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Posts Tagged ‘TBEX’
Monday, June 13th, 2011
If this story’s title makes you cringe (and that’s the point), then you may have attended the Travel Bloggers’ Exchange Conference (TBEX) 2011 in Vancouver, Canada. If it doesn’t make you cringe, and you are a travel blogger or aspire to become one, then you might want to sign up for TBEX 2012 at Keystone Ski Resort in Colorado. Here are some reflections on this year’s conference and reasons to consider attending next year.
The giant globe at the Vancouver Convention Centre, location of TBEX 2011
The inspiration for the title sprung from listening to a panel of well-respected travel writers (including the curiously sexy Spud Hilton, Editor of the San Francisco Chronicle’s Travel Section), who listed descriptors to avoid in travel stories including stunning, charming, land of contrasts, perfect, hidden gem, off the beaten path, secret, quaint, perfect, rustic, luxuriously appointed, and breathtaking.
On most accounts, I whole-heartedly agree that clichés should be avoided. Spud was right, who ever says “luxuriously appointed” in real life? However, I have to argue that bloggers can and should use some of these terms because they are great search engine optimization key words. As someone who has written for both online and print publications, I know the rules for blog writing sometimes differ from those for print writing. When travelers search online for where to vacation they use words like secret, off the beaten path, and best hidden gem travel destinations. Clichés can be good for helping viewers find the content they seek. And add a woman to the panel next time too, please!
Celebrating a Canucks hockey win with my fellow Best Family Travel Advice bloggers at the Four Seasons Vancouver
Last year I complained in New York & TBEX ’10 – The Good, The Bad & the Ugly that I had been bored throughout a few sessions. (Ironically, I particularly noted my waning interest during the video blogging session since I was not, at the time, a vlogger. Now I am a proud video blogger for Barilla pasta’s Piccolini TV multimedia site and I actually use many of the tips learned in that “boring” session. So, ahem, I take that back.)
This year’s conference was a vast improvement over TBEX 2010. Name-tags were organized and available for pick-up on time. The Vancouver Conference Centre was in a convenient, central location. Breakout sessions were added, bringing intimacy and flavor to the conference for attendees with varying interests. This conference felt much less like a high school reunion where the popular kids shunned those who were not part of the in-crowd and more like a destination wedding where all types of travel bloggers with of all levels of experience and “fame” were welcomed.
Salmon lollipops served at the AMResorts harbor cruise TBEX party
While the conference was certainly professional, there was still plenty of partying going on at TBEX 2011. A definite highlight was the Men of TBEX Party hosted by Diamond PR at which 12 male travel bloggers posed for a “sexy” calendar all in good fun (with Mike Barish of Gadling sporting nothing but a blue mustached Speedo). I heard from a few attendees who found the calendar concept offensive, but most found it a hi-larious and genius PR stunt (including me)! The AMResorts invitation-only harbor cruise soiree was a relaxing affair with a live jazz band and tray-passed hors d’oeuvres like salmon lollipops stuffed with chive cream cheese. There was a Passports with Purpose gathering with delicious home-baked cupcakes plus a little get-together hosted by the Four Seasons Vancouver just for family travel bloggers like myself. I could go on and on…
And then there were the complimentary Vancouver day tours for TBEX bloggers – like the Takaya Canoe Tour on which I explored the coastal fjords of the Burrard Inlet and Indian Arm in a 25-foot canoe, complete with stories and songs about the Tsleil-Waututh First Nation. Our guide, Laura Leigh Paul (whose tribal name is Yuxweliptan’aat), was nearly brought to tears when she told a story about two orcas that returned to the tribal waters last year, a momentous event for her people because years prior the burial canoe of one of the tribe’s most beloved leaders was followed on either side by two orcas, indicating his connection with nature, animals, and orcas in particular.
Takaya Canoe Tour with a bunch of fellow travel bloggers (I’m in the green hat)
I have to admit, I didn’t attend all available sessions of the two-day conference. Vancouver’s Gastown with its cobblestone streets, famed steam clock, and shops selling maple sugar candy and proud Canucks garb lured me away from the meetings one morning. And I ducked out early one afternoon for some downtime back at my sweet Fairmont Waterfront room across the street.
