Five Family Adventurers

DEPARTURE DAY OF A ROAD TRIP: MEANING BEHIND THE MADNESS. TIPS FOR LEAVING ON A ROAD TRIP

Departure Day

Our road trips are anywhere from an eight to ten hour drive or approximately 500 miles to the final destination. We always make sure the ipads are full of tv shows/movies, the snacks and drinks are ready to go and the suitcases are

packed. Kids have their car ride accoutrement, blankets, pillows, stuffed animals, toys ready to go. We are ready for the adventure.

Getting Around the Worry:

We have been traveling with our kids since they were infants, which--in retrospect--was probably the easiest time to travel with them. Whether traveling with one or three, flying with kids can pose a challenge at any age. Babies may scream for two hours straight, toddlers are not going to put up with staying seated for an unspecified amount of time, and 'tweens will blame you for the boredom. We worry about the amount of stuff we need to bring, their behavior and the reaction of our fellow passengers. The stress begins the moment you pack the car up and the arguments are sure to follow. Then of course come the lines. The line to check in the line for security, it's a long process sure to make any child a bit cranky.

What Has Worked for Us May Work for You:

Give Yourself Time:

Make sure you give yourself plenty of time at the airport. Lines can be unpredictable and sometimes security can take longer then anticipated. If you have time after security, stock up on drinks and snacks, then find a less crowded area to spread out. Let your kids run around. They are about to be stuck, strapped into a seat for two to ten hours, so let them get their energy out. Most travelers will think it's cute to see them running around in the airport as opposed to having too much energy on the plane. You may not need 12 hours like my husband thinks necessary, but do leave a buffer of time.

Ambergris Caye

December 25-30, 2017

Today we headed to the islands off the mainland of Belize. I was excited for clear water, snorkeling, fishing and island discovery, but a big part of me was sad to leave the interior of Belize and especially the hotel. The hospitality was so nice and the hotel just had such relaxed ambiance, it made it hard to leave. Our transfer to the airport wasn't until 10am so the kids

San Ignacio Airport

ran to the animals for one last cuddle and the rest of us went for a hike on the trails across the street from the hotel. The hike was a bit more difficult then I expected as it had rained and it was muddy and slippery, but nice to be surrounded by jungle.

December 27, 2014

We left this morning from Alajuela region and headed east towards Limon, the Caribbean coast. I had always been told that this part of Costa Rica was not the safest and if traveling alone, to not head to the Caribbean side of the country. After what seemed like endless hours on the bus, we came to an area where we were met by an armed convoy to escort us the rest of our way. Like I said, not the safest area to travel if you are traveling alone. When we finally reached our destination we were all transferred to boats with an armed guard, that would take us on our next leg of the journey.

San Ignacaio, Belize

December 23, 2017:

We all loaded into a van headed to Belize today. I was sad to have to say goodbye to Guatemala, as the visit was so short and there is so much more I wanted to show my family. We had a driver and a guide. Our guide spoke fluent English, and was very passionate about his country and history. He told us all about his mother, her passion for cooking, helping her open a small restaurant in Peten and how he grew up in the kitchen gaining an appreciation for local food. He told us about the Guatemalans who were moved to the area of Flores/Peten from the south and given land to turn into farms. We also discussed the civil war. Guatemalans have never made any sort of amends after the war, they just changed the name of their guardia civil, and moved on as if nothing happened. There was never any closure and it is still felt among the civilians.

El Peten- Guatemala

I once traveled to Guatemala for work in 1999 and managed to stay and explore the country just a bit. I was staying in the town of Antigua, and fell in love with the cobblestone streets and the colonial buildings throughout the town. All of the one story houses were built around courtyards with small gardens and areas to sit outside. It thrilled me to walk to the center of town to take a coffee and walk around watching all of the Mayan women selling the fruits and vegetables as well as their handicrafts. I admired the volcano de Agua rising up in the distance and from any part of the town you could always see it looming in the background. I walked around for hours taking in as much as I could knowing my time was limited and I didn't know when I would make it back. I still have yet to make it back to Antigua.

