A Must-Read Summertime Guide to Snorkeling Gear for Kids

May 7, 2018 by Mandy

If you’re planning on letting your little one dip their toes in the water this summer, make sure that they’re safe and have the best snorkeling gear for kids!

Imagine your child out there snorkeling, having fun, looking at all the colorful fishes, but then uh oh! There is water leaking into their mask and mouthpiece, and now they are running (or swimming) at you to complain. Don’t be that mom!

If snorkeling is one of the activities on your family’s summer destination, DON’T let your kids into the water until you read this guide on how to pick the best and safest snorkeling gear for kids.

There are many brands out there for children’s snorkel gear but unfortunately, they are not all created equal. It can be a bit of a challenge to find the perfect snorkel gear for your kids but don’t worry, mommies! We’ve got you covered.

Here is a guide to everything you need to know about picking the best snorkeling gear for your kids.

How to Pick the Best Snorkeling Gear for Kids

A complete snorkeling gear consists of several things: a mask, a snorkel, a pair of fins. However, we would also highly recommend a snorkel vest for a safe snorkeling experience and a wetsuit if your child will be swimming in cold waters.

Snorkeling gear can be purchased separately or together as a set. Most sets will come with three of the basic items:

the mask
the snorkel
the fins

We’ll go into details about how to choose each one but before you shop, make sure the retailer allows you to return or exchange the items because there is a high chance that the item might not fit or is uncomfortable for your child.

If you can, try to shop in person with your child that way they can try on the products on the spot but if you can’t, make sure you leave enough time to do that before your trip in case you need to make an exchange.

What You’re Looking For

The most important factor when looking for children’s snorkeling gear is that it doesn’t leak. Leaking in the mask will block their views which is annoying and can ruin the whole experience. Leaking in the snorkel would be dangerous if the child doesn’t know how to blow the water back out and they can end up swallowing it.

Next, would be the comfort and only the person who’s wearing it can tell you this. Even if everything looks like it fits, ask your child if it’s comfortable. Fins that are slightly scratchy might be okay now but after an hour or so, it’ll be very uncomfortable.

Now, let’s get to the individual pieces:

Mask

When looking for the best snorkel mask for kids, the most important thing you need to focus on is the fit. Simply put, if the fit is too loose, water will seep through and if it’s too tight, it’ll hurt and affect circulation.

To ensure a mask fits properly, follow these steps:

Without putting the straps on, place the mask on top of your child’s face gently just to see if there are any obvious holes and gaps. If there are, try another one.
Once you find one where there are no obvious gaps, have your child wear it with the strap and adjust it until it is not too loose or too tight. A mask that is too loose will fall off easily if your child shakes their head. A mask that is too tight will leave an outline on their face instantly.
Now, carefully examine the entire skirt of the mask (all the parts that touch the face) and make sure there are no holes or gaps anywhere. Pay special attention to the areas where leaks most frequently occur like the temples or the simile lines.
If you can, have your child inhale with the mask on without the straps and see if the mask stays on. If it does, the mask is a good fit for them. If it doesn’t stay on, you should keep looking but we also know sometimes young children have trouble performing this activity.

Snorkel

The snorkel is the tube piece that your child has to bite down on and that will allow them to breathe.

A common problem with snorkels is that the mouthpiece that goes inside the mouth (the rubber knobs) is too big. When this happens, it will be very uncomfortable for your child and water will leak in. Your child should be able to bite down on the mouthpiece comfortably and it should fit snugly, creating a seal from outside water.

Most masks and snorkels are sold together so if either doesn’t fit well, you’ll have to pick something else. If you’re having trouble finding one where both pieces fit your child, look for a full face snorkel mask instead. Full face snorkel masks cover the entire face which can be great if your child has trouble holding down the snorkel mouthpiece. However, some children can find this restrictive.

Two additional terms you need to know about snorkels is “purge snorkel” and “dry snorkel.”

Purge snorkels allow children to blow out any water that gets in.
Dry snorkels have an additional piece that prevents water from coming through the top of the snorkel.

Fins

Good snorkel fins are generally pretty easy to find. The most important thing about choosing them is that it fits your child’s feet.

Nowadays, most snorkel fins are adjustable so they grow with your child and you won’t have to buy a new pair every year.

