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The “best travel shoes” is a subject that arises often. And why wouldn’t it? You have to pack them, wear them and pretty much are stuck with them the entire trip unless you plan on purchasing a pair on the road. That’s why this post is about Crocs - my favorite family travel shoes.

When Crocs contacted me to check out their new spring line to see how terrific they are as travel shoes, I jumped at the chance. My family is not new to Crocs. In fact, we call them Croc-a-doodle-doos in our home.

Plus, my kids are suckers for Crocs because they are easy to slip on and off (no ties) and they collect those cute little Jibbitz that snap into the holes (Denver Crocs City Tour has Mile-High City inspired charms at several city attractions).

The cool part, Crocs keep getting more and more stylish - beyond the traditional funky, brightly colored original Crocs clogs that were all the buzz a few years back when they first launched. Today, for the ladies, Crocs come in various styles from the more traditional Mary-Jane style to flip-flops (so  comfortable) to heels and wedges. Men have a choice of manly styles like the Tideline Canvas or Santa Cruz slip-ons (my husband couldn’t believe these were Crocs).

The kids styles are so much fun! My all-pink-and-lace-girl pointed right to the Disney Sleeping Beauty Mary Jane and since getting them, I don’t think she has taken them off yet. My son snagged up the Scooby-Doo Hanna-Barbera style, which makes finding them a ton of fun when they’re lost: Scooby-Scooby-Doo, where are you?

Here are just a few reasons I adore Crocs for travel (the kids wore them the entire time we were in Phoenix last week):

1. Crocs are easy to slip on and off at airport security and for pit stops on road trips.

2. Crocs don’t stink when the kids take them off in the car (whoo-hoo!).

3. Crocs have every color to match every outfit in the kids’ (and my) closets.

4. Crocs are super comfortable for mom, dad and the kids and they never leave blisters.

5. Crocs are so light, making them easy to pack.

6. If you wish to buy Crocs while traveling - you can! They’re everywhere - even in airports. If you look to the right, you’ll see I stumbled upon a store in Quebec City, Canada.

7. When my brother Paul and I were on a road trip in 1994 we were driving through the sunflower fields of Kansas when we saw a barn with “Happiness is Crock of Beans.” Since then I’ve come up with my own phrase, “Happiness is a Box of Crocs” (or maybe a few boxes).

8. Crocs are simply the best family travel shoes.

Check out the Crocs blog for the latest news and fun stuff!

Source: DesertMama

Girlfriend getaways — there is nothing like them.  Last month we Traveling Mamas hit San Juan, Puerto Rico, for a week of fun. We covered it all — relaxation, adventure and history and culture.  A huge part of our fabulous time was due to where we stayed, the San Juan Marriott.  Below are several reasons I love this resort and why you should go there for your next girlfriend getaway adventure:

Fantastic views. Both of the  water-view photos in this post were taken from my balcony. The first one was shot in the morning, the other was taken in mid-day. As you can see, the rooms certainly have a view.

Good Spa. Located in close proximity to the gorgeous pool is the intimate Ocean Club Spa (the fitness room is right next door). All four of us gals tried a different treatment, mine being the lavender Aromatherapy Massage. After the hour long, relaxing, float-on-a-cloud experience (that’s how I felt!) I walked a few steps out the door and to a poolside chair and continued to enjoy my la-la experience beneath the looming palm trees and warm sun. (Yes, I left with a fantastic tan despite wearing my Coppertone sunscreen and Walaroo hat).

Good Eats. San Juan Marriott two main restaurants. The first night we hit La Vista Restaurant and Ocean Terrace. I enjoyed the buffet and couldn’t help visiting the pasta bar (the chef makes your dish right there as you pick your ingredients). Just make sure to save room for some flan at the (huge) dessert table.

The next night we dined at the marvelous, and I do mean marvelous, Ristorante Tuscany. The four of us got dolled up in our dresses and headed down for an evening of delicious Italian cuisine. Between the fresh bread and antipasto bar I was in heaven.

Good Drinks. To be honest, I didn’t think I liked mojitos (I had only tried the kind in a bottle) but when I tasted the San Juan Marriott’s version  of this rum drink I was sold. You should see how much mint the bartenders use. If I had to describe a mojito it would be refreshing. Did you know mojitos come in flavors, too? Pina Colada was my absolute favorite. You can order one at the Lobby Lounge (live music and dancing every night) or even at the Beach Bar to enjoy (sans glass) poolside or lounging on the beach.

Good Beds. I’ve announced my need for a good hotel bed many times before and all I can say is that  San Juan Marriott has comfy, cozy, perfect beds.