I truly enjoyed much of what I attended, including Journey Woman’s Evelyn Hanson’s talk about how she got to where she is and her advice to “Stay true to your personal mandates.” The Narrative Travel Writing session provided useful tips and reminders for creating stories worth reading. The best session I attended was led by Robert Reid of Lonely Planet, who talked about the importance of doing research and including quotes in blog posts. He used humor, crayon drawings, and well, lots of research to make his points. I’d include a quote here, but this post is getting much too long for online reading eyes.
(Ironically, the first comment below, by Eva Holland, pointed out errors in my RESEARCH. Doh! This reminded me of something quotable in Robert Reid’s presentation. He said, “Sometimes we’re too quick to post.” He suggested bloggers “hug” their stories…give them time to breathe before hitting the publish button. Probably, he would suggest we get more than, oh, zero hours of sleep the night prior to posting too. *Yawn*)
The world’s first steam clock
The best part of TBEX 2011 was the same as last year – connecting with new contacts and familiar friends in both the blogging and PR fields. If there’s one cliché we all seemed to embrace wholeheartedly this weekend, it was that a rising tide lifts all boats. Well, hop on board, my travel writing friends. I hope to set sail with you on that tide at TBEX 2012 in Colorado!
You might also like:
• Barefoot Books $50 Giveaway – Explore the World with Kids through Reading
• Colorado’s Keystone Ski Resort Dining Adventures for Foodies & Families
• Travel Mamas Most Popular Blog Posts – Year 2
• Win a Hawaiian Family Vacation at Disney’s Aulani Resort
A Note from The Travel Mama: As a TBEX attendee I received entrance to a bunch of parties, free food and drinks, complimentary tour attendance, and I paid a discounted media rate for my hotel room. Another benefit of attending the conference!
Tags: Canada, Keystone, TBEX, Travel Bloggers Exchange, vancouver
Posted in Grown-Up Getaways, Mixed Baggage | 18 Comments »
Sunday, November 21st, 2010
Dear Santa Claus,
Last year I made ten holiday wishes. You certainly delivered on a few, my jolly old friend. I’ll be one happy Travel Mama if you can come though on all of ‘em this year!
1) Last Year: A Disney Cruise. I knew a Disney Cruise would be a difficult item to fit on your sleigh but I asked for it anyway and put a photo of a Disney ship on my vision board. Now I’m a believer because I was recently invited by Disney Cruise Line to sail on the new Dream ship’s inaugural cruise in January 2011! My family and I can’t wait spend two nights at sea and make a stop at one of my Bucket List destinations, Disney’s private Caribbean island, Castaway Cay.
This Year: An Alaskan Cruise. Now, I might just be getting greedy here. I should just be thankful for the Disney Cruise and leave it at that, right? But nooooo…I gotta keep dreaming!
2) Last Year: A Jogger. Last Christmas I camplained that I was the only mama in my Stroller Strides class bumping along at the back of the pack with my standard stroller. Well, I got my jogger, but I got a cheap one. Now I am the only mama in class whose front tire doesn’t turn so I have to push down on the handle and lift my son into the air every time I want to turn. If you are looking for a jogger, I suggest you spend the extra bucks and get a revolving front tire! By the way, I’m still at the back of the pack. I can’t blame the stroller anymore so I guess I just have to admit that I’m slow.
This Year: Fitness & Connection with Nature. I won’t request another, better jogger. But I do want to focus more on getting outdoors and being active as a family. It’d be nice to splurge on some fun classes to keep the kiddos fit too- like swimming, dance lessons, or Tae-Kwon-Do.
3) Last Year: Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pajamas.
This Year: Just Fit into Last Year’s Clothes. ‘Nuff said.
4) Last Year: A Publisher for My Book, The Travel Mamas’ Guide a humorous, how-to guide for traveling with babies and tots. My agent recently sent out my book proposal to mid-size to large potential publishers. They all pretty much said the same thing: Love the voice. Think the book fills a need in the market. Worried there’s too much information already online (ironically).
