0 Your Family Vacation Must-knows When Traveling With Kids

Family vacations are a great way for busy parents to have quality time with their kids. But without proper planning, it can easily become stressful and disappointing for everyone. So, do yourself a favor and plan ahead!

1. Ask the hotel about child facilities

Some resorts are built for couples, with lots of spas and romantic nooks. Kids will hate this. You need a resort with plenty of indoor recreational facilities, where they can play safely, and happily. Some hotels will even offer babysitting or child care services, so you can do some shopping or sight seeing on your own, without someone tugging at your knee and saying, “Mommy, can we go now?”

2. Don’t overload the itinerary

Kids get tired more easily, or can rapidly become overstimulated and cranky. Make sure that the itinerary leaves lots of room for resting, snacks, or (if you’re taking toddlers) even naps.  Ideally you should only cover two major destinations in one day (one in the morning, another in the afternoon). If you want to see more sights, make arrangements to leave your child to rest in the hotel (see tip number one) and do it on your own.

3. Bring a “child care pack”

This includes lots of water (kids get dehydrated more easily), an extra change of clothes, and small toys to amuse them at restaurants.

If you are going to a warm place (like a beach or a tropical country) remember that kids are more vulnerable to sunstroke and sunburn. Bring sunblock, a handheld battery-operated fan, and sports drinks (which will help them retain water). Avoid bringing them out in the hottest times of the day.

4. Choose a kid-friendly itinerary

Consider your child’s age. A toddler will not be able to appreciate a historical tour of the country’s Medieval churches, and even a seven year old may not be able to stay still in a museum. 

Look at the places you plan to visit and think, “Will he be able to understand this?” Compare the length of the tour with the average amount of time he can concentrate on one activity. Do this even before you choose a destination—if he won’t enjoy 50% of the key attractions, find another vacation place.

5. Be prepared to pay extra for comfort

You can save a lot of money by roughing it out in 3-star hotels or taking long bus rides, but it’s just not worth it when you’re traveling with kids. Pay extra for comforts that will keep them in a good mood: soft beds, big pools, 3-minute access to restaurants or tour buses. Because if they’re happy, you can relax, and actually have fun too.

6. Get older kids involved in the planning
Kids are more likely to have fun if you get them “psyched” way ahead of the trip. They can help pick the destination (narrow it down to two places you love and let them have the final say). You can also help them make a vacation scrapbook, where they can put “fast facts” on the place you will visit, as well as photos, postcards and other mementos.

7. Pack your patience
No matter how well you plan, remember, these are kids. Unfamiliar places and changes in schedule will always be a little upsetting for them, so try to be understanding. When they have tantrums, check if they’re overstimulated and bring them to a quiet place where they can calm down. Bring a small comfort toy (which can help them settle down if they are tired, scared or cranky).

Detail: Your Family Vacation Must-knows When Traveling With Kids

0 6 Totally Free Sonoma Wine Country, California Adventures

Get ready to discover all the exciting tourist attractions the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country in Northern California has to offer you… and they’re totally free.. yes FREE!

1. Drive Down America’s Most Beautiful Road

California’s state route, called Highway 1, drives past one of the world’s longest and most beautiful coastlines. The cool waters of the Pacific ripple like diamonds under the golden sun. The refreshing breeze dances through the trees. All around you, you see clear, blue sky—calm, serene, and beautiful.

No wonder it’s called the “All American Road.” Take a long drive, or stop at one of the many golden beaches for hours of sun, sea and surf. Get a tan, dive into the water, or settle with a book under the shade. Truly, some of the best things in life are free.

2. Go on a Pt Reyes Hiking Adventure

Over 140 miles of trails, yours for the exploring for the mere price of…your time. You’ll get a free map, where you can follow any of the many biking or hiking trails through one of America’s most famous wilderness reserves. Some of the trees in this area are thousands of years old, and their leaves and branches form a cool natural canopy.

It’s a great way of getting in touch with nature, or even yourself. We’re so used to the hustle and bustle of daily life, that we’ve forgotten how to be still, and listen to our own thoughts.

This marvelous hiking adventure can take you through different terrains of pasture lands, forests and meadowlands—and right into the center of your soul.

3. Run Free at Armstrong Woods

Most of us are cooped up in small office cubicles or condos for most of our days. At Armstrong Woods, you can run free—in over 805 meters of ancient tree groves, nature trails, and numerous picnic facilities. You’ll find the oldest and tallest redwoods in the country, some towering to over 300 feet, and nearly 1,500 years old.

