What She Said

Tips for making March Break a relaxing break for everyone! by Jennifer Shannon, VP Sales and Marketing at Shop.ca

in Innovation, Travel on

March Break should be an amazing time that everyone looks forward to and comes home with amazing memories that will last a lifetime.  There are a few things you can do and few key items you should have in your repertoire to ensure that this March Break is the best family vacation ever.  Check out our travel store at the link below for all of your travel essentials.  Here are my tips for making this March Break a relaxing break for everyone!  Happy Trails!   – by Jennifer Shannon, VP Sales and Marketing at SHOP.CA

http://www.shop.ca/p/wanderlust-travel

PLAN AHEAD

– I say this a lot but…MAKE A LIST – list everything you need in one place and check everything off as it is completed, packed, taken care of- this will remove a huge stress point of prepping for a family vacation
– have some idea of what your itinerary will look like so you can make a packing list accordingly
– make sure you know all of the activities that you and your family will participate in and ensure that you have all of the gear that you need or that you purchase those items well in advance of your trip
– make sure you have all of your documents well in advance- tickets, passports, itineraries etc.

Polaroid 7-inch Kids Tablet $169.99

TDK A12 Wireless Portable Speaker $59.99

Fujifilm FINEPIX XP75 $189.99

  • Adventure-proof features and 5x Optical Zoom Lens (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof)
  • Original “one touch” wireless transfer to your smartphone or tablet lets you share high image quality on the spot
  • Action camera mode allows you to shoot fast-moving video!
  • Advanced Filters work with movies and photos
  • Bright, Clear LCD with Anti-Reflective Coating
  • http://www.shop.ca/c/fujifilm-finepix-xp75-blue-074101023916-24747346

AViiQ Extendable Bluetooth Selfie Stick $34.99

  • Available in Green, Orange, Blue, Pink and Black.
  • Perfect for taking self-portrait photos/videos, capture photos above the crowds or hard to reach elevations
  • All-in-one extendable selfie wand with built-in Bluetooth remote shutter can extend your phone up to 100cm away
  • Adjustable device holder to fit different smart phones
  • Compatible with Andriod and iOS Apple smartphones
  • http://www.shop.ca/c/aviiq-extendable-bluetooth-selfie-wand-green-AV-CESW-G1GR-24538112

MAKE YOUR KIDS PART OF THE PLANNING PROCESS

-get a dedicated carry on bag that is just for each child and have them pack it with the essentials with your guidance
-get them a dedicated camera, selfie stick and charge them with capturing key memories during your vacation- have them write right on the picture what they loved about that moment- use the photos to make a collage or photo album in their room following the trip
-ask them about their top hope for the vacation is and do what you can to incorporate their ask- it will make them feel special

MAKE A BUDGET AND STICK TO IT

-vacations can be an incredible escape but costs on site can rack up quickly
-track your spending using an app that shows you a running total so you can see where you are at- avoid surprise credit card bills when you get home
-choose all inclusive whenever you can and then sit back and relax knowing everything is taken care of
-choose accommodations that allow you to prepare meals- will save HUGE costs in eating out and will allow your family to spend quality time together – cooking on vacation is so much more relaxed than weeknight rush meals

PACK WELL AHEAD OF TIME

-get a great suitcase that is durable and has lot’s of built in storage compartments
-make a list of all planned activities and plan to get everything in the suitcase well in advance
– trying to find a bathing suit or a pair of ski goggles last minute while on vacation can be a costly mistake- ensure you have everything you will need for your vacation
-choose a GREAT handbag that you can use as a carry on while traveling and then use during your vacation as a beach bag etc.
-pack smart and carry less- use great accessories like scarves, great sandals, earrings and sunglasses to dress up a Little Black Dress or solid coloured outfits you can wear throughout the week with different accessories
-be strict about the amount you pack- ask yourself, is this fourth pair of shoes going to make or break my vacation
-pack travel sized toiletries and all in one items to save space

Mereadesso Face and Neck Cleanser $45.00

Mereadesso All in One Moisturizer 50 mL $120.00

Tumi Alpha Bravo Monterey Sling Bag $255.00

SNACKS

-Whether you are traveling by car, plan, bus or train, a well-stocked travel bag with snacks will be your best friend
-nuts, seeds, raisins, dried fruit, crackers, cheese
-be sure to bring a great water container so you can refill throughout your journey and stay hydrated

BE PREPARED FOR DELAYS OR DOWN TIME

-if the ride is long, or there is an unexpected delay or a few moments that you need to print boarding passes or call your travel agent, you will be prepared
-tablets loaded with great educational apps
-eReaders loaded with their favourite books- can also allow for family story time while on vacation
-crayons and paper in a zip lock bag to contain the mess

Polaroid 7-inch Kids Tablet $169.99

TDK A12 Wireless Portable Speaker $59.99

Fujifilm FINEPIX XP75 $189.99

  • Adventure-proof features and 5x Optical Zoom Lens (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof)
  • Original “one touch” wireless transfer to your smartphone or tablet lets you share high image quality on the spot
  • Action camera mode allows you to shoot fast-moving video!
  • Advanced Filters work with movies and photos
  • Bright, Clear LCD with Anti-Reflective Coating
  • http://www.shop.ca/c/fujifilm-finepix-xp75-blue-074101023916-24747346

ENJOY YOUR TRIP!

-March Break is exactly that- A BREAk
-make sure you build in time to relax
-don’t overschedule your family- building a sandcastle can be an incredible experience
-capture a few key memories but make your trip tech free as much as possible
-disconnect and be in the moment- your kids will remember the gift of time much more than you think