Our room at the Jungle Lodge

I was able to take a trip to Lake Atitlan and spend time exploring the market of Chichicastenango. However, the one trip that really stuck with me was the experience I had in Tikal. I stayed in a small rustic hotel called The Jungle Lodge and booked a sunrise tour of the ruins for the following morning. The hotel only provided electricity for specific hours of the day and the rooms were basic, only cold water and twin beds (at least they had private bathrooms). I stayed two nights and after the first night, I woke up at 4am, met a guide at the hotel lobby and walked straight into the jungle for a sunrise tour of Tikal. There were no tickets needed, you didn't have to check in, you just walked straight into the jungle for about 45 minutes until reaching temple IV. We climbed a rickety wooden staircase (the original stairs on the temple were not in great shape) and sat right on top and waited for the sun to rise. As the sun rose the other temple tops came into view and the jungle came alive. Howler monkeys awoke with howls, toucans lined the trees tops, parrots flew in groups. It was magical. I swore one day I would return with my now husband and family. I have and it was just as magical if not more now that I was able to share the experience with my family.

Arenal Adventure

December 25, 2014

We boarded our bus to head in land towards Arenal, a large active volcano located in the interior of Costa Rica. It was a nice drive, watching the the landscape change from arid to more forested. I love trying to soak in the feeling of Latin America, how people live, where they live, their houses, their daily routine. Trying to imagine what they are doing, getting food ready for almuerzo (lunch) or headed to work, It is a very different life than we live in the United States. More people living ruraly, smaller homes, more engaged with the outdoors. Then again they don't have the frigid winters like we have. That said, this was more of a trip to learn about the environment and different regions of Costa Rica, as opposed to a cultural immersion. It was my responsibility to draw my kids into the culture, through food, language and engagement the best I could. During all of the bus rides, our guide kept us engaged with information about the areas and then quizzing us for chocolates.

West Coast Costa Rica: A Group of 10

I love Costa Rica. I first went there in my early twenties with my parents and fell in love with their commitment to the environment and education as well as the "laid back" attitude of the country. Costa Rica has beautiful coasts and interior boasting wonderful wildlife, rainforests, mountains and beaches. I was fortunate enough to be able to return to Costa Rica for work and then with my now husband for a vacation. Costa Rica has remained relatively safe and has continued to be committed to the environment, education and tourism. I knew that returning, this time with my kids would re-kindle my love for the country and I was not wrong.

December 22, 2104

I typically do not like to take group tours when I travel. I'm more of a DIY traveler. Spending more hours than there are in a day pouring over websites of hotels, reviews places to eat and see in order to put together the perfect Family Five Adventure. However, this trip was my parents' idea and they were taking us. They wanted it to be easy so they booked a group tour with a company.

A nice pro with going with a tour company is you don't have to do any work, it's all done for you, just sit back and let them take care of everything. Also, most meals are included, taking the stress out of trying to find the awesome places to eat. However, the cons are bus rides with people you don't know, tours with people you don't know, meals with people you don't know. Small talk: I don't love small talk; but I love to travel and I love Costa Rica, so I was excited to go. It was my family of five kids ages 9, 8 and 6 1/2 , my parents and my sister and her two kids ages 9 and 12 and the other 20+ individuals on this trip. We were traveling from the west coast of Costa Rica to the east coast in eight days total. We left a day early so the kids and parents could enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. We flew into Liberia, Costa Rica and were transferred to our first destination.g

The Long Drive Home

August 19, 2014: First Stop Vermont

Driving from Charlevoix to the Mid-Atlantic is a long drive so we decided to break it up with a stop in Vermont and adventure in New Hampshire. We drove to Canadian border and of course had to stop and the souvenir shop right before customs. It was packed with tourists rushing to get their last minute maple candies and syrup before entering the United States where the maple goods would not be as cheap. We proceeded on and after driving for hours we checked into Comfort Inn St. Johnsbury in Vermont. After we dropped off our luggage, the kids headed straight for the pool while I figured out dinner. We were tired, I picked up a pizza and we cozied up in bed with food, TV and each other.