Good Friends. You can’t go on a girlfriend getaway without good friends — someone to laugh with when you find out the restaurant you took a $20 cab ride to is gone. So when you go to San Juan Marriott for a getaway, don’t forget the girlfriends and your giggles!

Source: DesertMama

Girlfriend Getaways, there is nothing like them.  Last month we Traveling Mamas hit beautiful San Juan, Puerto Rico for a week of fun. We covered it all - relaxation, adventure and history and culture.  A huge part of our fabulous time was due to where we stayed, the San Juan Marriott.  Below are several reasons I love this resort and why you should go there for your next girlfriend getaway adventure:

Fantastic views. Both of the  water-view photos in this post were taken from my balcony. The first one was shot in the morning, the other was taken in mid-day. As you can see, the rooms certainly have a view.

Good Spa. Located in close proximity to the gorgeous pool is the intimate Ocean Club Spa (the fitness room is right next door). All four of us gals tried a different treatment, mine being the lavender Aromatherapy Massage. After the hour long, relaxing, float on a cloud experience (that’s how I felt!) I walked a few steps out the door and to a poolside chair and  continued to enjoy my la-la experience beneath the looming palm trees and warm sun. (Yes, I left with a fantastic tan despite wearing my Coppertone sunscreen and Walaroo hat).

Good Eats. San Juan Marriott has several fantastic restaurants. The first night we hit La Vista Restaurant and Ocean Terrace. I enjoyed the buffet and couldn’t help hitting the pasta bar (the chef makes your dish right there as you pick your ingredients). Just make sure to save room for some flan at the (huge) dessert table.

The next night we dined at the marvelous, and I do mean marvelous, Ristorante Tuscany. The four of us got dolled up in our dresses and headed down for an evening of delicious Italian cuisine. Between the fresh bread and antipasto bar I was in heaven.

Good Drinks. To be honest, I didn’t think I liked mojitos (I had only tried the kind in a bottle) but when I tasted the San Juan Marriott’s version  of this rum drink I was sold. You should see how much mint the bartenders use. If I had to describe a mojito it would be refreshing. Did you know mojitos come in flavors, too? Pina Colada was my absolute favorite. You can order one at the Lobby Lounge (live music and dancing every night) or even at the Beach Bar to enjoy (sans glass) poolside or lounging on the beach.

Good Beds. I’ve announced my need for a good hotel bed many times before and all I can say is that  San Juan Marriott has comfy, cozy, perfect beds.

Good Friends. You can’t go on a girlfriend getaway without good friends - someone to laugh with when you find out the restaurant you took a $20 cab ride to is gone. So when you go to San Juan Marriott for a getaway, don’t forget the girlfriends and your giggles!

Source: DesertMama

Vacation lovers, parents, and travel PR folk have been using twitter to have brief interactions with each

The Fig is California Casual

other about trips with children, favorite vacation destinations, travel deals and more. The Traveling Mamas have a presence there, of course. But an especially interesting phenomena is the “tweetup.” Tweetups are organized by groups of twitter users who are geographically close, to get together IRL (that’s, “in real life,” Mom). And, in a limited partnership with the Fairmont Miramar in Santa Monica, the Traveling Mamas site is hosting a Los Angeles-area tweetup on May 18! The restaurant in the Fairmont Miramar hotel, The Fig, is usually closed on Mondays, but it will be opened on May 18 just for this fun experience.

The Traveling Mamas love the Fairmont brand of hotels and resorts for many reasons; the imprimatur indicates luxury and class, as well as a guiding philosophy of respect for the hotel’s natural surroundings. All three of these are easily found at the Fairmont Miramar, in Santa Monica, California. The restaurant in the hotel, The Fig, is designed perfectly to provide the casual California setting for a great dinner. Chef Ray Garcia uses the best, freshest, most sustainably harvested ingredients to create delicious, memorable meals. Most fruits and vegetables are purchased at the bi-weekly Santa Monica Farmers’ Market. That explains the rave reviews! A terrific dinner is an important part of a Los Angeles vacation, and hungry travelers are wise to make reservations at The Fig in the Fairmont Miramar.

The Ray Garcia Fig and Traveling Mamas Tweetup is, again, May 18. There is a cover charge of $20, but that

The Fig in Fairmont Miramar

means that all the delicious menu items - and the talented mixologist at the bar - are at our disposal. That’s right, food and drinks. It will be a FUN night! Please bring cash to simplify and expedite the process of getting in. Doors open at 6PM, so come hungry! The only thing you need to bring besides cash is your Twitter handle (for example, I’m @MudslideMama) so that your online friends will know who you are. You don’t have to live in Los Angeles to come (I know someone who is jetting down from San Francisco) but watch out; the Miramar is a popular hotel with ocean views. Those ocean view rooms might fill up fast! Any twitterer who’s been considering a mid-May Southern California vacation, should also considering stopping by The Fig and saying hi. I’ll be happy to meet you!

