https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Thu, 23 Apr 2026 10:34:37 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/where-would-you-travel-internationally-with-kids#post-2927624 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 04:21:16 +0000 pachamama 2927624@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have 2 boys, 4 and 7, and am thinking about a big trip with them this summer. We are from NY. Where would you go or where have you been? We are very active and my kids have good stamina. I speak Spanish fluently. (Australia and NZ are too far unfortunately). any idea? TIA </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-resorts#post-2927465 Thu, 08 Sep 2022 20:20:29 +0000 erinbaderin 2927465@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need something to look forward to so I’m trying to plan a winter vacation. Open to destinations, just want somewhere hot and good for families. Bonus points if there are some kind of animal experiences. Anybody been anywhere good? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/solo-vacation#post-2927296 Thu, 28 Jul 2022 11:17:53 +0000 KT326 2927296@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Has anyone done a solo vacation? Where did you go? How long were you gone?</p> <p>I'm tapped out. The last 2.5 years have been a total drain on me. I don't have any girlfriends that can take a trip with me anytime soon. DH travels for work a couple times a month and I just need a break. I WFH and have had the kids with me all summer. </p> <p>Once school starts I really just want to take a long weekend somewhere but I'm stuck on where to go. I live in the SF Bay Area so I have a lot of options. I just can't choose one! Help! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/florida-girls-weekend-recs#post-2927161 Tue, 21 Jun 2022 21:32:04 +0000 LadyDi 2927161@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm trying to plan a girls trip to florida and we need to stick to the Miami area due to flying logistics. However, we are a low key group and our club hopping days are way behind us. Any recommendations on areas to stay in or places to go?</p> <p>Follow up question, we are planning on going in September. I know this is hurricane season. Is this a dumb idea and should we just be looking somewhere else completely? Our other option is NYC. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/atlanta-with-kids#post-2927066 Sat, 21 May 2022 15:01:38 +0000 togetherthroughlife 2927066@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi! Wondering if anyone has any tips or suggestions for Atlanta with two kids, one toddler and one school aged. We will do a Braves game, the Legoland Discovery Center, and the children museum. Not sure what else! I think there’s a splash pad at Piedmont Park? It’s been a few years since we’ve been (we only had one kid last time) and we will be going in the summer so I need suggestions that don’t require burning up outdoors in the sun all the time! I know a lot has changed in some places due to Covid so I’m not even sure some of our previous favorite things are open! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/how-bad-is-spirit-airlines#post-2674846 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 21:17:20 +0000 BeachMama 2674846@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are looking at flying from LA to New Orleans (without kids) and Spirit or Frontier are waaay cheaper than other airlines. But is it worth it? I don't want to be miserable on a 4-6 hour flight. If you've flown either, what was your experience like? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/disney-agent-question#post-2926074 Tue, 11 Jan 2022 15:01:04 +0000 LadyDi 2926074@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hello and welcome to the first of many posts I will probably make about Disney. I am tentatively thinking of our first ever family Disney trip for about a year from now. I chatted on the phone with a local mom/disney agent and she was great, seems to offer a ton of help and concierge services but I was really surprised that she charges a $250 fee. I thought typically travel agents don't charge a fee? Am I being swindled? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/flying-with-kids-covid-tips-for-fooddrink#post-2925495 Tue, 16 Nov 2021 11:44:16 +0000 Myicitygirl 2925495@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi all! We will be flying cross country in a few days and I need some advice on what to pack for us to eat/drink during the long flight. My kids only received their first dose of the vaccine. We know to eat/drink when others are masked, keep the overhead vents blasting, wipe down all surfaces (par for the course) but I want to be prepared to stave off hangry kids and have mask-friendly snacks ready. </p> <p>Pre-covid I would have packed bagels, sandwiches, fruit, granola bars. But what is easy/clean to eat quickly with masks? My 7yo is a MESSY eater! My 9yo is a frustratingly SLOW eater. </p> <p>Has anyone flown with kids recently on a long flight? Any tips on foods and drinks that worked? I asked @Mrs. Bee in the comments on her post: <a href="https://www.hellobee.com/2021/10/27/headed-to-the-us/" rel="nofollow">https://www.hellobee.com/2021/10/27/headed-to-the-us/</a><br /> but hoping for any and all advice! </p> <p>I was thinking about using their old Foogo straw cups for water so they can drink without having to expose their entire mouth to drink. My husband thinks that is unnecessary.