Top Ten Tuesday: Traveling with a Toddler (24 Hour Giveaway)
Disclosure: I am working in partnership with Marriott and TheMotherhood.com to cover the Marriott Tots Travel Too program and have received a stipend. A portion of those proceeds went to compensate my son with cookies to make this video. The opinions are my own, my son however was bribed for the making of this film. :)
My husband and I love to travel. Before we settled in to having children we decided we had to take one more big vacation. We chose Hawaii. Now that we have children we still have the bug to travel we just don’t get to as often now that we have children. In fact, month when we went away for a week to Outer Banks, North Carolina, I coined a new term. Advencation.
Advencation (Ad ven ca tion) – the trips you take away from your home for a set period of time that involve children from birth to 12 year old. Said time does NOT include any form of relaxation. Formerly known as vacation prior to arrival of children. The act of taking an adventure to entertain said children.
That’s my definition of our “vacations” now that we have children. What do you think?
Anyhoo, I was so excited to see this campaign from Marriott because they have ACTUALLY figured out that those of us with toddlers may still like to travel! We also like to do it with our children, we just don’t always have the resources or time to make it happen. See definition of Advencation. I am exhausted by the time I pack everything that is needed.
Toddler Kits
But Marriott has just made it easier. They have new Toddler Kits for you to get while you stay in their hotels. The Toddler Travel Kits include:
- COVERPLAY knit sheet
- COVERPLAY® removable crib slipcover
- Johnson’s & Johnson’s Shampoo and Lotion
- Outlet covers
- A bathtoy
- Tots Travel Too onesie
- Nightlight
- Disposable bibs
Isn’t that cool? What a big help. Next time you are staying at a Marriott, be sure to ask for your complimentary kit or those forgotten items. And what is more, Marriott wants to know what do you find essential when traveling with toddlers? Hence, today’s Top Ten List. . .
Oh yea, this was suppose to be a Top Ten List, right? Sorry, I got all excited about the travel kits.
Here is our list of Traveling with Toddler essentials:
#1-9.
[youtube 2U2R0bYfLmk nolink]
#10. Your turn – what did I forget? What do you find essential when traveling with toddlers?
AND this is a contest. . .
Here is how to enter (please leave separate comments for each thing that you do):
**THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED. COMMENTS WILL BE APPROVED BUT NOT INCLUDED IN THE FINAL DRAWING.
1. Leave a Comment on what your #10 would be – What do you find essential when traveling with toddlers? [All suggestions will also be shared at TheMotherhood.com Marriott Toddlers Travel Too Circle]
Additional ways to enter:
2. Tweet or Facebook this contest – Win $250 @marriottIntl gc @onceamonthmom And don’t forget to leave a comment below stating you have done so. http://onceamonthmom.com/top-ten-tuesday-traveling-with-a-toddler #TotsTravel2.
3. Become a Fan of Once A Month Mom. Leave a comment below that you have done so or if you are already.
4. Follow @MarriottIntl on Twitter. Leave a comment below that you have done so.
5. Subscribe to the Once A Month Mom blog via RSS or email. Let me know that you have done so. Of course, if you are already subscriber make sure you leave that too.
HURRY, HURRY, HURRY this giveaway ends Wednesday, June 30th at 5 pm (EST). Winner will be chosen by random using random.org.
**Don’t forget to give Jen some $4 love – today is day 2 of the Celebrate Jen Campaign!
AWESOME move by Marriott!
for our toddler, a traveling must is his blankie and paci. Without them, we might as well turn around and go home! :)
tweeted too!
My #10 would be wet wipes (for after the snacks)!
That video was completely adorable. Loved him kissing frog. :)
Good call. Those raisins are sticky!
I am a fan on facebook. :)
Well, it may not be super helpful, but you have to bring your camera! :)
I also subscribe via RSS.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by DiaperDiaries, oh amanda and Lisa, triciacallahan. triciacallahan said: Had to put my #topten up early bc there is a $250 @marriottIntl gc up for grabs – Hurry over 2 enter http://bit.ly/c02wHN [...]
I’m also following Marriot on twitter!
I tweeted: http://twitter.com/mandiegirl/status/17298149732
I’d say Xanax for mom!
ha ha!