This Year: A Publisher for My Book. I am starting my search for a smaller publisher now. I know there is a need for this book. I know many moms and dads struggle to figure out how to continue to travel after becoming parents. I know I can help parents minimize the stresses of traveling with babies and children and enjoy the time spent together as a family on the go. I can’t give up yet. If J.K. Rowling gave up at this point, we never would have heard of Harry Potter!
5) Last Year: A Sponsor for BlogHer 2010 in New York. Well, I didn’t find a sponsor for the BlogHer conference, but JetSetBabies did sponsor my trip to the Travel Bloggers Exchange conference (TBEX) in New York this past summer! And, BlogHer is scheduled to come to my hometown of San Diego in 2011, for which I have already purchased my ticket.
This Year: Attendance at TBEX ’11 in Vancouver, Canada. I’ve always wanted to visit Vancouver and this conference gives me the perfect excuse to go! I look forward to chatting, touring, and toasting with some of my favorite bloggers and making new travel-loving friends.
6) Last Year: An Appearance on Oprah’s Show.
This Year: A Place in Oprah’s Audience. This is Oprah’s last year as a daytime talk show host and I’m just dying to attend a taping before it’s off the air. Sure, I’d love a spot on her couch but I’d settle for anything at this point. Do you think if I mention Oprah in enough blog posts that eventually one of her producers will stumble across Travel Mamas and invite me on the show?! (Hey – it could happen!) So far, I’ve included Oprah in five stories. Hmm…maybe you should expect to see her in a few more!
7) Last Year: Annual Passes to Disneyland. Well, I may not have gotten annual Disneyland passes but I was fortunate to have been invited to Disneyland three times in 2010 for Travel Mamas stories. As an added bonus, last year I attended Disney Social Media Moms, a conference in Orlando that enabled me to connect with other bloggers and to experience Walt Disney World with my mom and two kiddos!
This Year: Disney Gift Cards. Since we will be flying to Orlando for the Disney Dream Cruise in the new year, we have decided to extend our stay by a few days so we can explore the Disney World Parks and other Orlando attractions. I’m asking my family for Disney gift cards in lieu of holiday gifts to help us fund our park entrance tickets and vacation dining.
8)Last Year: More Date Nights OUT with my Husband.
This Year: More Date Nights IN with my Husband. We can’t seem to find a reliable babysitter or afford many fancy date nights. So now I’m wishing for some home date night fun. Specifically, I’d love a fire pit for the backyard by which the hubs and I could snuggle up after the kids are in bed. I’d also like a couple of date night movies on DVD to watch while nibbling popcorn on the couch with my honey, like Julie & Julia (what blogger doesn’t dream of having her story made into a movie starring Meryl Streep?) and Eat, Pray, Love (because I could use a spiritual tour of the world!).
9) Last Year: A Month in a Foreign Country.
This Year: Travel. Period. While I didn’t spend a month in a foreign country last year, I traveled to Texas, Puerto Rico, Cabo San Lucas, Arizona, Florida, Maine, New York, and throughout California. Being a travel blogger does not pay well, but it does have some great perks! I’m not sure where Travel Mamas will take me in 2011…but I hope you’ll come along for the ride.
10) Last Year: Good Health. Lots of Love. Family. Friends. This year has been quite the journey for me. I have struggled with some health issues related to stress and have made a few trips to the emergency room for complications related to my son’s asthma. My husband and I have argued more this year than any other during our 11 years together due mostly to our constant worry about his job in this stinky economy (he’s had six within three years), the difficulties of making a living as a travel writer, and the likelihood of making our mortgage payment.
I am incredibly blessed for my overall good health and that of my children. I try to focus on the love that surrounds me, even when the world seems filled with noise and worry. I am blessed to be part of our family of four and to have siblings and parents, who are always in my heart even though they live far away. And I am thankful for my friends…from my neighbor, Sara, with whom I often trade harrowing parenting stories over a glass of wine while our kids run in wild circles around us…to Erin who accompanied me on my trip to Freeport, Maine and reminded me of the giggling college girls we used to be…to my online friends with whom I share my hopes, frustrations, and love of this crazy world of blogging and social media.
This Year: Joy in the Journey. I hope to discover how to make a living doing what I love: writing, exploring the world, and helping others get the most out of their travels. I have been working so hard to make Travel Mamas and myself into a success story that sometimes I have forgotten to enjoy the ride. Wherever this year takes me, I plan to enjoy the journey. I wish the same for you in 2011!