Source: MudslideMama

We’ve received a handful of emails and comments from consumers worried about the swine flu and their upcoming travel plans. Here are a few we’ll try to answer.

Dear TravelingMamas –
I’m 73 and I’m going to PVR in a couple of weeks with my 45 year old daughter…staying at a time-share. Should we be overly concerned? Both of us are in excellent health and have been there before. Thanks for your help
–An American Red Cross Disaster worker (so I’ve pretty much seen it all)

My thoughts are to keep up with current events regarding travel information through official sources. We’re not doctors nor do we give medical advice and suggest that if you are overly concerned about your health then you should visit your personal physician. The Department of Homeland Security suggests that only necessary travel to Mexico should be undertaken at this time. We have no way of predicting how swine flu will affect the next few weeks.

“We are planning a 50th wedding anniv. party in Club Med Ixtapa in June - we are taking our whole family 5 grandchildren - youngest being 8 mos. old. Should we go?” –Lorrie

“My Ph.D. and Dean at Univ of Houston husband and other profs are taking 23 students to TURKEY on May 19. Should they get travel insurance, or cancel trip? I am scheduled to fly into Burbank, CA. from Houston Hobby on May 22, for 18 days. Should I cancel? I was traveling to San Diego in CA. Should I stay away? My husband is 66 and has lung problems, was hospitalized and treated for 30 days last fall, having contracted flu and lung infection in Sicily. I am 66 with bronchial problems.” –Sybil

As a frequent traveler, both domestic and international, I highly suggest that travelers check their insurance policies through their current health provider before undertaking any travel. You should be prepared for an illness regardless of current events. Also, securing trip insurance for unexpected accidents or illness is probably a good idea, especially if leaving the US.

I’ve used TravelGuard in the past for international travel, but fortunately didn’t need to use the policy. There are many trip insurance providers available, but Travel Guard is the only one I have experience with.

Carol Mueller, a spokesperson for Travel Guard, explained that  if a traveler secures an insurance policy with the “cancellation for any reason” option, then their trip should be covered even if it is affected by the current swine flu epidemic. She also noted that having a travel insurance policy not only protects your trip should you have to cancel, but it also takes care of the insured should they become ill while out of town. TravelGuard has operators on call 24/7 to answer any questions or to help the insured find an English speaking doctor or in the instance he or she needs to be evacuated.

Regarding travel from Houston to California, as far as we are aware, there aren’t any domestic travel restrictions. However, use your own judgment and realize that if you are sick or show signs of illness, the airline is within their rights to protect the other passengers and may deny you boarding. Again, stay in tune with current events and official updates from the CDC.

Source: CajunMama

Who’s heading to Disney when school lets out? The mega theme park is not on my family’s list this summer, but I know thousands of Americans will be loading up the cars or hopping on planes to visit Orlando and the “Happiest Place on Earth.” CajunMama already reported on one of the most anticipated new attractions at Disney World, the American Idol Experience that opened in February. Here are a few more attractions that families can look forward to enjoying when they visit this spring and summer.

Characters in Flight in Downtown Disney: If you’re not afraid of heights, take to the skies in this massive gas balloon that rises 400 feet into the air to offer riders a true birds-eye-view of Walt Disney World Resort and beyond. This ride debuted earlier this month, and allows 30 guests at a time to board the gondola underneath the yellow balloon that is decorated in hand-painted silhouettes of some of Disney’s famous “flying characters,” such as Mary Poppins, Peter Pan and Dumbo.

Trend-Z in Downtown Disney: This is a new store, where Summer Sands used to be, that will absolutely appeal to Disney’s biggest female fans. It’s a boutique selling fashionable clothing and eclectic accessories — many with the trademark mouse ears logo or stylized Disney characters. Forget boring T-shirt souvenirs:  think trendy headbands, jeweled sunglasses, embroidered handbags and much, much more. The boutique opened in mid April.

Sanaa Restaurant at Animal Kingdom Lodge: This brand-new restaurant, pronounced “Sah-NAH” debuts May 1 with “the art of African cooking with Indian flavors.” Menu items include tandoori-roasted meats, curries, and sides, such as dahl (stewed lentils), curried crushed potatoes, stir-fried green beans and Indian style flatbreads. (Yum!)