Bond with your family. Play with your kids, chat with your husband (when was the last time you really talked?) or take a long walk alone to meditate in the stillness of the woods. In ancient times, knights and other adventure seekers would go on a retreat before embarking on an important quest. Take this time out and center yourself—and let tomorrow be the beginning of the rest of your life.

4. Go Animal Watching at Bodega Bay

Bodega Bay is Sonoma County’s most popular spot for bird watching. People have spotted some very rare birds here, and more times than in any other area in the county. It’s a favorite destination for members of the Audubon Society—and many of them cite Owl Canyon, Hole in the Head, and the bushes near Diekmann’s Store as their favorite “places of vigil.”

The waters of Bodega Bay are also homes to a thriving community of whales and seals. With just a boat, and a good pair of binoculars, people can see these beautiful animals frolicking in their natural habitat. Better than a zoo, and as close to being in a National Geographic video as you can get—and it’s all for free.

5. Discover Interesting New Art

Maybe it’s the beautiful view, or the convergence of different cultures. California has a bustling art scene, thanks to young and talented individuals. Their visions and expressions are not only beautiful, but inspire everyone to get in touch with their own creative side.

Take an “art trip” at the Arts Council of Sonoma Country Gallery, conveniently located at Santa Rosa’s Downtown Area (right on 529 Fifth Street). It’s open on Wednesday to Friday from 12 - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm.  For more information, call 707-579-ARTS or visit http://www.artrails.org

6. Rediscover Rustic Americana

Tired of the urban rush? Dreaming of a quieter, simpler life? Be a farmer for one day with the free Farm Trails map. It’ll take you through the abundant fields of Sonoma Country. Go berry picking, feed the sheep and llamas, chase after butterflies, and buy freshly picked fruit straight from the farmer.

You can also visit wineries, breweries and cheese factories. Don’t think of it as an extended grocery trip—it’s a chance to enjoy rustic Americana and (for at least a few hours) know how it feels like to retire to the countryside.

If you schedule your trip during August 11 and 12, you can also participate in the annual Gravenstein Apple Fair at Ragle Ranch Park, Sebastopol. Read more at http://www.farmtrails.org

Detail: 6 Totally Free Sonoma Wine Country, California Adventures

0 Wine Tasting Room Etiquette

Many small, boutique wineries are family-run businesses.  Chances are quite good that you will meet one of  the winery’s family members while visiting a winery. When visiting a wine tasting room consider yourself a guest. The owners and staff are proud of their facility and wines. They want everyone to enjoy their visit. Expectations in tasting rooms are different than at wine festivals or in busy bars. After visiting 125 wineries in the last nine months and talking with numerous wine hosts and visitors, we have created a selection of ideas to keep in mind when visiting a winery and vineyard.

The atmosphere in a winery tasting room is one of a subtle sophistication. While shorts and athletic shoes are acceptable so are semi-dress clothes. Do not arrive at the winery chewing gum. Gum will distort the taste of wine. Heavy perfume and aftershave will also not permit you or others near you to taste the wine effectively. Sense of taste is highly influenced by the sense of smell. Loud outside voices are not appropriate. Conversational tones are perfect and fit in well with talking about the wines you taste and meeting others who have common interests.

Tasting rooms can be crowded on weekends. Weekdays are generally slower and wine hosts have more time to talk about the wines you taste. In either case, if the tasting room is busy, do not elbow your way to the tasting bar. On busy days, some wineries will set up tasting tables or bars outside the tasting room. Give yourself plenty of time at a winery. Relax and enjoy the wine tasting and the ambiance of the tasting room. If the tasting counter is busy, consider stepping back to discuss wine with other like-minded people. This gives others room to step up for a tasting. Many wineries have gift selections to browse while tasting wines. Take your time tasting and browse the displays.

The tasting representative pours the tastings in a particular order based upon the style of wine. If you choose not to drink a particular wine that’s fine. Gently cover your wine glass with your fingers to indicate you do not want to taste a wine. It is so much more subtle than declaring, “I don’t like that wine.” Not all wine drinkers like all wines and wine hosts understand. Visitors do not need to announce to everyone that they dislike a particular wine.

Another major faux pas is to pick up a bottle and pour your own tasting. Allow your wine consultant to pour the wine. Many wineries will offer to sell you a glass of wine if you would like more. If you ask to taste a wine for a second time, it is a common courtesy to buy a bottle of the wine.