What’s on your holiday wish list? Please share your wishes in the comments below!
You might also like:
• The Travel Mama’s Holiday Wish List - Year 1
• Build a Village in India & Win a JW Marriott Getaway
• Holidays at Disneyland
• How to Survive Visiting Family during the Holidays
Tags: Castaway Cay, Disney Cruise, disney world, disneyland, holidays, jetsetbabies, Oprah, TBEX, The Travel Mamas' Guide, vision board, waterslide
Posted in Mixed Baggage, Toys & Gear | 15 Comments »
Monday, July 5th, 2010
Last weekend I was in New York City to attend the Travel Blogger’s Exchange (TBEX) Conference with 300 or so fellow travel lovers. Some of what the city and the conference had to offer was just what I expected, but there were a few surprises along the way too.
New York City Rooftop View
I’m pretty sure I’ve missed the TBEX train of posts about the conference. Even though I’m The Travel Mama, the “Mama” portion of that name comes first, with the traveling and writing aspects of my life sometimes getting stowed in the overhead compartment. Oh well, here are my thoughts nonetheless…
THE GOOD
New York City was downright friendly.
The last time I visited New York was 11 years ago when I was first dating my now husband and I felt a little intimidated by the gruff attitude of the city’s rushing populace. Ordering a coffee the right way seemed like a feat in itself that could result in being sent to the back of the line à la Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi. It wasn’t just my youthful age either; by that time I had already traveled to twenty-something countries, to many of which I journeyed alone. Now, while New Yorkers are still in a hurry, everyone seemed willing (eager even!) to show off their town. And for good reason!
The subways were a pleasant surprise.
I did not expect to find the subways as clean as they were. Again, I’m comparing to my last experience in New York City over a decade ago, but I remember practically wading through a sea of subway tickets in the underground train stations. Today everyone reloads their Metro cards and apparently discards used single ride tickets neatly in the trash dispensers. Way to go green, NYC!
I found a great hotel with lots of room for families to spread out.
One of the hotels recommended to conference attendees (at a special TBEX rate) was the artsy, boutique place, The Roger Smith Hotel. I split a two-bedroom suite with three other blogger moms. The suite was bigger than many New York apartments and came with a microwave, a mini fridge, and enough room for all of us to sleep comfortably. This would make a great option for a family looking for extra room to in which to spread out while visiting the city.
The networking and the chatting was beyond fun.
My favorite part of any blogger meet up is talking with people who are just as crazed about Word Press, Google Analytics, and pixels as I am. This was doubly the case at TBEX because I got to cavort with gobs of people who love to travel as much as I do. This weekend was like giving a kid an hour and $100 to go spend in a toy store…so many great bloggers…so little time!
Out for an Indian dinner with some of my all-time favorite travel bloggers (from left to right): Amy of The Q Family Adventures, Jennifer of The Vacation Gals, Debbie of Travel Dither, Jody of Family Rambling, Kara of The Vacation Gals, Moi, and Sharlene Earnshaw of Double the Adventure
The PR reps rocked.
You know what was so great about the public relations folks at this conference? They made an effort to truly get to know those in attendance and understand which bloggers would be a good fit for their brands. As the blogging world gets bigger and more influential, many companies are jumping on the blogger bandwagon without much idea of where that wagon’s headed or why. These PR folks spent time connecting with the attendees and most of the companies were a good fit for a conference specifically targeted at travel bloggers. Examples? Marriott San Juan, Vail Resorts, and TripAdvisor, just to name a few.
You had me at travel bloggers’ conference.
Even with a few bumps in the programming, the TBEX conference was an incredible experience for those obsessed with seeing the globe. Beyond the social and networking aspects, there was also a stellar speech given by travel blogging phenomenon Gary Arndt of Everything Everywhere and lively panel discussions with such esteemed travel writers as Evelyn Hannon of Journeywoman.
THE BAD
The conference was a bit disorganized.
