Tips: Seeking Travel Mom Balance

I'm a mom. I'm a mom who likes to travel. So I guess that makes me a Travel Mom. But, I'm always a mom first, traveler second. How can you take that much-needed kid-free getaway and feel confident that your children are secure and happy in your absence?

Follow these 5 Cs of Travel to achieve

Travel Mom Balance.

1. Consult Calendar. For me, it's easiest to travel when my children are in school. Then, Grandma or Dad (or whoever is watching my children) can have the day free. However, to minimize scheduling delimmas, check the calendar to make sure you won't be traveling during standardized testing, sports playoffs, the science fair, or a band concert.
2. Communicate. With a bit of advance preparation, you can communicate with your children in creative ways. You can pre-write daily notes that remind children of their schedule and update them on your itinerary. Children look forward to opening a new note each day. You could also send an email update each day to describe your activities. If you're traveling with your laptop, upload photos you have taken and post them on your blog or email a few to your children. Call home at a specific time each day to check in. (Take note of time-zone differences.)
3. Cram. Most of my kid-free trips are weekend getaways. These short jaunts are less disrupting to our family's schedule and are easier to coordinate. Plan ahead to make the most of your time away. Before you leave, research the "must see" attractions, then choose 3 to 5 places you plan to visit. Buy tickets or make dining reservations ahead of time to ensure availability and to prevent waiting in long lines. If you're flying, book a nonstop flight to minimize travel time.
4. Stay, calm, cool, and collected. It's normal to worry while you're away. Most likely, your children will be fine without you. If you seem nervous before you leave, your children may feed off your energy and become nervous, too! Before your depature date, hold a planning meeting so your kids can be a part of your trip. Also, discuss their schedule ahead of time so things will run smoothly once you leave. Consider buying them a small gift (such as a DVD or storybook) to enjoy while you're away. Or let them plan a special activity (a movie or dinner out) with their care giver so they don't feel left out of the travel excitement.
5. Company. Sometimes, you may want to rethink your trip plans. Is the destination suited for families and children? Consider making the trip a family trip. Take advante of "kids stay free" or "kids eat free" offers to stretch your travel budget. Sometimes witnessing the excitement of your children and seeing a destination through their eyes is as invigorating and as rejuvenating as an adult-only getaway. Sometimes a change of scenery, rather than a "sans children" trip, is what you really need. (And may be what your kids need, too.) But notice, I did say sometimes!

Product Review: Powerstep insoles

Let's face it: A mom sacrifices a lot for her children. Her time. Her money. Her patience. Her plantar facsia. After four pregnancies, my feet have changed a bit. My arches are not as pronounced as before. My foot changes and my constant "on the go" behavior have taken a toll on my feet.

My podiatrist recommended Powerstep orthodic supports. These insoles can be purchased over-the-counter and provide, according to my doctor, the best support next to custom-made orthodics. They are priced around $30. These insoles cushion the heel and provide amazing shock-absorbtion.

I wear the full-length model in my athletic shoes. A slimtech version (for more fasionable shoes) is also available. Powersteps support my feet and minimize pain . . . especially when traveling!

Check out this product at http://www.powersteps.com/

Other foot advice:

1) Wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes. Although often easier said than done, you can find comfortable walking shoes and dress shoes. Here are some suggestions. Visit the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine's website for more information: http://www.aapsm.org/

Walking Shoes:

Brooks Addiction Walker

New Balance 926 or 844

Saucony Grid Motion

Running Shoes:

Adidas Adistar Control

Asics Gel Kayano

Brooks Adrenaline or Addiction

Dress Shoes - brands:

Aravon, Beautifeel, Dansko, Finn Comfort, Rockport, Selby

(list was provided compiled through independent testing by Prolab Orthotics)

2) Stretch your plantar fascia by putting your toes against the wall, keeping your heel on the floor, and hold for 30 seconds. Repeat 5 times. (Place your hands on the wall for support.)

3) Try ibuprofen for pain and inflammation.

4) Use an ice pack for 10-15 minutes. Or, you can roll your foot over a frozen water bottle.

5) Like me, contact your podiatrist if the pain continues.

My Most Recent Travel Value - NYC at Christmas

My mom has always wanted to go to New York City, especially at Christmastime to see the Rockettes. So, my sister and I took our parents to NYC this past December. Along with the Rockettes, we booked a private car tour to see the city at night, viewed Macy's decorated windows, enjoyed the Rockefeller tree, and visited the Impressionism wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

New York is not exactly the cheapest of cities to visit. So how did we manage a weekend getaway full of VALUE? Here are some tips to help you achieve a Christmas memory as valuable (and irreplaceable) our ours!

