travel

Despite the Pandemic, You Should be Planning Your Next Trip

December 18, 2020 By Lena Leave a Comment

Travel may not be top of mind at the moment, but my good friend Barry Choi, Personal Finance and Travel Expert, offers a convincing argument why this is the best time to plan a trip. Read on for some valuable advice on how to maximize your travel dollars.
Although the pandemic has reduced the number of flights available, and most people have no interest in travelling if there’s no vaccine for COVID-19, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be planning your next trip now.

It’s true that no one has any real idea of when travel will get back to normal, but by planning now, you can take advantage of some great deals. You can even turbocharge your savings by planning out your spending and taking advantage of some great welcome bonuses that come with the best travel credit cards in Canada. …

Travel in Style! RALPH LAUREN Parker Leather Tote

March 11, 2016 By Lena

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

The sun is shining… the birds are singing… it’s the perfect time to get away! Now you *may* have noticed that I’ve had travel on my brain lately – between vacation reviews, our Sunwing Twitter Parties and my radio segments on What She Said – I’m itching to get away! The good news? There’s less than two months to the Disney Social Media Moms Celebration, which I’ll be once again attending with my family. Orlando, here we come!

Until then, I’m pleased to offer my readers a chance to travel in style with your own RALPH LAUREN Parker Leather Tote! Available at Hudson’s Bay, this classic leather tote is wonderfully lightweight and offers adjustable straps at each side to make it even more spacious. Stash your passport, sunglasses and a few magazines, and you’re ready for your next adventure!

– Double top handles, 9″ drop
– Top zip closure
– Removable leather luggage tag
– Signature “LRL” monogram at the front
– Adjustable straps at each side
– Inside slip pocket
– 13″ W x 11″ H x 6.5″ D
– Leather, Imported
– Available in three colours

The tote retails for $248.00 but you can now grab it for $20 off with code SPRING at Hudson’s Bay. And, if black isn’t your jam, you can also purchase it in beige or white.

(Though I love the timelessness of a good black tote, wouldn’t you agree?)

To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Good luck everyone, and happy travels this spring! Click here to purchase the RALPH LAUREN Parker Leather Tote. …

17 Things to Love about San Antonio

July 30, 2015 By Lena

As many of y’all know, I recently earned the opportunity to be a Texas Traveller! Alas, after a family illness, we weren’t able to take the trip. So, I did the next best thing – I enlisted fellow fabulous #FamilyTravelCA member Andrea Traynor from Mommy Gearest to experience Texas on my behalf! Take it away Andrea!

I can’t say that San Antonio was on my bucket list. But having recently spent three days there, standing in for Lena, it should have been. And it should have been way up there on the list, too.
SanAntonio - RiverWalk1 Because San Antonio, Texas is simply, fabulous. Rich in history, it boasts world-class restaurants that even the most discerning foodies will appreciate, is a retail-therapy dream and caters to just about any kind of traveller (doing well in both the romance and action-packed activity departments).

There’s a lot to love about this city in the southwest, y’all. Here are 17 things that’ll make you want to book your own bucket-list visit. …

Sandals Ochi: Treat Your Taste Buds

July 17, 2015 By Lena

Last month, I was afforded the exclusive opportunity to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica on behalf of Sandals. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the trip, so I did the next best thing; I asked fellow#FamilyTravelCA member Sheri McDonald to experience the resort on my behalf. Today, she’s pleased to share the multitude of gourmet dining options at the resort!

If there’s one thing that always comes to mind when I think “all-inclusive”, it’s the food. It’s an opportunity to try types of cuisine that are new to me, and to step outside of my comfort zone. Ordering several dishes to share with everyone at the table is a fantastic way to try as much as possible, too!
20150530_115811 Sandals Ochi doesn’t disappoint when it comes to their dining options. With 16 restaurants and bars on the property, there is something to please everyone.

Of course, if there’s one thing that comes to mind when you think “all-inclusive”, it’s buffet dining. Visit Vista Gourmet and the Sky Terrace, where you enjoy your meal while gazing at the ocean. Here, you’ll find nothing fussy or overworked; just simple dishes that let the natural flavors of fish and seafood shine through. It is the perfect spot for a quick and satisfying meal.
Feeling the steady Ocho Rios breeze is inevitable while lounging at Sky Terrace, Vista Gourmet’s outdoor dining area that sits high up on a rocky cliff. Bliss!
…

The Ultimate Couple’s Getaway at Sandals Ochi

July 11, 2015 By Lena

Last month, I was afforded the exclusive opportunity to visit Ocho Rios, Jamaica on behalf of Sandals. Unfortunately, I was not able to make the trip, so I did the next best thing; I asked fellow #FamilyTravelCA member Sheri McDonald to experience the resort on my behalf. Take it away, Sheri!