What should you do with the wine in your glass you have tasted? If you do not want to drink or taste the rest of the wine in your glass, you can pour it into a spit bucket. It is perfectly acceptable.  In addition, it is a good idea to spit your wine into the bucket. Even though tastings are small, they do add up after a number of tastings. If you are unsure about spitting, practice at home. A frequently heard suggestion is to practice in the shower.

Do you think wineries are being stingy when they set out tiny crackers or tiny bites of cheese? Remember this is not your lunch. The purpose of the crackers, dips or cheese is to cleanse the palate and to help one decide how the wine pairs with food. Some wineries have restaurants, so if you want lunch visit the restaurant.

Do you want to enjoy a picnic lunch? Many wineries encourage visitors to bring a picnic lunch. Frequently picnic  or patio tables are available. Ask in advance if it is okay to bring a picnic lunch and where to picnic on the grounds. Do not bring wine from another winery or any other kind of alcohol. Laws restrict wineries and many wineries are not permitted to have any other alcoholic beverage on their premises. Besides, if you were going to someone’s home for dinner, it would be tasteless to bring your own entrée. Staff and visitors always appreciate good manners.

If you have the opportunity to visit a vineyard, do not pick the grapes. If you would like to taste a wine grape at harvest time, be sure to ask a staff member. One winery we visited this summer mentioned how they don’t mind visitors walking through the vineyards and taking pictures, but one day a visitor walked out of the vineyard with several bunches of grapes to ask what they were. It did not dawn on him until an owner reminded him that the grapes would have made wine. The visitor tried to give them to the owner who replied, “They aren’t good now. They aren’t ready for making wine.”

The best motto to follow in a winery or vineyard would be the National Parks motto, “Take only pictures and leave only footprints.” When you visit a winery, if you like the wine and want to buy it that is great, but you do not need to purchase a bottle of wine. Do not buy a bottle of wine unless you like it. Participating in a winery tasting room can be delightful for everyone.

Detail: Wine Tasting Room Etiquette

0 5 Fun Things To Do On Vacation In The Sonoma Wine Country, California

Get ready to discover all the fun, exciting tourist things to do and see in the beautiful Sonoma Wine Country in Northern California has to offer you… and some are very free. Yes, FREE!

1. Wash Away Your Worries with an Enzyme Bath

At Osmosis Spa, you can get a private enzyme bath that purifies your body, moisturizes skin, and soothes your soul. Set in a Japanese tea garden, you start with an organic herbal tea that contains enzymes from 25 organic plants, triggering a metabolic process enhanced by the hot bath.

Then, you soak in the warm water. As your body sweats out the toxins, you can relax, listening to meta-music designed to balance brain activity. This is followed by a 75-minute massage and facial.

2. Bond with Family and Friends at Armstrong Redwoods

Bring a picnic basket, a camera, and your loved ones to Armstrong Redwoods, an 805-meter park filled with ancient tree groves, nature trails, and numerous picnic and recreational facilities. Here you will find some of the oldest and tallest redwoods in California—over 300 feet high, and dating back to over 1,400 years.

The park is located about two miles north of Santa Rosa, and is accessible from Highway 101. Just turn left on River Road, and then drive down to Guerneville. At the second traffic signal, turn right on Armstrong Road. For more Information, call (707) 869-2015.

3. Feel like a Pioneer on Pt Reyes’ Hiking Trails

Point Reyes offers about 140 miles of hiking trails— and a view that displays Nature at its pristine and majestic. Escape from the noise and pollution of the city, and imagine how California looked centuries ago.

Visitors will be given a free trail map, which shows both the hiking and the biking trails (however, those who go on foot will be able to explore the wilderness area, for the complete ‘pioneer’ experience). You can also ride horses.

The terrain is quite diverse, shifting from pasturelands to chaparral rides, forests, and meadowlands. Visitors can customize their hike according to personal preference and experience.

4. Celebrate California’s Creative Spirit

California has a thriving artists; community, and some of the best works of today’s most promising creative minds are on display at the Arts Council of Sonoma Country Gallery.
The Gallery is found in Santa Rosa’s Downtown Area, on 529 Fifth Street. It is open on Wednesday to Friday from 12 - 5 pm, and Saturdays from 12 - 4 pm. However, on October 13, 14, 20 and 21, the Gallery extends its hours from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free. For more information, call 707-579-ARTS or visit http://www.artrails.org

Detail: 5 Fun Things To Do On Vacation In The Sonoma Wine Country, California