I’m following via RSS
[...] Top Ten Tuesday: Traveling with a Toddler (24 Hour Giveaway … June 29th, 2010 at 1:54 [...]
Alcohol? For the adults!!!
Tweeted!!
Facebook Fan!!
Subscriber!!
Not original, but both my kids get a personal bag w/ roadtrip supplies – dvd, coloring stuff, their drink cup, etc. It keeps everything together & it gives both of them (the 4yo primarily at this age) something to keep up with & be responsible for.
I’m your fan!
I subscribe!
Your post has hit home with me this week.. We (err I) may be making a last minute decided dash to the beach in less than two weeks. I will be traveling with a 14 YO, a 6 YO and 1 YO… You are my new hero since I did my first OAMM session on Sunday!! Thank you Thank you.
Sorry I don’t have anything to add to the list. I just love for each child to have a bag to put all their stuff in so that they can get to it easier.. but this really isn’t for the toddlers… just the older ones. ;-)
Pacifiers and a favorite toy for sure! I love marriott…they are our favorite place to stay!
I already subscribe to the feed.
I am a fan on facebook. :)
Definetly the flip video!
Libbie is very attached to her baby doll, so we wouldn’t leave home without it! Or her Fisher-Price musical seahorse–that is what she uses to go night-night!
I’m a fan.
And a subscriber.
I Tweeted too, for good measure. I want a vacation!
Oh my gosh, the cleverness of your video and Mariott’s new program is completely impressive. So I guess my number 10 would be Benadryl. KIDDING (kind of). My kids would seriously play with a big-button calculator for hours at that age – I don’t know what it is, but it kept them quiet in the car.
If potty training, I would bring along a small potty – Baby Bjorn makes one that’s $9 and super light. It helped us keep up with training while on vacation last year. Thank you for the giveaway!
I subscribe in Google Reader :)
Tweeted
#10 I’d have to go with earplugs! :-)
Funny, I almost put that in! :)
Camera……always taking pictures!
I follow @MarriottIntl on Twitter.
@LisaAboutLife
I would say their own personal luggage, a back pack or little suitcase to help make them get excited about the trip. My boys won’t go some where to stay the night without theirs. It makes them feel like big people.
I am a fan.
Follow Marriot itl on twitter
and a subscriber
I tweeted this contest here: http://twitter.com/BigBinderBlog/status/17328400324
I tweeted it!
I ‘liked’ OAMM on Facebook (Jennifer Rees).
I’m a fan on Facebook!
I followed Marriott
I am following @MarriottIntl on Twitter (@bigbinderblog)
And I’m an RSS subscriber!!!!
My best trip for traveling with tots – bring lots of patience and diversions for them! A favorite toy or blanket will go along way to settling down a fussy little one!
And finally, I signed up for OAMM’s RSS feed. Thanks again for a great contest!
Extra clothes!
Follow @MarriottIntl on Twitter
I tweeted!
http://twitter.com/kellys3ps/status/17329290773
We can’t travel without my son’s favorite blanket. We actually lost it for a few days on a trip last year and it wasn’t pretty!
My #10 would be my girls’ special lovies. The each have one (and I have a backup for each lovie). We never leave home without them!
I’ve tweeted this!
@stephanieshep:Trying to win a $250 @marriottIntl gift card from @onceamonthmom http://bit.ly/bydUk4 #TotsTravel2.
I’ve followed you on Facebook, too!
I am a subscriber…and definitely think mass quantities of wet wipes are important! We use them for everything…
Lastly, I’ve subscribed to the RSS. Thanks!
A must for our 2 yr old daughter is her blanket, drink and snacks, and a baby doll.
Tweeted this contest. http://twitter.com/jen_r_horn/status/17330644122
Fan of Once a Month Mom.
Follow @MarriottIntl on Twitter. @jen_r_horn
Subscribe via RSS feed.
Must-have #10: Medical Kit. Ours includes children’s tylenol, children’s benadryl, wipes, potable water, medical tape, a washcloth, neosporin and Transformer band-aids. ; )
Also a FB fan.
And a subscriber too.
Thanks so much for such a great giveaway!
Each of my kids like to bring their fav stuffed animals to sleep with. :)
darkness, i find it is better to travel at night with mine lol
For our children it was always their blankie. The blankets went everywhere.
shawn113(at)hotmail(dot)com
i am a fan of once a month mom on facebook
i subscribe to your email
DVD player! Best thing ever- for everyone!