Couples who are looking to escape for a few days will love the NEW Sandals Ochi Beach Resort in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. An all-inclusive adult only resort, Sandals Ochi promises to provide the vacation you are looking for.
slide-152 The journey begins at the airport in Montego Bay where drinks and snacks are served in the exclusive Sandals Lounge while you wait for your shuttle. The two hour ride to Sandals Ochi goes quickly when you are treated to more beverages, amazing scenery and a quick visit to a rest stop at the halfway mark. Your driver acts as a tour guide and can answer your questions about the area along the way. …

Love to Travel? Love Cash? Join the #TravelCash Twitter Chat!

June 16, 2015 By Lena

We like to travel. A LOT. And with each and every trip, the list comes out.

My husband hates the list.

The list includes everything that we need to oversee, pack and manage before we leave for the airport. I create a spreadsheet, assign responsibilities, and include a column for ticking off once complete. It may sound incredibly cumbersome (or, to quote the husband, “overkill”) but I’ve been that mom. You know, the mom who realizes that she forgot to pack baby wipes. Or hairspray. Or birth control.

You’ve met my second son Reid, right? Ri-ight.
20140819_115521 (2) But if there’s one thing we always forget to do, it’s visit the bank to exchange our currency. Yes, it’s on the list, but it often gets overlooked or marked “later” during the flurry of activity. And then, more often than not, I find myself glaring at my husband as we rush to find last-minute foreign currency. Surely there has to be an easier way?

THERE IS! Introducing CIBC Foreign Cash Online. This incredibly convenient service allows me to order the currency I need online (yes! online!) before I travel – and the money is delivered straight to my door. …

A Hotel for Every Toronto Destination

March 31, 2015 By Lena

I’ve been spoiled. I’ve lived in and around Toronto my entire life, so I often forget just how amazing it is. The vibe, the culture, the food, the arts… I could go on.

(Did I mention the diehard Leafs fans? Yeah, the dream just won’t die.)

Of course, when visiting a world-class city like Toronto, there’s no shortage of things to do. And if you’re visiting my fair city, you’re in luck – from thrill rides to theatre shows, sports to scenic tours, Toronto offers the best in family entertainment!

Turn your trip to Toronto into jam-packed days of discovery by partaking in these fun-filled attractions and activities – targeted toward school-aged children, but guaranteed to please kids (and kids at heart) of all ages.

1. The CN Tower

It’s no secret – children like to climb to the top of things (and the taller, the better). Mini daredevils can enjoy a bird’s eye view of Toronto and surrounding area from the observation deck at the CN Tower, the tallest free standing structure in the world. Take an adrenaline-pumping ride up in a glass elevator and capture the heart-stopping moment when your child jumps on the glass floor.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA Where to stay: Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre. Bordered by Yonge, Carlton, Church and Wood Streets, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre is in the centre of it all. Some of the finest shopping venues in the world such as the Toronto Eaton Centre, the shops at Yorkville, Holt Renfrew, The Bay, Winners, Marshall’s and Bed Bath and Beyond are only minutes from its doorstep.

The entrance to the Yonge/College Subway line, part of Toronto’s famous TTC, and the main artery of the city, is less than a block from the hotel, providing immediate access to all attractions, shopping, dining, hospitals, theatres and the financial district. Jump aboard and visit The CN Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario, Air Canada Centre, Rogers Centre, Dundas Square, Ripley’s Aquarium and more. …

The Experiential Vacation

March 18, 2015 By Lena

One word: VACATION. Now tell me quickly – what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

Chances are, the words “beach”, “poolside” or “sun” likely popped in your head first. (Or, if you’re like some of my friends, “margaritas”.) However, for a growing number of people, vacations are also a time to embark on a new adventure or pursue a personal interest. As a recent TD survey found, approximately three-quarters (74 per cent) of Canadians have already taken or are interested in taking an experiential vacation, and almost two-thirds (62 per cent) would consider it if they could find ways to save on the cost of those trips.

So, what are these experiential vacations?
vacatio1ns I could easily add to this list: art classes in Paris, culinary tours in Japan, zip-lining in Central America or going on safari in Africa. As for experimenting in my own city? Hey, I’ve heard there’s some pretty spectacular shopping downtown :)

Sounds amazing, right? However, it’s not surprising to hear that more than half (53 per cent) of those surveyed expect an experiential vacation to cost more than a normal one. And while an organized savanna tour can definitely set you back a few more $$, the reality is, planning (and affording) an incredible experiential vacation is actually within reach for many. …

Whatever You Love, It Lives Here.