Or, if your child finds the straps annoying or uncomfortable which will affect their swimming, you can buy full foot snorkeling fins which some people prefer.

The last thing to note is how rigid or soft the fins are. The softer they are, the easier it is for your child to swim, especially if they are a beginner swimmer.

Snorkel Vest

A snorkel vest is crucial for your child’s safety. They are a little different from normal swimming vests because they allow the child to face down and have additional straps to keep them in place.

The only time we’d say it would be okay for your child to go without one is if they’ll be in the pool with an adult and you know they’re a strong swimmer. Without these circumstances, a snorkel vest is an absolute must whether they’re a good swimmer or not.

In addition to safety, the vest will also just give them a better experience because they won’t have to work as hard to stay afloat.

There are plenty of good snorkel vests in the market so choosing one won’t be that hard at all. The hardest part will be choosing the color and most of them are bright to help parents spot their child easily.

Wetsuit

A wetsuit is not a must if your child will only be swimming in the pool but if they’ll be out in the ocean, you might want to get one. A wetsuit will keep them dry and warm and let them stay in the water longer.

Before you buy one, make sure it’s the right size. A good one should fit snugly around the neck, the wrists, and the ankles. You can buy a full body wetsuit or a short-sleeved wetsuit depending on your child’s preference.

Just as a heads up though, some kids like getting wet in the water. It’s part of the fun for them so they may not want one.

Snorkel Sets

Snorkel sets are an economical and convenient way to buy all of the essential pieces together. Basic snorkel sets include the mask, snorkel, and fins. They generally cost about $40-$50. Considering that most masks and snorkels already cost around $30, a snorkel set can be a good deal.

We would recommend buying a set if your child is new to snorkeling and you do not have a preference for brands. Just make sure you can return them in case only one piece fits your child.

If however, your child has gone snorkeling before and loved it, and you want to invest in some top-quality ones, then buying the pieces separately might be better.

Conclusion

When looking for snorkeling gear for kids, keep comfort, fit, and safety in mind.

If you are able to, bring your child to the store to try on the pieces. If not, make sure the retailer has a return or exchange policy. Sometimes different brands have different size standards so if your child has gone snorkeling before but you’re switching brands, don’t assume they’ll be the same size in a different brand.

Even if everything fits, ask your child if they are comfortable. Sometimes fins can snag, masks might make them itchy, etc. We’re sure you already know, children can be very peculiar.

Ready to Snorkel?

We hope you found these tips helpful in your mission to find the best snorkeling gear for kids. We know it’s not the easiest task but once you find the right ones, your kids will have a blast snorkeling this summer.

Just remember that when you’re shopping, comfort, fit, and safety should always be in the back of your mind. And don’t forget the sunscreen and other travel essentials.

If you would like more expert mommy tips or in need of other fun family activities for the summer, be sure to check us out on our website!

Luxury or Economy: Which Is Better When Vacationing with Kids?

May 2, 2018 by Mandy

It can seem like an extravagance to spend money on a luxury hotel when you have your children with you, so why not save your dollars and go for budget accommodation? There are pros and cons to each choice, but if you normally only go for the economical option, it’s worth considering some of the advantages of going for a more high-end standard of accommodation. Rather than just fixing on the cost, think about the other factors that could play a role in making your vacation special.

Luxury

A five-star hotel like one of the hoteles de 5 Estrellas en Acapulco, or a palatial cabin with waiter service are great ways to live when you’re away, and as adults, you and your partner will be able to appreciate the luxury and high standards of the rooms, service and facilities. You might think this would all be lost on your kids though, who will take very little notice of whether their sheets are Egyptian cotton and be far more interested in finding out if there’s room to play dinosaurs or if there are any other kids staying there. So why would you consider luxury?

Well, it’s your holiday too, so being able to enjoy the benefits of more exclusive surroundings, excellent cuisine and the accompanying levels of hospitality, can make the trip more special and more relaxing for you. You’ll also have fewer worries, as with such high standards and a reputation to maintain, safety and hygiene will be a top priority.

If you are concerned about the kids running amok in the hallways, or waking other guests up when they start crying, try to put your concerns aside. If the hotel isn’t able to cope with children, they wouldn’t have accept your booking, and wherever you stay, the kids could still cause a disturbance to other guests. In a high-quality hotel, noisy children are probably less likely to wake anyone else up anyway, because the walls will have better soundproofing!