I agree on the wipes! and the extra clothes… also I have to make sure we have Amelia’s favorite cd (Aqualung)…it always seems to quiet her down :o) LOVE this giveaway! My hubby and I love to travel too but it is very exhausting with young kids!
I’m a fan on facebook :)
i subscribe to your blog :)
#10 here would have to be the soother!! Very cute video! :D
I am already a fb fan of OAMM!! Love it!
Well,for me it would be a spoon because when I hand my kid a spoon,he can play with it for hours and he likes it better than most toys so I would have to bring objects like spoons and paper cups.
RSS
A separate bag for an additional change of clothes to keep in the car at all times.
What a cute video! I would have to say that #10 would be a cd with white noise on it (we use one with the sound of waves that just repeats over and over for my daughter). Helps keep out all of the “strange” sounds you encounter when traveling!
tweet!
http://twitter.com/mommyericae/status/17342390437
I’m your fb fan! :)
I follow Marriot on twitter
I subscribe in reader! :)
I no longer have toddlers. However, when I did have them I used to pack a change of clothing in my purse(didn’t do the diaper bag thing)and a plastic bag for the “accident” clothing. New places and new experiences sometimes mean kids “forget” until its too late.
I love that my kids are older and vacations are not as labor intensive to pack for. I keep a couple of $1 coloring books in the car and carry crayons in my purse. If they don’t want to do that they are told to look at car liscence plates or count telephone poles like my sibling and I used to do.
Christine
dazed1821@aol.com
My must take item is a First Aid kit complete with bug spray, sun screen, Doctors numbers and medical card along with the usual stuff. If my kids are teething I include stuff for that too!
Way to go, Marriott! I’d add a barf bag because if I don’t have one, there’s bound to be a need…
I’m a fan!!!
I’m a email subscriber
That video was so so so cute! The music just put it over the edge.
Anyhow, as fair skinned folk that burn like crazy, SUNSCREEN (and an umbrella stroller would be #11).
For use #10 would be white noise. It helps my little ones sleep where ever they are. We have a small CD player & a white noise CD. It works for Mom & Dad, too!
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/notimeMom/status/17349883867
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
I follow MarriottIntl on twitter (notimeMom)
When we take plane trips, I make sure to bring my toddler’s sippy cup, filled with her favorite drink. It encourages her to sip it during take off and landing, to relieve the pressure on her ears. (If that doesn’t help, you can put a warm towelette on your toddler’s ears – it works like charm.)
I’m a subscriber
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/hawaiismn/status/17349987936
I “liked” you on Facebook. (Thrifty Sarah)
I’m following Marriott on Twitter. (@hawaiismn)
I’m a subscriber, via Google Reader.
I subscribe via email
andrea.kruse at gmail dot com
I like you on facebook (andrea potter kruse)
I’m a fan on facebook (or I like you. whatever)
For my 4 year old Adrianna, she has to have her Superman stuffed toy! For my 2 year old Xander, he has to have his care bear soft blanket! When they were younger we HAD to have the pack n play!
I “like” you ……..on facebook!
I subscribe via email
My #10 would be Clorox Wipes~! You just never know what you’ll need to disinfect!! :)
We have the “bathroom” bag with all the things that we need. The nightlight is something that we always keep in there! Along with a scissors. For some reason, we always need a scissors and never have one around. I now keep a kiddy scissors everywhere I go! Thanks!
I subscribe on email, thanks!
I subscribe thru google reader-Thanks-
Mine would be my i-phone, with videos on it-
I would agree!
their music for falling asleep!
#10-Spare undies/ pull-ups and a change of clothes
thanks for passing along this great idea from Marriott. Usually we travel with duct tape to take care of odds and ends like sockets, etc, but no we don’t have to.
Does this apply to all levels of the Marriott chain?
It’s not all their chains but a good number of than. Check out their page for details and locations.
email subscriber
I subscribe by email.
I posted on facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1096391249
#10. The tray that goes over the child’s lap so that he can play with his cars
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I am following MarriottIntl on twitter (mommafergie)
I am a fan of yours of fb (Alisha James Ferguson)
I tweeted it
My #10 is to leave early to allow yourself plenty of time to make stops!