February 25, 2015 By Lena

I’m pretty sure – in fact, I’m almost 100% certain – that in a past life, I was a Texan.

Now before you laugh and say, “Sure, Lena!”…. think about it: I love big hair. In fact, I keenly subscribe to the notion the higher the hair, the closer to God. Next, I say “y’all” at least once every day, and according to a search of my entire site, y’all appears in 286 blog posts.

I’m not making this up. Hand on heart, y’all.

Finally, I’ve been known to whip out my “Real Girls Eat Meat” t-shirt over the summer months, even though I’ve been ridiculed by my vegetarian friends. And to them, I say relax! Eat a burger.
newtex Therefore, it’s obvious to me that a) I’ve either lived as a Texan in a previous lifetime, or b) I am a Texan at heart, and am long overdue for a vacation to the Lone Star State. …

Travel in Style: Pack N’ Go with Heys!

June 6, 2014 By Lena

Note: The following giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only.

It’s Murphy’s Law: Anything that can go wrong will go wrong. So, if you’re tired and cranky after a 12-hour flight, and your cell phone is dead and your ears are popping, and you can’t remember how much you purchased abroad so you “guesstimated” on the customs declaration form… then of course your suitcase will be searched.

And, as you stroll towards the dreaded room reserved for security checks, there is only ONE thing on your mind… What does my packed suitcase look like?

Because the only thing worse than a customs agent discovering that Michael Kors hobo handbag you totally forgot to declare (and rip the tags off – amateur mistake there) is the realization that in about 2 minutes, he’ll be rifling through a cornucopia of dirty laundry, grungy ballet flats, various forms of birth control and a large bottle of Vodka. (NOT that this has happened to me.)

So what can you do to avoid this dreaded encounter? Well, practically nothing – cause if you’re gonna get searched, you’re gonna get searched. But you can avoid the panic over a less-than-pristine suitcase: just travel in style with Heys Pack N’ Go Travel Bags.

Heys Pack N Go Great for any trip, Pack N’ Go Travel bags help you save space and keep you stylishly organized.

Available in three colours to suit every fancy, the travel bags are attractively priced at under $20 a piece. Mix and match or buy more than one bag depending on your own packing style and needs. But most importantly, keep your suitcase organized – and prevent your dirty socks from wrapping themselves around your curling iron :)

Now it’s no secret that I’m an organizing junkie when it comes to family travel, preferring to make elaborate lists, printing off much more paperwork than needed, and triple checking everything I’ve packed (so we don’t repeat The Case of the Missing Sunscreen).

In fact, I’m pretty sure a trip to Walt Disney World once necessitated a Venn Diagram.

Hence, you can probably guess the reasons behind my instant attraction to Heys Pack N’ Go Travel Bags.

Pack N’ Go – Clothes Packing Cube: The Pack N’ Go Clothes Packing Cube comes with unique features that help maximize space and make packing fun. Available in three colours, this packing cube is fully lined with a washable material, has an exterior pocket, and is a lightweight solution to organizing clothing on the go. Price: $14.99

Pack N’ Go – Compressible Laundry Bag: The Pack N’ Go Compressible Laundry Bag comes with unique features that help maximize space and make packing fun. This compact pouch turns inside-out into a large drawstring bag to store your laundry. Price: $9.97

Pack N’ Go – Compressible Sandals Bag: The Pack N’ Go Compressible Sandals Bag comes with unique features that help maximize space and make packing fun. This compact pouch turns inside-out into a large drawstring bag to store your footwear. Price: $9.97

Pack N’ Go – Shoe Bag: The Pack N’ Go Shoe Bag comes with unique features that help maximize space and make packing fun. This packing cube is fully lined with a washable material, has an exterior pocket, and keeps your shoes separate from the rest of your belongings. Price: $12.99

Pack N’ Go – Toiletry Bag: The Pack N’ Go Toiletry Bag comes with unique features that help maximize space and make packing fun. This compact bag features several compartments and pockets to hold all your toiletry essentials, and a hanging hook to keep your counter space clear. Price: $19.99 …

Need an Escape? The World’s Best Beaches

March 21, 2014 By Lena

Mother Nature, how I detest thee! *ONE* day after welcoming Spring, Toronto is set to welcome 5cm of snow tonight.

Now normally, I’d curl up in a ball with a note attached: “Wake me up when April ends.” However, just in time to pull me from the grips of depression, TripAdvisor has released their annual list of The Best Beaches in the World. To some, it serves as inspiration when planning a tropical getaway. To me, it serves as a reminder that somewhere on this great planet, it is sunny and warm. And that gives me the strength to persevere.