Economy

Because it’s cheaper, you can feel you don’t need to worry so much about the noise, or if your toddler draws a self-portrait on the wall with his crayons. The truth is, other guests are just as liable to get put out by noisy kids in a budget hotel as a five star one. If there’s any damage you’ll still have to pay for it, wherever you are. You could also be missing out on the entertainment and activity opportunities a better quality hotel may offer. While safety and hygiene legislation should be adhered to by all levels of accommodation, you won’t get the same quality of food and your rooms are likely to be smaller and less well appointed. If you’ve got a small room with not much space for play, it can result in the kids getting bored more easily, and that’s when the whining starts.

There are hotels and resorts all along the scale between the economical and the luxurious, so you could aim for somewhere in the middle – not so expensive, but better facilities and higher quality than the cheapest places. If you aren’t sure what would be best for your family, have a good look at online reviews to see if they can help you make your mind up.

Hoping for a hassle free holiday with the kids? Read this first!

March 22, 2018 by Mandy

We all know that travelling with the kids to get to our holiday destination is something we usually have to brace ourselves for every year. But sometimes even planning our annual holidays can seem like an impossible task. How do we keep the kids happy? Is a week too long? How can we keep their routine in check? How can we avoid temper tantrums?

Don’t worry, you’re not the only parent with these concerns! Why not check out the ideas below of how you can achieve a hassle free holiday with the kids, that everyone will enjoy?

Your travel insurance

Did you know that many people still don’t invest in travel insurance before they go away? It’s a pretty dangerous game to play, even more so if you’re travelling abroad with your children. Everyone should know why they should have travel insurance and why insurance is important if you lose your medication while abroad. Be smart and get you and your loved ones a policy before you travel.

Plan

You know what they say: fail to plan and you plan to fail! The same applies to planning your trip. There’s nothing worse then heading to a new destination and having no idea what to expect. So, do your homework. See what local attractions are around or see if your hotel has any child-friendly activities or entertainment. By planning ahead, you can easily fit these things into your holiday itinerary and your budget.

Only bring what you need and get the kids involved

If you’re travelling into Europe then chances are that you’ll be able to find a lot of your home comforts there, so don’t worry about packing everything your child likes. While packing their suitcase, get them involved. Which t-shirt don’t they want to take? Let them choose their beach towel, and then that way, if something is forgotten, they won’t make a huge fuss about it!

Take your time

When on holiday, it’s not unusual to want to cram in as many activities and sights as possible during the day, then head out for a slap-up meal on the evening. But this doesn’t always bode well with children. The key thing to remember, is that you’re on holiday, so it’s important that everyone takes time to relax and even time out from each other. Set the pace to what your youngest child can handle, and maybe even set aside a few hours of colouring, reading, napping or just relaxing by the pool or in your hotel room – then you can be ready for round two!

Time out

Leading on from this, it’s also important to remember that even though you might be a very close family unit, being in each other’s company for a straight one or two weeks can get a little intense for everyone. If you and your partner fancy a meal out one evening, then see what baby-sitting facilities the hotel provides. The kids will enjoy some time away from the same company too – for a little while anyway!

Plan An Unforgettable Family Trip To China With These Ideas

March 20, 2018 by Mandy

If you are worried your kids will be sulking and whining about things to do, you can breathe easy for China. Filled with fun attractions, sights and activities for adults and kids alike, your family will never be bored.

There are countless things for the curious. Plenty of new foods, markets, amusements, tours and more to explore. If you are looking to take some of the weight off your back, why not book China private tours now. They will take care of the details and bookings so you don’t have to. Plus, their travel experts and tour guides have insider, local knowledge of the places you’re visiting. Nothing could be simpler!

Fun Family Activities When Visiting China

Great Wall Ski Lift

If you are nervous your kids will spoil the epic trek to the top of the Great Wall of China, don’t risk it. They will be in awe and truly amazed by the lift that towers above the sea and goes on for 723 meters. You will get to see some amazing scenery whilst the kids are entertained and fully experiencing the ride. This is a must for anyone visiting China but doing the ski lift is a sure way to settle the kids and teens.

Chinese Princess Makeovers

What girl doesn’t love dressing up and posing for photos? If you are looking for something special for your little princess to do, why not take them to do a photoshoot! They can dress up as princesses, have their hair and makeup done and feel like a VIP for the day.