Kim Mance, Go Galavanting editor and the mastermind behind TBEX, has admitted that she is a writer, not a conference organizer and has thus hired someone to take on that role for the 2011 TBEX conference in Vancouver. I understand that TBEX grew much bigger than a small gathering for drinks, as was its original intention. Still, I hope things are a wee bit better structured next year, with sessions starting on time, technical difficulties kept to a minimum, chairs provided for all at hosted lunches, and nametags held in some semblance of alphabetical order rather than strewn silly-willy across a table.
Break-out sessions would have been nice.
It’s hard to be all things to all people. For much of the actual learning portion of the conference I was B-O-R-E-D. This is not to say that the speakers weren’t good, but a few of the topics covered were simply not of interest to me. For example, I have no desire to incorporate podcasts or video blogging to my site (at this time, anyway) so while others found this fascinating, it was ho-hum for me. Plus, sitting for hours in a big lecture hall is sure to put even the most dedicated of students to sleep. TBEX attendees were at a wide range of levels of their bloggerdom. Some (like Johnny Jet and World Hum) have been at it for a very, very long time. Others may have started just a few months ago. Certainly, these bloggers on opposite ends of the blogging spectrum have differing needs and interests when it comes to what they would like to get out of a conference. With the No Blogger Left Behind approach, I felt a little underwhelmed.
I’d prefer a more-inclusive environment.
There seemed to be a definite preference for backpack/independent travel at the TBEX 2010 conference that I don’t necessarily subscribe to. I loved traveling during college with nothing but the backpack on my shoulders and a Let’s Go Europe! in my hand. I think everyone should experience the freedom that comes from seeing the world alone at one point in their lives. However, I’ve been there, done that. I’m ready for high thread count sheets, private bathrooms, and preferably a fancy pool with a waterslide. My friend, Kara Williams over at The Vacation Gals, covers this more thoroughly in her post Reflections on TBEX ‘10 and Travel Blogging.
THE UGLY
The hangovers.
Certainly not everyone was drinking too much at TBEX, but many of us were. And the hangovers during the sessions on Sunday were apparent in many of the attendees’ faces. In fact, when the Canadian Visitors’ Bureau announced they would be hosting the next Travel Bloggers Exchange, one of the representatives joked, “Well, we know you guys like to drink…so we’ll have alcohol for you in Vancouver!”
This Central Park fountain seemed to be the only oasis of relief from the hot New York day for tourists and locals who took a dip in its water to cool off
The heat.
The ugly stepsister at TBEX was the muggy weather. The day after the conference had officially ended, my friend, Jody Halstead of Family Rambling, and I took a long walk through Central Park. The grounds were gorgeous but it was hard to appreciate the beauty of our surroundings when simply taking a stroll made it us look as though we had just stepped out of a steamy shower of hot glue.
THE VERDICT
Will I go to TBEX next year?
I already bought my early bird ticket and I plan to be there. I’ll take any chance I can to hang out with people who are wacky enough to devote a good portion of their lives attempting to perfect packing, finding a great hotel deal, and climbing to the top of the tallest building around for an aerial view.
I’m hoping the hubs and kids can join me in Vancouver for a few days (AFTER the conference)!
Vancouver is toward the top of my very, very long list of places I would like to someday visit. I’ve heard it’s an extremely family-friendly city that I’d love to experience with my kids…and then share our experiences with you!
You don’t blog?
If you don’t write a blog and you made it to the end of this story, I am equal parts shocked, pleased, and embarrassed. Surely, throughout this story you were thinking, “What is this crazy lady writing about? Where’s the packing list and bulleted quick travel tips? Why do these freaks need a conference and who is reading all of those dang travel blogs anyway?” Here are my responses: 1) Whatever strikes my fancy, 2) Click on the links above, 3) Because sometimes the only way to feel normal is to surround yourself with craziness, 4) I have no idea!
Did you go to TBEX this year or do you plan to go next year? Do you have thoughts to share about New York City as a vacation destination? Please leave a comment below!