</p> <p>Thanks in advance!!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/zionantelope-canyon-w-littles#post-2925470 Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:45:57 +0000 ChitownRo 2925470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi -<br /> We may switch up our usual summer vaca of a lake house in MI and do a national park this summer. Our kids will be 4,6,8. Has anyone taken their kiddos to the southwest? Considering spending a week between Page Az and Zion in mid August. I’d imagine flights to Vegas are pretty cheap that time of year. Seems like highs are mid 90s and lows around 60, but without the Midwest humidity I’m imagining it’s doable?<br /> Thanks for any tips you have! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-resort-experience#post-2924260 Tue, 06 Jul 2021 20:11:50 +0000 periwinklebee 2924260@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Context: Kid free vacation is not an option for us, since we don't have family we can leave the kids with, so I pretty much had figured on no parenting break until my youngest (still in utero) turns 18, lol. And I have not had a vacation, at all, since before my oldest was born. I've undoubtedly been living under a rock, but had never even thought about the concept of a family resort until someone was talking about it in our local parents' fb group. The point seems to be to allow parents to have a pseudo-kid free vacation, while bringing the kids along and giving them a camp like experience. This was the place they were talking about - <a href="https://tylerplace.com/the-experience/" rel="nofollow">https://tylerplace.com/the-experience/</a> Babysitters available for kids too young for the camp experience and for nightlife. </p> <p>Have you done a family resort experience where the kids were doing organized activities/with a babysitter for much of the time? How old were your kid(s) and would you do it again? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/charleston-sc#post-2924308 Fri, 09 Jul 2021 20:38:57 +0000 LadyDi 2924308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>DH and I are taking a kid free long weekend trip to Charleston in October. Would love any and all recommendations! I’m SO EXCITED FOR THIS. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/group-vacation-ideas#post-2923773 Sun, 16 May 2021 14:15:46 +0000 LadyDi 2923773@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're renting a beach house with two other couples and their kids (7 kids under 7....yikes). This our first time on a "friend" vacation with kids. Anyone have any tips, suggestions, funs things to do, or stuff to keep in mind? We're rotating dinners/signature drinks between the couples and created a google doc of things to bring/sign up for. I feel like there's more I should plan....I just don't know what it is! We're staying in a pretty isolated area and won't be doing anything other than going to the beach or hanging out at the pool at the house (not that we want to take that many little kids out in public anyway....HA). </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-been-to-puerto-rico#post-2923580 Wed, 28 Apr 2021 19:21:34 +0000 Cait1 2923580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are thinking about taking a vacation to Puerto Rico next year in the spring with our boys who will be 2 and 6. We would be staying at a resort and would be looking to just hang out at the beach and pool, maybe go on some hikes, and visit some of the historical sites. No clue which particular area yet and a little bit overwhelmed by all the options. I was talking to my dad about it though and he was acting like it is not a safe or family friendly vacation spot. Has anyone been? Did you feel safe? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-pick-a-vacation-1#post-2922651 Tue, 23 Feb 2021 10:15:00 +0000 graceandjoy 2922651@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Planning a small end of summer get away is the only thing keeping me going these days :happy: I am really torn between 2 options; so help me decide and let me know what swayed you! </p> <p>OPTION 1</p> <p>PRO<br /> - Least traveling time (~1-1.5hr) . My 1 year old absolutely hates car rides so I feel like the less we gotta be in the car, the better. Tho he will be 1.5 by then, things can improve.