Even on the clearest of days an airplane can hit turbulence and turbulence can occur at any time during a flight.  Turbulence is gauged by its extreme, moderate, medium, and severe but even moderate turbulence is enough to rattle an adult or toss a child. Airplanes are built to endure turbulence and thankfully new systems are being developed to help forecast turbulence, but for now we have to rely on experience.   Clear air turbulence (CAT) occurs when masses of moving air meet, they are referred to as clear air because there is no visual sign such as clouds. Often but not always, turbulence can be a result of jet stream but a rocky patch in the sky can also occur at lower altitudes, especially above mountainous terrain.  These are some reasons the seat belt sign is illuminated for most of the flight.  While it is important, especially for older folks to stretch the legs, it is just as important to pay attention to the seat belt sign.

Fly Safe and Go Momo.

  I was in Miami Airport yesterday when some pretty big spring storms blew through.  Flights from Boston to Dallas were delayed or cancelled causing long lines to form at the gates and passenger service counters.  The only people having fun were a couple of small children on their Trunki.  A Trunki is a suitcase that is made for kids to ride on, sit on or just pull around.  I bought one in London several years ago, but like most good kid items Melissa & Doug put their signature on the side and made them available in the US for around $40.00.  The Trunki is designed to look like a funky lady bug, cow, or dinosaur. There are many designs to choose from and they have names; we have Tipo the Tiger.  There are also accessories that can be bought to personalize the product like funny face stickers and a saddlebag has been introduced to that doubles as a soft seat and a pouch.  My son and I have loved Tipo for many reasons but basically it is fun and functional.  The suitcase fits nicely under the seat or in the overhead bin.  In the past I used Tipo for cloths, fitting in a week’s wardrobe for my son, now he packs his personal items like games, base ball cap, blanket, small pillow, books, etc... I highly recommend this product for traveling with children.

Dimensions: 18.25" x 8.63" x 12" Assembled
Ages 3+

Have fun and Go Momo.

GoMoMo

Go Momo:
Spring break is
upon us which essentially is the kick off for summer travel and family
vacations. Heavy travel and (if you
haven’t booked in advance) high prices mark this period. Regardless of your budget, we tend to spend
more than necessary on nickel and dime items and it adds up. One way to save money along the way is to
pack your own snacks. Airlines stopped serving free food in-flight
for some time now. Most airports have
all the conveniences of shopping malls, including food courts which many people
will stop and eat, or take something to go.
But we don’t always have time to stop, especially when traveling with
kids. Airlines cater approximately 10%
of the load, so a full 757 holds 166 passengers in the main cabin, which means sixteen
sandwiches will be catered. Along with a
bag of chips the sandwich will run you $10.00. So, if you are able to get a sandwich
you are paying premium prices and we all know that airline food isn’t all that
healthy. I suggest packing peanut
butter sandwiches, cut veggies, sliced fruit like the store bought bags of
apple wedges etc... Just think of what
you pack for a school lunch and take out the liquids. I do suggest purchasing bottles of water
after security. Most airlines supply
free bottled water, but they are usually small bottles or the water is served by
the cup. Always be prepared for delays
when traveling, have fun, and GoMoMo!
Bring it with you

It pays to pack light

If you are flying to your destination keep in mind that the airlines have implemented charges for checked baggage.  Each airline has a different policy.  For example Jet Blue allows the first bag to be checked for free, but charges $40.00 for the second checked bag and $75.00 each, for 3+ checked bags.  American Airline charges $25.00 for the first checked bag, $35.00 for the second checked bag, $100.00 each for 3 to 5 bags, and $200.00 each for 6+.  Also keep in mind the weight and dimensions of your bag.  If your bag weighs 50 to 69 pounds, American Airlines will charge you $50.00 and a 70 to 100 pound bag is $100.00. An oversize bag is 62+ inches and will cost you $150.00.  So, if you check one over size bag that weighs 50+ lbs you will pay a minimum of $225.00 in fees, possibly as much, if not more than you paid for your ticket.  Baggage prices are different for international and domestic flights; the above examples are for domestic flights.  The days of freebies are gone, check with the airline for exact prices and size/weight limits, pack light, and GoMoMo!