Topping the list this year is Baia do Sancho in Fernando de Noronha, Brazil. The rankings are based on trusted reviews and advice from real travellers, adding an element of confidence and authenticity to the selections. The list of 25 beaches covers the world – everywhere from Providenciales, Turks and Caicos to Camps Bay, South Africa. But my money is on Elafonissi Beach in Elafonissi, Greece pictured below… I think there’s just something about pink sand and turquoise water that is so me.

Click here to see the entire list of The World’s Best Beaches. Tell me – which beach will you visit first?

This is Fifth Avenue…

September 24, 2012 By Lena

Last week when @ShopwithRobin and I visited New York City, I had to defend my decision to fly in at the ungodly hour of 6:30am.

“But why so early?” she asked, politely questioning my sanity.
“I want to walk around New York on a crisp fall morning,” I replied. (I’m so romantic.)

After all, the conference was in the heart of the Fashion District, and I simply couldn’t let the chance to pound the pavement in Manhattan go to waste.

And so we suffered through a 4:30am wake-up call and boarded our flight bound for the Big Apple. Once we arrived, I requested that our cab driver let us off at Fifth Avenue, and after an hour or so of sightseeing, we would walk the rest of the way to the conference. Thank goodness for the impeccable weather; we were given the opportunity to experience the city in comfort.

I had strict instructions for Robin – find out which way the shops were… and we’d walk the other way. Robin and I experienced Fifth Avenue as a native New Yorker would – walking to work; catching the subway, or descending from one of the very trendy (or very decrepit) apartment buildings.

Here are a few of my favourite pictures from the other side of Fifth Avenue. (Captions appear below the photo.)

Staples Who? The iconic W.B. Mason trucks were spotted at almost every block, unloading office supplies and stationary. Love the whimsical look and feel… made me want to order up a printer.

Only on Fifth Avenue can you glance up and realize you’re looking at the iconic Empire State Building. Every time I look at the building I can’t help but think of Evelyn McHale – the most beautiful suicide – and wonder what the last thought was that went through her mind. And then, I’m thankful that my two feet are firmly planted on the sidewalk….

Fisher-Price: Picture This…

July 7, 2012 By Lena

Last week, I had the amazing opportunity to tour the Fisher-Price Headquarters in East Aurora, New York. Along with three other #FisherPriceMoms, we were offered the chance to go behind the scenes and witness everything from the history of the company, child photos shoots, the famed Fisher-Price Play Lab (a toy testing facility) and the design and innovation behind the brand.

(We also stayed at a “haunted” hotel. No kidding. The concierge had a few stories he was dying to share with us; I opted not to hear them, but fellow bloggers had a great time learning about the Roycroft Inn’s colourful – and sometimes eerie – past!)

Going through hundreds of photos, I couldn’t decide how I best wanted to sum up the experience. Should I spend time chatting about the Play Lab? How about the competition surrounding “Making a Box?” And I definitely wanted to touch on how Fisher-Price always puts child safety first – above and beyond any other toy company. In the end, I decided to divvy up the posts for a later date, and let the pictures do the talking for now (with a little help from photo captions).

You should know: Photography was forbidden in many areas of Fisher-Price HQ – understandably – as they have trade, patent and design secrets that they don’t necessarily want to make public. So although I’ve alluded to several awesome aspects of the tour; alas, it will remain for #FisherPriceMoms eyes and ears only :)

And so, without further ado, I welcome you to the Fisher-Price Headquarters……

One Hand in the Air for the Big City

November 8, 2011 By Lena

…New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of
There’s nothin’ you can’t do!
Now you’re in New York;
These streets will make you feel brand new
Big lights will inspire you!
Let’s hear it for New York, New York, New York…

Last week I had the awesome opportunity to attend a Tommee Tippee press event in New York City with other fabulous digital women. I can’t wait to tell you all about the incredible lineup of products; the science and ingenuity that go behind the brand – even about how my ovaries ached when confronted with baby monitors, sippy cups and breast pumps.

(To tell the truth; before the press trip, I knew very little about Tommee Tippee. And now I’m quite the #fangirl.)

My wrap up of the event – and all the juicy information about Tommee Tippee products – is certainly on its way. In the meantime, I’d love to share some phone pics that I randomly snapped throughout the day. Oh yes – did I mention we had over 6 hours to ourselves to pound the pavement? Let’s just say a crisp, fall afternoon in Manhattan is definitely my cup of tea….

Win a $10,000 Dream Canadian Vacation!