The Hall of Presidents in the Magic Kingdom: We’ve got a new president, so naturally, there’s a new addition to the Hall of Presidents. An audio-animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened. Seasoned Disney visitors will recognize some other brand-new show elements when the attraction reopens in mid July.

Source: MountainMama

First, poor Mexico was hit with the increase in crime warnings. Now we’re learning of the Swine Flu. We’ve all been hearing news reports about this possible pandemic, followed comments on Twitter, and listened to the opinions of our neighbors. But, what if you are currently in Mexico or you plan on traveling there in the next few days? I know that if I were in Mexico right now or had a big trip planned and paid for, I would be concerned about where to find the information I need.  TravelingMamas.com has gathered information to help you make informed decisions. Here are some excerpts from a recent press statement issued by the Department of Homeland Security regarding the Swine Flu and travel warnings. You can read the entire release here: Official DHS Press Release Keep reading for resources and tips to stay informed before cancelling your travel plans.

Dr. Richard Besser, Acting Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
“It’s important that people understand that there’s a role for everyone to play when there’s an outbreak going on. There are things that individuals do, there’s things that families do, communities do to try and reduce the impact. At the individual level, it’s important people understand how they can prevent respiratory infections. Very frequent hand-washing is something that we talk about time and time again and that is an effective way to reduce transmission of disease. If you’re sick, it’s very important that people stay at home. If your children are sick, have a fever and flu-like illness, they shouldn’t go to school. And if you’re ill, you shouldn’t get on an airplane or another public transport to travel. Those things are part of personal responsibility in trying to reduce the impact.

We issued two days ago an outbreak notice on our web site regarding travel to Mexico. It indicated that if you are traveling to Mexico, that you look at that to see what precautions could you take as an individual to reduce the likelihood that you became ill. We’re going to continue to evaluate the situation in Mexico, and if need be we will increase the warnings based on what the situation warrants.”

Secretary Napolitano, Department of Homeland Security
“…..we have implemented passive surveillance protocols to screen individuals who may arrive at our borders. All persons entering the United States from a location of human infection of swine flu will be processed through all appropriate CBP protocols. Right now those are passive. That means that they’re looking for people who — and asking about, are you sick, have you been sick, and the like; and if so, then they can be referred over for further examination.

Travelers who do present with symptoms, if and when encountered, will be isolated per established rules. They will be provided both with personal protective equipment and we will continue to emphasize universal health measures like hand-washing and gloves. And if and when the situation develops all CBP sites can implement and we can deploy additional personnel to the borders.

In addition, at the TSA, many of the similar measures are being implemented there with respect to the protection of our TSA workers and also their experience with travelers. To date, the State Department has not issued official travel advisories for particularly Mexico, but again, as I said earlier, these situations are very fluid and so you need to keep up to date on that. In addition to the CDC website, the Department of State has a website that will keep travelers posted on what the situation is not only with our neighboring countries, but with countries around the world.”

Before everyone starts to panic and cancel the vacation plans they made for that November dream trip, we need to all take a moment to assess the situation and learn what we can do individually to prevent this disease from spreading.

* If you are planning on travel in the next few days, keep yourself updated on the latest travel advisories regarding the Swine Flu by visiting the CDC’s official page on Swine Flu updates.

* Watch your local news and keep abreast of happenings that might affect you directly.

* Use basic hygiene practices, such as washing your hands with soap and hot water, using a tissue when you sneeze or cough (and immediately dispose of it), and monitor your health. If you begin to have any flu-like symptoms and you have recently traveled to any of the affected areas in Mexico or the US, you should visit your healthcare provider immediately.

* Be aware that if you are traveling from an affected area and coming through US Customs, you may be subject to a health check. Normal border control is in place, regarding sick travelers, but the precautions may increase as more is discovered about this illness.

To keep updated on official statements regarding travel plans and the Swine Flu, visit The Center for Disease Control, The Department of Homeland Security, and the World Health Organization.

Candian? Check out Health Canada for updates.

Source: CajunMama

Three-year-old Madeline McCann disappeared from her hotel room at a Portugal resort after her parents left her alone, sleeping, while they ate dinner at an on-site restaurant about 130 yards away.

I thought about this tragic story during my family’s recent stay at Azul Beach near Puerto Morelos, Mexico, earlier this month — but it didn’t dissuade me from leaving my children, ages 7 and 9, in our ground-floor room alone while my husband and I took a 45-minute walk on the beach, and then ate breakfast on our own at a hotel restaurant.

Was this bad?