You might also like:
• Disney’s “World of Color” Premiere & My Red Carpet Hullaballoo
• New York City Holiday Travel Tips for Families
• New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants for Kids
• Plan a Girlfriend Getaway…and Appreciate Home More
Tags: Central Park, New York, New York City, Roger Smith Hotel, TBEX, travel bloggers
Posted in Grown-Up Getaways, Hotel Reviews | 20 Comments »
Friday, July 2nd, 2010
Thank you to everyone who entered the JetSetBabies contest on TravelMamas.com! Two lucky parents will receive $50 to spend at JetSetBabies, a site that delivers baby and toddler supplies (like diapers, formula, and baby food) and other goodies (such as bath and sand toys) to hotels and homes around the world.
One winner was chosen at random from all of the comments made to the story, Travel with a Baby or Toddler Made Easy with JetSetBabies. Congratulations to Kimberly, who said about JetSetBabies, “This is a great idea. It should limit the number of trips to Walgreens for forgotten items!”
Another winner was selected specifically from attendants of the Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) Conference 2010 in New York City. While the conference was flush with travel bloggers, parents of babies and toddlers were harder to come by. Of the four TBEX entrants, Andrew of the Brooklyn Nomad was selected at random. Andrew said, “I am planning my first road trip with the little nomad for this summer or early fall. Would come in handy for sure.”
Want to try this handy service out yourself? Don’t forget you can receive a 10% discount at JetSetBabies just by entering the code “travelmamas” at check-out.
Have you ever used JetSetBabies? I’d love to hear your thoughts about this fabulous service for traveling parents in the comments below!
You might also like:
• 4 Packing Sanity Savers
• Savvy Sassy Mom Travel Picks for Kids
• The Most Important Item to Pack…A Bucket!
• Top 10 Travel Tips from Parents of Tots
A note from the Travel Mama: Thank you JetSetBabies for sponsoring this contest and my travel to the Travel Bloggers Exchange Conference!
Tags: brooklyn nomad, contest, jetsetbabies, TBEX
Posted in Giveaways, Toys & Gear | 1 Comment »
Thursday, June 24th, 2010
This weekend I’m excited to be attending the Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) Conference in New York with 200+ travel lovin’ bloggers and public relations peeps. I can’t wait to see some familiar friends and meet many other writers whose blogs I love to read!
New York City’s Central Park
It seemed crazy to fly all the way from California for just a couple of days so I’ll be staying a tad longer to see some sites. Since I’m in a New York state of mind I thought I’d re-post New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants for Kids, which is full of fabulous tips from a Travel Mama who KNOWS New York – Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids Author Meryl Pearlstein. She gives the scoop for the best the city has to offer kids from babies to teens.
I’m going alone but I still think I want to check out what Meryl calls the Best Museum for Children of All Ages, the American Museum of Natural History. We’re all kids at heart, after all! But what I really, really, really want to do is head over to Serendipity3 to try out their famous Frozen Hot Chocolate!
I am so thankful to JetSetBabies for sponsoring my travel to New York! They offer baby and toddler supplies like diapers, formula, bath and beach toys, and more delivered to hotels and homes worldwide. Enter to win a $50 JetSetBabies gift certificate!
Which New York City site do you think I should be sure to see? Leave a comment below to let me know and I’ll try to squeeze it in!
Tags: fodor's, New York, New York City, TBEX, Travel Bloggers Exchange
Posted in Grown-Up Getaways | 1 Comment »
Sunday, June 13th, 2010
Want to make traveling with a baby or toddler easier? Then you need to know about JetSetBabies! Enter to win one of two $50 JetSetBabies gift certificates. Read on to find out how!
The Birth of JetSetBabies
Necessity is the mother of all invention and Patty Opoien is a mother who invented JetSetBabies after searching for a company that could deliver baby supplies to her destination for a trip with her two young children. She says, “I was stressing a little on how I would handle all of our luggage and the kids in the airport and got the idea to shop and ship ahead my baby items. I looked on the Internet and couldn’t find any store that handled just baby supplies.” That was in 2000, and JetSetBabies has been delivering baby supplies to hotels and homes around the world ever since.
Making Travel Easier for Families
JetSetBabies offers a wide selection of baby products for traveling parents, such as diapers, baby food and formula, toys, and bath-time necessities. Pre-made Travel Packs are available for the beach, slopes, pool, or woods. These customizable bundles make ordering supplies for a weekend or weeklong vacation easy and fun.
