Toddler Travel 101 {Tip 3 of 101}

At the rate I'm going, Mischka would probably be in big school by the time I finish this series.  She will no longer be a toddler, that's for sure! Oh well. I'm just grateful I still find time to update this blog. No matter how little time it may be. 

Moving on to tip no. 3. We talked about what to pack, here and what not to ever forget, here. The act of packing though is just as important as what to pack. And the role is not just made for us, mothers! Breaking news, right?! Involve your little one in the process and give him/her a bag of her own where she can pack her own  personal things. They're usually toys, snacks, and whatnots of their choice. Make them understand that no one else is responsible for this bag but themselves. 

From our trip back from the US months ago, I was firm in telling Mischka that if she decides to bring her trunki, she has to take care of it, and that I won't be able to carry it as I won't have spare hands with everything that we had to lug! It was just us two travelling back. 

I gave her a choice and she chose to pack her trunki and lug it herself while travelling. What's amazing is the sense of responsibility children learn from just a simple task. We we're a funny sight, am sure. Misch though was quite charming she managed to get two kind grown men help her with her trunki! Hah! 

Mischmash Travels {LA-LA Land}

For our 3-day pit stop in LA, we made sure it was filled to the brim. We made a list of the spots we wanted to hit and restaurants we wanted to try. Of course, we barely made it halfway our list but we were decided to make the 7-hour road trip we took from San Francisco all worthwhile. 

A quiet lunch with my little family over Mario Batali's fare is nothing short of perfect to celebrate my 32nd. 

Outfit credits: dress, The Ramp/ cape, bought from Hong Kong/ boots, JCrew/ bag, Alexander Wang

We bumped into singer/designer Kate Torralba at the Grove.  It's always nice to bump into a friend in a foreign land.

Ask the girl what her most favorite hotel is and she will tell you-- the W, in a heartbeat. Her outfit: top, Carter's/ tights, SM/ shoes, Nordstrom (as seen in other pictures)

What's a trip to Hollywood without a picture with the infamous sign? Tis the best the Mr. can do though. Meanwhile, Mischka's outfit: sweater, Missoni x Target/ pants, H&M/shirt, Cotton On, sneakers, Superga.

Topping the LA list was the Getty Center. Outfit credits: blouse, Pink Manila at The Ramp/ skirt, H&M/ boots, Aldo.

To be able to stare at Van Gogh's Irises for a good few minutes was the highlight of our Getty experience.

Of course, I had to stop by Kelly Wearstler's flagship on Melrose Avenue. The store and everything in it are ahhhmaaazing!

Goodbye LA! We'd definitely make more time, next time!

Toddler Travel 101 {Tip 2 of 101}

Finally found time to resume my Toddler Travel 101 series. I will post one hundred and one travel tips for when traveling with a toddler in tow. That's a lot of tips, I know. So if you have some, throw it over here. Would love to have you help me reach 101 travel pointers. 

Moving on, let's get the ball rolling and proceed to tip #2. While tip #1 was all about the absolute essentials to pack, I totally missed out on one very important dilapidated springed notebook I dare not forget when we're off to somewhere far. 

Mischka's medical book a.k.a baby book. It always comes in handy especially for times when we need to see a pediatrician in the province or abroad for whatever emergency. 

It also serves as an I.D. for her when we check in a domestic flight. You can always slip in a copy of their birth certificates inside just to be sure. But from experience, just the baby book alone works. Make sure you have it within reach in your hand carry.

There you have it. Tip 2 of 101, for easy, breezy toddler travel. 

Mischmash Travels {San Francisco}

As we take you to a round-up of our San Francisco adventure, we're using one of our favorite reads as a guide. You see, it's good to prepare a child for a big trip way before you leave. That way, they are really able to appreciate the place and soak up on the sights. That is of course if they can grasp at least a little understanding already. But even when you think they're too young to understand, reading to them won't hurt. And you'll surely reap the rewards before you know it.

We've seen most of the places and characters mentioned in the book the first time we took Mischka to land of the rising sour dough at age 1. The sea lions, the fisherman's wharf, the Golden Gate Bridge, the crooked Lombard St.. those are all staples that are not to be missed in this child-friendly city.

This time around, we had more time to just bask in the pleasant weather and take our time getting to know the city more.

To walk in the park with a cup of Peet's to keep us warm.

To stop and smell the flowers in bloom.

To visit a museum for kids that adults can enjoy just as much.

To ride a carousel that's a century-old.

To visit a museum for adults that kids can enjoy just as much.

To visit a place where there were endless things to explore.

To dance with 3 colorful shadows...

..to feel the fog build up..

and to have good 'ole fun with Mama Bear and Papa Bear.

To drive down south and say hi to our marine friends.

And just simply to go out and dance in the sun.

"Goodnight, San Franciscans. Thank you for sharing a wonderful day."

www.goodnightourworld.com

Toddler Travel 101 {The Absolute Essentials}

I get asked about toddler travel a lot around here that its high time I post something about it. Sorry it took awhile mummies. Keeping a blog is a lot of fun but is far from effortless. And besides I hate to disappoint my small yet lovely audience. I always like to keep it light, visually appealing, and hopefully inspiring for you. So for toddler travel matters, lets shelf them up here in Toddler Travel 101. 

Topping the agenda is what-to-pack. Let's start off with the absolute essentials. Sharing with you what goes in our hand carry irregardless of destination. May it be a short road trip or a long haul flight, these are the pieces we pack.

1. A light hooded jacket. 2. Pull-up diapers. 3. A light blanket. 4. Two sets of basic clothing. 5. Her beloved cow. 6. Favorite reads. 7. Water jug. 8. Snack dispenser with cereals and Goldfish (no fail favorite!). 9. Jammies. 10. Sunscreen. 11. Hat. 12. First Aid Kit. 13. Wipes. 

14. Feeding utensils.  

The rest that goes into the luggage heavily depends on destination and activities in-stored for the little munchkin. And such we'll tackle further in the next Toddler Travel 101 posts.  

I'm thinking, did I miss anything? (Milk, of course is a given.)

You have any toddler travel tips? You're more than welcome to share here!