Watch Acrobatics

Book tickets to see Chinese acrobats that perform jaw-dropping stunts similar to those seen in superhero movies. No ropes and safety nets required, the amazing stunt men and women know how to wow the audiences and keep them on their feet.

Take Them To A Kung-Fu Class

Why not take the kids for a thrilling session of Kung-Fu with some real masters? Several hotels and tour agencies in China will book child-friendly lessons for a number of martial arts. Your kids can be kept entertained and learn something they may come to love later down the line! They also get introduced to an authentic part of Chinese culture.

Visit The Theme Parks In Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the most exciting cities in China. Full of trains, skyscrapers and more, your kids will have plenty of fun things to do. Take them to a theme park for the day and discover some of the fun-filled attractions China has to offer.

These are just a few of the many things you and your family could be getting up to on your trip to China. There are countless kid-friendly things to do that will make your trip to China completely unforgettable.

5 Ideas for NYC Family Vacations

March 13, 2018 by Mandy

When it’s just you, it’s a lot easier to pack up your bags and head out anywhere on a moment’s notice. But as a mom now, you have to think about how enjoyable a family vacation will be to your kids (and how enjoyable to you if it’s not enjoyable to your kids)!

Sixty million people tour NYC every single year, and many of them do it with families and children. In fact, New York offers a huge array of kid-centric tour stops, and besides, seeing The Big Apple is a veritable “rite of passage” that you want your kids to have growing up and remember for many years to come.

Here are some of the key ways you can make a trip to New York fun for kids and adults alike:

1. Book a Bus Tour

Bus tours are perfect for moms! It’s much safer (and cheaper) to tour the city from the top of a double decker tour bus than in virtually any other way. Bus tours have practically doubled in popularity in just the past 10 years, and it’s easy to see why.

You get a quick overview of a large number of NYC’s most impressive and iconic sites. You can hop on and hop off at different stops and stay as long as you like (with an all day pass). You get meal stops included, with authentic New York cuisine. And you can do it all cheaply and while on a relatively tight schedule.

Click the link to contact a top-tier bus tour agency in New York to learn more or to hurry up and book your tickets online for a discount!

2. Stop at Kids’ Museums

If you think kids can’t keep up a good attention span at a museum, that’s probably because you’ve never taken them to a museum designed specifically for kids.

Kids visiting NYC love the American Museum of Natural History for its IMAX films, Fossil Hall with real-life dead dinosaurs, and the 94-foot-long blue whale model in the Hall of Ocean Life. They also stay entertained at the Sea Space Air Museum with its ships, jets, and shuttles, and at the Madame Tussaud Wax Museum with its wax versions of Bieber, Gaga, and other celebrities.

Plus, don’t overlook the Children’s Museum of Manhattan and the one in Brooklyn, or the Lower East Side Tenement Museum where tour guides reenact the lives of immigrants from yesteryear.

3. Visit Kid-focused Stores

The Toys R Us in Times Square, the Lego Store, FAO Schwartz toy store, and American Girl Place are among the many places kids love to shop in New York. Giant Ferris wheels and huge playable pianos and other interactive features will let them have a great time even if you can’t afford to buy a lot.

And the perfect place to stop right after a hard day’s kid shopping is Dylan’s Candy Bar, where the stools sit on peppermint sticks and the fun and variety of ice cream treats is truly unforgettable.

4. Include Parks & Zoos for Kids

All kids love zoos, and New York offers several that are especially appropriate for kids. A well-timed visit to the Central Park Children’s Zoo will give your kids a chance to feed the sea lions. And Bronx Children’s Zoo’s gorilla forest, butterfly house, and petting zoo are all very popular. You might even want to stay for an overnight safari at the Bronx zoo to get the full experience.

Central Park has much to offer kids, including a puppet show at the Swedish Cottage Theater, a climb up the Alice in Wonderland statue, and a ride on an old-style horse carousel. But also see Bryant Park, which has its own French-style carousel for kids plus other “kid-tractions.”

5. See the Statue of Liberty

Adults and kids alike will love the ferry ride out to Liberty Island to see the Statue of Liberty up close. Sign up ahead for the Junior Ranger Program to make things even more interesting.

And many bus tours give you discounts on Liberty Cruise tickets, so you can save big by bundling.