I’m a fan!
I subscribe!
Tweeted
Following Marriot
We have a penguin back pack and suitcase. They are really cute the beak squeaks and my son loves them. That video was great, buzz light year is big around here too.
For my son it’s a toss up between cars and a coloring book/crayons.
That was a cute video. I would add a camera and woody (along with buzz, of course)
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
I tweeted, too(@mandiegirl)
email subscriber
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
follow Marriot on twitter name LuckyduckyToo
runningmatey at hotmail dot com
Oh my goodness, your son is too cute! How old is he?
My #10 would be a roll of paper towels.
Thanks! He is almost 2 years old. :)
I subscribe
I subscribe!
We always use marriot because of their excellent hotel points, but this sure is an added bonus. My #10 would be snacks, though my husband says I’m the one that gets moody when I don’t eat… :)
Always bring snacks instead of buying from the vending machine!
http://twitter.com/DesMoinesDealin/status/17371233827
I follow Marriott on twitter @desmoinesdealin
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Wipes – great for runny noses, cleaning questionable items, and many other tasks
I still carry wet wipes and my kids are grown. They seem to come in handy for so many things.
The video was cute!
Our white noise machine for when we stay overnight. Helps him SO MUCH!
samanthajocampen at gmail
tweet
http://twitter.com/samsfreestuff/status/17382297469
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I follow Marriott on twitter
@samsfreestuff
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i follow you on google reader
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I subscribe with the Rss feed to google reader
First of all your son is adorable! My # 10 would be a wide variety of toys.
Traveling during nap time also helps if your child will sleep in the car.
That is such a cute video! I agree with other posters who mentioned bringing wipes. I also always bring extra clothes b/c you never know when you might need them.
My tip is to bring clothespins–great for clipping up wet swimsuits, pinching together an open curtain for darkness during naptime, and even for older kids playing with in a pinch, like building a fort.
Tweet!
http://twitter.com/KatydidandKid/status/17408295967
Following Marriott on Twitter @katydidandkid
Facebook fan of yours
Kathleen W.
[...] the Marriott $250 gc contest ends today (6/30) at NOON [...]
I already subscribe!
My #10 item would be activities – keeping them occupied is huge when you have a long drive ahed of you!
Wet wipes and sanitizing wipes! I go through a ton of both.
I follow them on twitter
When my Princess was a toddler, we always (and still do actually) brought her “sleeping music” with us in a portable CD player with speakers. We played it loud to help block out the unfamiliar sounds of the hotel.
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A bag of toys from the dollar store!
Tweeted!
Ziplock bags. You can store the snacks in them and they are perfect for wet stuff
tweeted
I’m a fan
I’m a follower
I subscribe
Wet Wipes are essential to any road trip.
Email subscriber
Carry plenty of cash or a credit card for emergencies such as car trouble. You do not want to be stranded with a toddler.
I follow you on twitter (@GMERRELL) and tweeted at http://twitter.com/GMERRELL/status/17424049529
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How about #10 a first aide/medical kit?! :) purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
tweeted: http://twitter.com/luvscontests/status/17427443079
Our must have is baby wipes…they can be used to clean sticky fingers and faces.
Following Mariott on Twitter! purposedrivenlife4you at gmail dot com
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A convertable stroller is a must. It works as a stroller and can convert into carrier that can even strap to your back to carry your child. They are really handy, especially when you go to less stroller-friendly places!
I follow you on twitter under the name JCHARRIES and tweeted at https://twitter.com/JCHARRIES/status/17429985980
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we never travel without our daughter’s favorite blanket and her favorite stuffend animal
i’m a fan!
…and I get email too!
There is a really cool travel tray called the Snack & Play Travel Tray for car seats. It hooks to the car seat and has a tray with a lip so they can have their toys without dropping them or sliding off the tray (which often makes them upset and requires you to pick it up)!
I subscribe by e-mail (sorry I don’t have twitter or facebook)
[...] are no stranger to traveling. And this summer I shared with you that having children hasn’t stopped us from traveling. In fact, I have always dreamed that there will be a Once A Month Mom Adventures section of this [...]
Our next trip is going to be up to yosemite. We are going to pack our baby backpack and all have a sweet exploration!!