La Malbaie, Charlevoix

August 17, 2014

Our first stop on the road to Charlevoix was to Parc du Mont-Sainte-Anne to visit the falls. The hike was a nice circuit that took us around the falls and gave us views from many angles. It was a perfect

amount of time, about 45 minutes and a nice morning stretch for the kids. During the hike was came across a zip line, which our 9 and 8 year old insisted on doing. A zip line right across a gorge with a 50 foot drop. Why not; most parents would say yes to this! We finished up our walk and headed back to car to continue to La Malbaie. We stayed with friends who owned a house in the area and were nice enough to allow us to crash in their guest house for 2 nights.

Montreal to Quebec

Sadly, no Pictures

August 15, 2014

We anxiously piled into the car for our next leg of the trip, Quebec City. Along the way we hit up Tim Hortons for breakfast and coffee. Their donuts taste like Dunkin Donuts did when they were made in store, fresh and melt in your mouth. Coffee was decent as well. We preceded along the highway and the kids were intent on finding moose (but never did). However, it kept them busy for about 5 minutes until they gave up their search and resorted to their electronics.

We arrived into Quebec right before lunchtime and checked into The Fairmont Frontenac Hotel, one of our bucket list hotels. An amazing Old World grand hotel and the kids were floored by the sheer size and elegance of the hotel. We dropped our belongings and headed out to the city to explore. I couldn't believe I was in Canada. It felt like we were in Europe. I'm sure everyone says that, but it's true. We walked through cobblestone streets, old buildings and big squares. We grabbed a quick lunch of poutine, and then made our way to see Cirque du Soleil show. Since the show got it start in the province of Quebec we decided it would be fun to see it in its place of origin. I always enjoy the shows and the kids loved it as well. They were beat after and we walked back to the hotel and just ordered room service, threw on our pajamas and chilled out for the evening in our awesome historic hotel. Sometimes, it's nice to order take out or room service instead of having to get ready again to head back out. A nice way to decompress from a long fun day.

First Stop: Montreal

August 11

Our summer road trip started out as a typical five family adventure. My husband woke us up at 3:45 woke us in upstate New York and we stopped for gas, food and to switch drivers. Kids switched on their electronics and I drove straight into Montreal. We arrived just in time for lunch. Funny how we tend to always arrive around meal time to our destinations.
am, piled the 9, 8 and 6 year old into the back of the car with the luggage, I dropped into the passenger seat and we hit the road by 4am and left Maryland with sights on Canada. We all fell back to sleep while my husband drove straight for 4 1/2 hours in silence. Finally by 8:30 our stomachs

JWRP ISRAEL

December 2016

I have dedicated this blog to traveling with kids, but I experienced a trip in December 2016, that impacted my family and has impacted many families world wide. I was selected to go on a free trip (airfare not included) to Israel with a group of 18 women from my area. Once we arrived to Israel we met up with other women from around the globe. We are all mothers of children under the age of 18 married, divorced, widowed, never married and at different stages of our lives. We all share in common our Judaism raising children. The goal of the trip is to connect and learn about Jewish values and be inspired to bring these values back to our homes, to our families, to strengthen our Jewish bonds in the house. We were given the opportunity to travel throughout the country of Israel, listen to lectures and learn about who we are as Jewish Women. We spent mornings in lectures learning about historical Jewish women incorporating their strengths and our strengths into current events. Learning that we could apply to our current daily lives, they were funny, interactive and thought provoking. Afternoons were spent discovering different sights of the country along with guides while having some free time to explore.

Charlottesville, VA

August 21, 2017

After a short visit in Asheville, NC we packed up once again and headed off to Charlottesville, VA for an overnight. We were weary after the white supremacist march in the summer 2017 which resulted in a death and unrest that followed. Fortunately, things had settled, but there were still signs of protest and anger over what had taken place. We persisted and continued with our plans and arrived to Charlottesville around lunch time. We booked at the The Graduate Hotel right in town. It was a lovely, dog friendly hotel with a room big enough to accommodate all five of us. We ate lunch at The Mellow Mushroom, a chain offering salads, subs, pizza. It was decent, kids were happy, dog joined us. We were right in time for the start of the solar eclipse and the clouds were sparse. It was fun to watch people stopping in the middle of the street to look up at the sun with wacky eclipse glasses on. At least the eclipse took our minds off things, even if it were temporary.