October 31, 2011 By Lena

VACATION.

va·ca·tion/ vāˈkāSHən/

SPRING 2007, THE LAST TIME
I WAS WINE TASTING IN NOTL

Noun: An extended period of recreation, esp. one spent away from home or in traveling.

I totally had to look that one up, because it’s been over four (4!) years since my last one. (Something about two pregnancies and two little boys have thrown a monkey wrench in my plans.) And the thing is, I’m not looking to jet-set across the globe; wine tasting, sightseeing and high tea in Niagara-on-the-Lake, ON would hit the spot nicely.

Very nicely, indeed.

Well, I’m one step closer to realizing my dreams of the ultimate Canadian Vacation – I’ve entered CentrSource’s DREAM BIG CANADA contest!

Besides the Grand Prize of a $10,000 Canada Vacation Voucher (!!!), there are eight (8) weekly secondary prizes of $500 gift cards to be won. The best part? Even if you win a secondary prize, you are still eligible to win the grand prize as well! Now THAT would be awesomesauce….

BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light

May 31, 2011 By Lena

There are only a handful of companies I can always count on to make my life easier. BABYBJÖRN is one of those companies.

It’s no secret that one of my most coveted products for Baby Reid was the Babysitter Balance; one year and hours of happy bouncing later, I daresay its one of the most thoughtfully designed baby products I’ve ever had the pleasure of reviewing.

So it comes as no surprise that when in the market for a travel crib, I looked to BABYBJÖRN first. An essential for travel across the country (or just from room to room), the Travel Crib Light is the perfect way to keep baby contained – and content.

The good folks at BABYBJÖRN sent Reid a silver crib (pictured above). From the very first day, it has become one of the most popular products in our home.

Lena Loves:

Convenience. The BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light weighs only 11 pounds (5 kg) – that’s light enough for grandparents or even older siblings to tote around. The case’s practical handles make it as easy to carry as an ordinary bag; no more awkward golf bag setups like most standard playards. And the sleek styling makes it a pleasure to cart through the airport – I’ve never been able to match the bright juvenile patterns of other playpen shells with my crocodile Prada handbag, know what I mean?

Easy set up. Forget directions. Even my husband – Bizarro World’s equivalent of a handyman – was able to figure this one out. There are exactly three things you need to know: unzip bag, remove frame and shake to standing, insert mattress. That’s it – less than 30 seconds of your precious time. Don’t believe me? Watch this:

[youtube_sc url=”http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pwH74r4b2E?rel=0″]

My husband and I took the Travel Crib Light Challenge – while he came in at about 22 seconds, I was well behind at 41 seconds. Of course, I competed while holding an excited, wiggling baby in one arm – proof that not only does the travel crib set up in under a minute, but it can also be set up one-handed.

Safety and Comfort. I want to stress that although your wee one will likely have fun hanging out in the crib, it’s not a playard. The Travel Crib Light is a safe, comfortable place for your child to sleep when you’re on the go. Made with high quality and machine washable Oko-Tex Standard 100 (class 1) approved fabrics, it translates into peace of mind for parents and a good night’s sleep for baby. The BABYBJÖRN base sits directly on the floor and the frame fans out wider at the bottom. This ingenious design prevents tipping from both sides of the crib and makes it a safe environment for both baby and siblings.

Now have you ever felt the “mattress” that comes with a standard playard? More like a piece of cardboard, right? Well, the Travel Crib Light’s one-piece waterproof mattress is both plush and breathable, allowing for a sleeping experience as close to baby’s crib as possible.

If you think you won’t have a use for the product, consider this: I’ve traveled very lightly in the past year – not enough to qualify me as a world adventurer. The reason I find the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light so convenient is the ability to take it from room to room in literally seconds. I always have a comfortable, safe place for Reid to chill out while I go about my day, and if he happens to nod off in the cozy environment – well, I’m not complaining at all :)

Here’s the Travel Crib Light in “Action” –

REID WAVING FROM HIS FAVOURITE PLACE TO CHILL

CAN YOU SPOT THE CRIB AMIDST THE CLUTTER
DURING MY RECENT RENO-CATION?

EVEN RYDER LIKES TO CRASH IN THE CRIB – IT’S SO COZY
AND COMFY, IT’S JUST LIKE OLD TIMES!

As you can see in th last picture, even a ridiculously tall 3-year old can enjoy a nice siesta in the travel crib. Guess there’s just something about the plush, soft environment that makes him all sleepy!

The crib retails for CDN $329.99 and can be purchased at major retailers across North America. In the Greater Toronto Area, look for it at Dear-Born Baby and Babies R Us.

Click here to learn more about the BABYBJÖRN Travel Crib Light.