hong Kong, staff was usually friendly and helpful when we ordered. If your kids are picky eaters, order white rice or ask for a dish without the sauce (think fried chicken). Even if your children aren’t eating the local food, you still get to enjoy it and they are experiencing the local restaurant culture.

Hello Kitty CafeMy husband and I love dim sum (dumplings). We decided to the Hello Kitty Cafe for lunch one afternoon which is known for its dim sum shaped like Hello Kitty. My son loved the shrimp dumplings so much we had to order more.

What to Do

Getting around Hong Kong is extremely easy. The locals are helpful and friendly when you ask for help. Toddlers love to take different modes of transportation and Hong Kong has it all.

While visiting, we went on the tram, bus, trolley, ferry, taxi, gondola, observation wheel and a cable car.  My children had so much fun; I don’t think they could pick a favorite. Read my blog post, “Top 5 things do to in Hong Kong with kids” for more things to do in Hong Kong with your children.

The best way to enjoy your time in Hong Kong with toddlers is to be flexible and enjoy the ups and downs. Safe travels!