Asheville, NC

August 20, 2017

We packed up the car, said our goodbyes' to Echota Mountain and headed towards the Blue Ridge Parkway for a scenic drive to Asheville. Along the way we made a couple of stops for photo ops and for short hikes to take in the scenery. It is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in The United States. The sea of mountains and trees go on as far as the eye can see. Everything was in full bloom and the weather was perfect.

Boone, NC

August 14, 2018

We set off at 4am towards the mountains of North Carolina, more specifically, Boone North Carolina. Car was packed with 3 sleeping kids, one sleeping dog (brought the dog), one sleeping mother and a father driving on a mission. My high school friend was kind enough to give us her mountain house for the week so that we could enjoy all there was to offer in the area. After stopping for a quick bite at 8am with the dog we arrived to Boone by 12:45 and began our summer adventure.

August 23-25, 2015

Alhambra here we come

I could visit the Alhambra over and over again. It is truly one of my favorite places in the world. The massive scale of the castle, the detail, the Moorish architecture, everything about it is amazing. Bringing the family was so great. I was so excited to have them in Granada, to experience another example of a southern city of Spain, taste the food, see the sights, see flamenco in the caves and just take in every sight and smell.

August 19-23, 2015

Beach in Spain, Somewhere:

We always like some days to relax when we travel. Maybe two or three if we have the time. We read a very well known travel guide, and the guide suggested we spend a couple of days in the white Andalucian town of Nerja. The description made it sound like Nerja was so quaint, quiet and beautiful, a must see. Perhaps off season. I booked a hotel, and convinced my husband this was the town of our dreams, he was skeptical. We should have gone with his instinct. We drove into the town and it was full of drunk and sunburnt non-native tourists. Every other bar was an Irish pub and just trying to drive down the street was a nightmare. Instantly our moods changed and we had to get out. This was not a quaint, quiet town, it was packed and not at all what we had hoped for. We pulled up to our hotel, paid a minor penalty for canceling and left as quickly as we came with no plans for the next few days.

August 17-19, 2015

August 17-

Sevilla is one of my favorite cities in Spain. I love the vibe, the energy the people. Maybe it's the warm weather, the food, but whatever it is it's working. I love the beauty of the city itself and couldn't wait to share it with my family. Our hotel was ok, but the room had bunk beds, so the kids went nuts over who would sleep on the top bed. Immediately we put our stuff down and headed out to the Catedral D Sevilla. The line was long, but we waited and it was worth the wait. The kids loved it and were so excited by the tomb of Christopher Columbus. Especially, my daughter who spent the year learning about American history. Made it real for her. After the visit we strolled around a bit went back to the hotel for a rest and dinner. I was on a quest for the best gazpacho. My Gazpacho is the best.

Lisbon, Sintra and Cascais August 14-18 2015

I can remember visiting Lisbon in the late 80's early 90's. It was a gritty city with some sites to visit, but not a place worth staying for more that one or two nights. This was no longer the case in 2015. A truly remarkable city, transformed from the grit to chic neighborhoods and great places to eat, shop and stay.

August 14

Our plane arrived into Lisbon and we took a cab to our hotel which was located in the Praca do Comercio, the center of the city. We were walking distance to everything. That's what we did. We walked to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. I think the kids were expecting a medieval castle with great rooms and banquet halls, but instead got a fortress with some wonderful views. It was still fun for them as they were able to explore and climb while we strolled with a glass of wine in hand. We took

our time heading back to the hotel then let the kids relax, swim and prepare for dinner. Before dinner we walked around the Praca do Comercio and strolled around some shops. I love Europe in Summer, the sun stays out, the cities are alive with people, it all feels good.