I don’t think so. Here’s my defense:

• We put the “Do Not Disturb” signs on the doors, so housekeeping would leave them alone.
• We closed the sliding glass door, but made sure they knew how to open it.
• We made sure they knew to call “0″ in an emergency to get the front desk.
• We checked in on them in between our beach stroll and our breakfast.
• It’s a tiny resort - just 97 rooms - and they’d found their way around the property within the first hours we were there.
• We leave them unsupervised together for short periods of time at home — say, when I need to get to a PTA meeting, and my husband is on his way home from work, but still 7 minutes away by car; our relatives live next door and they know Grandma’s cell number (please don’t call social services on us).
• They’d eaten room service breakfast and were totally occupied watching cartoons.
• They get along swimmingly, don’t bicker and they watch out for each other.
• They said they were comfortable with it.
• The Kids Club wasn’t open yet and I didn’t want to pay $15/hour for a babysitter to sit in our room while our kids watched TV.

I’m thinking about Lenore Skenazy, the mom who let her nine-year-old son take the subway alone in New York City, as well as the wrath she endured afterwards. “What if something had happened!” commenters on her blog said. “Nothing did happen,” she replied. And she knew her son.

I know my kids, and I know what they are capable of handling. Leaving them unsupervised in a secure hotel room (though, we all know not all hotel rooms are totally safe) for 45 minutes at a time was something they could handle and I felt okay about.

Of course, if something did happen to them, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself. The guilt would likely send me to a funny farm. But bad things happen at home, too. Kids are snatched from playgrounds or walking to the bus stop. Accidents happen. We can’t envelope our children in bubble wrap all the time. We’ve got to let them spread their wings so they’ll grow into capable, independent adults.

I admit I left my children alone in a hotel room because it was convenient for my husband and me. But we also feel they were mature enough to do just fine on their own. And they did.

What about your children? How old would they have to be to for you to feel comfortable leaving them by themselves in a hotel room? I’m curious what other parents would have done — or what they do — in this situation.

Source: MountainMama

I can’t begin to tell you how family-friendly Phoenix, Arizona is. A couple of days ago I gave a thumbs up to The Legacy Golf Resort for its family fun atmosphere but I didn’t tell you everything we did during our stay in Phoenix. You can read about our first evening at the Botanical Gardens here. On day two we went to the Phoenix Children’s Museum which is as much fun for us grown ups as it is for the little ones. The 55,000 square-foot museum is located in the historic Monroe School building and as soon as we entered the spacious first floor the kids were off to explore. Instantly our two tots became enthralled with the wall of wind pipes, which are several clear pipes blasting with air. The kids put scarves and balls in one end and they come shooting out of the top for the kids to try and catch.

It ends up the fun was just beginning.

Not long after we arrived The Deedle Deedle Dees (a fantastic kids’ band)  began jamming, which was great fun for the parents as well the children. The tunes could be heard up to the second floor as we cruised around. The second floor has an art room where children can tap into their artistic side and take home their projects. The house in the photo is painted a different color every day. Fortunately for my daughter the color of the day was pink - her favorite color! Also on floor two is an exit to the outside gated courtyard where the top photo was taken. The kids enjoyed running on the grass until they decided to return inside and continue exploring.

Many hands-on experiments lined the museum halls, including a trike path where the kids could ride around and around. There was a bit of a traffic jam and a long wait to ride, so we moved on to the third floor where there we found a spacious room for infants and toddlers to play safely (our kids are too big but it looked perfect for the little cuties). Past that was an even larger area for the older kids which consisted of a grocery store and kitchen, including a “brick oven” for “baking” pizza! Just outside the grocery store, in the wide hall my daughter had great fun scooping ice cream into cones, passing them to customers, while my son couldn’t get enough of the forest of handing Styrofoam tubes.

By the end the kids were worn out and so were we - but it was such a great time. I hope we can return to the Children’s Museum of Phoenix soon!

Source: DesertMama

If you’re going to be in Phoenix anytime between now and May 31, 2009, be sure to stop by the Desert Botanical Gardens to see blown glass artist Dale Chihuly’s The Nature of Glass exhibit. As you may have read, my family and I went to Phoenix for the weekend. Our first evening in The Valley of Sun, we were guests at the Desert Botanical Gardens where lucky us had the opportunity to browse the works of the amazingly talented blown glass artist Dale Chihuly. The kids loved it and my husband and I couldn’t get enough. The gardens are gorgeous as is the wildlife and Chihuly’s work is absolutely fascinating to see in person. Jeff took some amazing photos of some of the displays- see below.

Source: DesertMama