Customer Service is Key
It is the high level of customer service that JetSetBabies provides that Patty believes sets the company apart. JetSetBabies calls hotels to ensure every single package arrives on time. She says, “We treat every customer like our best customer. I called and verified some information for someone who had ordered one $4 item. They were shocked that we had treated them so special – like they were our best customer.”
Patty with her two kids in Seattle (2007)
A True Travel Mama
Patty’s babies are older now but they still love to travel. Patty and her kids, Anna (age nine) and Aaron (age 15) take one big vacation and several smaller trips every year. The kids love visiting amusement parks but Patty’s favorite vacation was a trip to Seattle and Vancouver, followed by a journey home to Minnesota aboard the Canadian Rail.
Travel Advice
Patty advises parents traveling with young children to bring along favorite blankets, toys, and pacifiers as well as some undiscovered items. She says, “I’ve gotten through long waits at the airport, long plane rides and other delays by bringing out brand new items never seen….and it doesn’t have to be store bought toys. We have gotten so much mileage out of a little box filled with old key rings, cotton balls, or plastic measuring spoons.”
She also suggests letting little ones out of the stroller to explore while traveling. Patty says, “They get more out of the trip and it tires them out so they sleep better in a strange place. My daughter has never ridden in a stroller. When she was young I carried her in a sling. She was walking by ten-months-old and she walked everywhere! She has a fabulous sense of adventure.”
A Second Business for Babies
Patty’s second business, Baby Showers by Mail, grew out of requests from customers wanting to ship diapers as a gift to new parents. Their best-selling product is the Year Supply of Diapers. Patty says, “We ship out the new mom a welcome kit that explains how to order diapers, and then the moms call or e-mail every month with their brand and size and we ship out a case of diapers each month.”
Passion for Helping Parents
What does Patty like most about running JetSetBabies and Baby Showers by Mail? “I love the challenges of running my own business. I also love the customers. I can relate most to moms and love being able to calm their fears about traveling with a little one – and making their lives so much easier.”
Save 10% Off Your Order
Make traveling with a little one easier on your next trip by ordering baby supplies through JetSetBabies. Be sure to enter the code “travelmamas” at check-out to receive a 10% discount off your order!
Enter to Win
Anyone can enter to win a $50 JetSetBabies gift certificate! THIS CONTEST HAS ENDED. Check back in a few days to find out who won!
JetSetBabies is sponsoring a portion of my travel expenses for the Travel Bloggers Exchange (TBEX) in June 2010. One $50 JetSetBabies gift certificate will be awarded to any entrant and another will be awarded specifically to a TBEX attendee. If you are a TBEX attendee, be sure to note that in your entry below!
This contest ends at 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on Saturday, June 26, 2010. The winner will be selected at random using Random.org and will be notified by email. If no response is received within one week, the first winner will forfeit the prize and another entrant will be selected.
You can enter a maximum of four times, using each method of entry once. The first option is required for entry. For each bonus entry, you must add an additional, separate comment to this blog post.
• REQUIRED ENTRY: Leave any story-related comment below. Please be specific! Generic comments like, “I want to win” will be disqualified.
• BONUS ENTRY: Follow @TravelMamas on Twitter and tweet this contest. Be sure to add a link to your tweet below! Copy and paste the following phrase into Twitter:
I want to win $50 from @JetSetBabies on @TravelMamas to make traveling with a baby or toddler easier! http://bit.ly/9pnvSs
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Fan of Travel Mamas on Facebook. Then submit a comment on the Travel Mamas Fan Page about WHY you’d like to win a $50 JetSetBabies gift certificate. Be sure to come back here and repeat the phrase in a separate comment on this blog post!
• BONUS ENTRY: Become a Travel Mama to receive bimonthly e-newsletter updates. If you already receive the e-newsletter, that counts! Just be sure to make a comment below saying that you are on the distribution list!
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• Do You Care about Keeping Your Child Safe when Flying?
• Epcot’s Best Rides & Hidden Treasures for Toddlers & Little Kids
• 4 Packing Sanity Savers
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep on Vacation with Babies & Children
Tags: contest, diapers, jetsetbabies, ship baby supplies, TBEX
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Toys & Gear, Travel Tips | 54 Comments »
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