Go Momo:

Go Momo:
This upcoming week is vacation week for many
schools in Massachusetts. I know that
the flights (especially to southern destinations) are heavily booked. Though it is not always possible to hop on a plane
and go, it is possible for those of us in the North East to load up the car and
head to the mountains for some winter fun.
The weekend has
snuck up on me; as of this morning we didn’t have plans. But, I called around and
found that most resorts in New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine still have availability
for next week. This is because many of the season passes have blackout dates,
of which include next week.
When calling around for lodging, one question
you want to be sure to ask is what the check in and checkout times are. I’ve found that some accommodations have
strict policies. One example is the
Grand Summit Hotel at Sunday River. The
availability was there, the amenities were great, and the price was reasonable
(for a holiday rates), but check in is 6 PM and check out 10AM. If you are looking to get away for only a
couple of days, the hotel privileges are very transient and not family
friendly.
Some other
questions to ask are about the amenities i.e., is there an indoor pool, an outdoor
pool, a Jacuzzi, a game room, or arcade, what restaurants are on the property and is
breakfast included. Many places offer child care as well, so ask about the
facilities. Also, I’m a big fan of kitchenettes
when traveling with the kids. By making
slope side sandwiches and packing some energy snacks you’ll save money and
avoid melt downs.
Not everyone has to be a skier or rider; there
are plenty of activities for everyone, ice skating, tubing, or
snowmobiling. A mountain side get away
may not be relaxing, but it is invigorating. See you there, GoMoMo!

Go Momo:

Go Momo:
I started thinking
about what I should pack for our get away.
My six years old and I are heading north to ski for a few days. It is a short trip and I don’t want to over
pack but, there is a lot to bring. I’m
going to keep our baggage to a minimum of a duffel, a hand bag, my son’s back
pack and a cooler.
We’ll wear our
ski jackets, but need to pack the rest of the uniform, i.e., plenty of warm
socks, two pair of gloves, two hats, goggles, neck warmer, and one or even two
pair of ski pants each, plus thermals. Thinking about fun off the ski lifts, we
will need swim suits, slip on shoes, sweat s, I use the condo’s towels for the
hot tub and pool. For the evening an
extra pair of jeans or cargos, sweaters, boots, and of course don’t forget the underwear
and PJ's. I like to bring my own bath towels for after showering, but again, they
should be supplied. If you are there for
an extended vacation, a laundry facility will be nearby; it’s likely that you
will be able to buy soap, dryer sheets etc… there.
The cooler will
be loaded with basics. Coffee, milk, juice, lunchmeat, bread, fruit, power
bars, and a movie snack like popcorn and hot chocolate packets. I like to bring Progresso soups; they are
better for you than most canned soup and have easy peel back lids. If possible, I will bring a prepared meal like
veggie lasagna that I can pop into the oven or microwave. Most of the time when renting a place with a
kitchen, some of the basics are there like, sugar packets or sweetener, coffee
filters and stirrers, cups, bowls, plates, utensils, pots and pans. But keep it
simple, the kitchen will be far from gourmet. A new sponge, dish soap, and paper towels should
be supplied. If not, there is always a
convenience store in or near the resort.
My hand bag will
have our toiletry supplies, plus. My toiletry
bag is easy; I usually have it stocked and ready to go, it includes a travel blow-dryer-
an essential, something I don’t like to chance going without. I also
made my son a grab and go toiletry bag which has the standard 3 oz bottles for
his shampoo, bath gel, and body lotion. Tooth
paste and extra tooth brush and his dino dental floss and hair brush. It is a good idea to restock the toiletries
when returning from a trip, so the next time you can grab and go without
thinking about it. I’m also bringing for
our pockets, tissue, and hand sanitizer wipes, and lip balm.
The final bag is
my son’s backpack. I’ll have him grab a
book, a toy of his choice, and an electronic like his DS to eat up some of the
drive time. I like to throw in DVD or
two for the evenings and leave the iPods, iPads, at home for now. Although we’re together on the trails, we
bring our walkie talkies just for fun.
We own our boots,
but rent the skis. If we become ski bums,
then we’ll buy, but for now the rentals are just fine. One last tip for beginner to intermediate skiers,
I don’t know what the pros say about using ski trainers, but I bought one last
year and found it to be invaluable when in a pinch , luckybums.com. We used it on those
sometimes unavoidable trails that were beyond his skills. Because it fits as a harness and has a back
pack to tuck the straps away when not in use, it is easy, convenient, and a
piece of mind. Have fun, stay warm, and
GoMoMo!