1) Go early in the month.
We visited the first weekend of December. All the decorations were up, but the crowds weren't unmanageable. Plus, we were able to save about 20% on our Rockettes tickets because it wasn't "prime season," yet.

2) Book your hotel early to ensure availability and lower rates.
I booked our hotel in May! And I found a hotel in a somewhat unusual location: New Jersey. We stayed at the Courtyard Jersey City, just across the water from Manhattan. The rates were at $200 p/night. Our room was large (not just by NY standards, but by any standards) with 2 beds, plus a sleeper sofa. The hotel was quiet, the staff was friendly and helpful, and the hotel was next door to the Pavonia PATH station. We easily grabbed a train into Manhattan, which took about 20 minutes to get to 33rd street (Macy's Department Store). Other Courtyard properties in Manhattan were as high as $500 p/night! We got the same service and amenities for minimal travel time. (Tip: If you don't want to pay for the hotel breakfast, grab a tastey toasted bagel sandwich across the street at Cosi's.)

3) Bundle up and walk (or take the subway).
We spent a lot of time walking--and we were able to stumble upon unexpected treasures: decorated store windows, open-air holiday markets, and food stands. We loved being part of the "pedestrian energy" that is so New York. We also saved a lot of money on cab fare by using the Subway. The subway is safe, affordable, and quicker than a cab. Buy a reloadable Metrocard to ensure the lowest fare.

4) Find cheaper ways to see the Must Sees.
You can get amazing views of the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island Ferry. And it's free. On the way to Staten Island, stay on the right side to get great photos of Liberty Island and Ellis Island. When you arrive at Staten Island, disembark, then re-embark for your journey back to Manhattan. Stay on the left of the ferry to get great views of Brooklyn Bridge.

Admission to the Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) is usually $20. But visit on Friday night (4:00-8:00 p.m.), and admission is free. My favorite picks: Van Gogh's Starry Night, Picasso's Les Demoiselles D'Avignon, and Warhol's Campbell's Soup Cans.

If you are visiting on Sunday, attend mass at St. Patrick's cathedral. (There are several services.) Enjoy the acoustics, the architectural, and a spiritual experience . . . for free.

5) Take advantage of lunch specials and prix-fixe menus.
We ate at a top-notch restaurant near Rockefeller Center at lunch time. We may have had smaller portions, but we enjoyed the ambiance and paid a lot less. We also dined at Becco's, a bustling Italian restaurant on 46th street. We enjoyed salad and 3-pastas (all we could eat) for one price (under $25). When we ate a hearty lunch, we were satisfied with a simple (i.e., less expensive) dinner.

6) Don't be afraid to Splurge--it's about value, not the actual dollar amount.
We surprised our parents with a private car tour with "My Kind of Town New York" tours. The cost of our 4-hour customized tour was about the price of us attending a Broadway show. The tour was unique, educational, and inspiring. It was not just a tour, it was an authentic New York experience led by a knowledgeable Brooklyn native. (See my upcoming review on "My Kind of Town NY" for more details.)

7) Do something unique . . . make it your own!
I researched ahead of time (yes, research and preparation are key to finding value) to find a unique Christmas experience. I learned online about Dyker Heights (an Italian neighborhood in Brooklyn). We asked our driver, Jamie, to take us there. The Christmas lights and oversized inflatables were a bit garish, but the effect was also grand and glorious! Our mother will gloat about this amazing light display for years to come. Now, that's value at its best.

(Now for a bit of self promotion: There are foodies. There are TV junkies. There are Manhattan-files. I am a bit of the latter two, especially when the Travel Channel runs a special on NYC. As a travel specialist, I can offer a unique perspective of NYC since I have traveled there numerous times. If you are interested in visiting, link to my Palace Court Travel website and send me an email.)

Travel Economics 101

A relaxing vacation can provide an escape from the stresses of our present economical situation. But is this temporary relaxation worth the financial investment?

According to Bob Wan, "Mr. Vacation Economist," money spent on a vacation CAN add to economic recovery! Mr. Wan encourages us to seek out travel experiences that provide value, meaning that we get a good return for our money.

Examples of TRAVEL VALUE:

• educational experiences
• cherished memories
• strengthened relationships with family

"Money spent on travel has a high velocity as it changes hands many times; a traveler instantly stimulates the economy of everywhere he or she visits" (as quoted in travelgirl, Dec.-Jan. 09).