</p> <p>- I am familiar with the area already as this is so close to home, so from a Covid safety standpoint, I feel like I am in control and can navigate enjoying this vacation safely </p> <p>CON<br /> - This is the more expensive option. By $800 roughly. I can still afford it, but obviously would like to save that for next vacation</p> <p>- This is not an all inclusive kinda vacation. There is a pool and small beach, but we would have to get in the car and go out everyday for activities, so more planning, more schlepping back &amp; forth. Would feel bad for DH who has to chauffeur </p> <p>OPTION 1</p> <p>PRO<br /> - The cheaper option! </p> <p>- This IS a more all inclusive kinda place, so once we get there, we pretty much won't need to drive around unless we want to get food.</p> <p>CON<br /> - It's the further drive (~2-2.5 hrs)</p> <p>- I've never been there before, so even though I scoured the internet for reviews, pictures, videos, etc and I do feel comfortable when it concerns Covid safety, ti def gives me just a wee bit more anxiety taking our first vacation since pandemic started to somewhere totally new</p> <p>So far I am leaning towards option 2. The price tag is definitely the most attractive, and I feel like the cons are not deal breakers and my kids would have the most fun there. </p> <p>But I also do feel like spending more, staying closer to home, be somewhere more familiar might be easier for dipping out toes back into the world, esp we haven't gone away with 3 kids... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/i-want-to-move-dream-with-me#post-2919911 Thu, 22 Oct 2020 09:52:44 +0000 foodiebee 2919911@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're about 7 months into working exclusively from home now, and I have to admit, it has me thinking about where I *want* to live, versus having to be where we are for our jobs, on a daily basis! There's a possibility we'll remain this flexible moving forward, which is fueling my "hmmm, where would we go?" thoughts. Want to dream/muse with me? :grin: </p> <p>Our situation: We currently live in the deep south. We're comfortable, cost of living is low, and we have great friends here, but I have always felt like a bit of an expat so to speak, being from the West Coast. I dream of moving somewhere cooler, with access to more arts and culture and better schools (this reason is pretty big for us when we talk of moving). I know we won't move back to the West Coast because of proximity to grandparents, so East Coast it is...</p> <p>How about you? Anyone else musing about relocating now that covid has turned life upside down? *waves* Let's chat! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/beach-umbrella-or-tent#post-2916927 Thu, 02 Jul 2020 07:19:32 +0000 winter_wonder 2916927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Anyone have any recs on beach umbrellas versus tents? We're heading to the beach next week and need to decide which one we want. Thanks! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/hopefully-fun-question-about-florida-vacation#post-2916297 Tue, 09 Jun 2020 14:43:53 +0000 Lilypad 2916297@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Bees -- a (hopefully) fun non-COVID question for those who are familiar with Florida!</p> <p>I am due this fall and my family is thinking about spending the month of February somewhere in Florida. It will be the last month of my leave and the only month of my husband's leave. Where would you go? </p> <p>More information to help narrow it down: we have a four year old who loves to bike and scoot around and spend time at the beach. We are big on walking, so near a walkable downtown would be lovely. Swimming weather would be a bonus (ie 75/80), but we are from the Northeast, so even 65/70 would still be nicer than back home. We would be sad if it rained a lot. </p> <p>We are thinking that for a month, it will likely make sense to rent a home. Our budget is $3,000 or less (ideally less). </p> <p>Any ideas? Can be general area (Destin? West Palm Beach?) or a specific city or neighborhood. Or best of all, a rental property that you loved and that is available!</p> <p>Pretend COVID will not be an issue. (Yes, I know that it likely will, but let's pretend, otherwise it's not any fun.)</p> <p>Thanks in advance! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/scavenger-hunt-with-pictures#post-2909437 Sat, 01 Feb 2020 18:08:37 +0000 winter_wonder 2909437@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I need some ideas for how to pull this off! I'm taking students to Dublin and will have them complete a scavenger hunt of sorts where I want them to take a picture of something representing different categories (e.g., art, food, nature, architecture, etc.). I was hoping to have teams turn them in and then we could all talk about them/present them. Any good ideas for how to get the pictures printed/visible to everyone that day? </p> <p>I'm sure there is a cool way to do this online, but any other ideas? Give each group a disposable camera?! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/help-me-pick-a-family-vacation-destination#post-2830795 Tue, 26 Jun 2018 20:43:04 +0000 DesertDreams88 2830795@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just brainstorming for Summer 2019. Here's my factors:<br /> - Contiguous US<br /> - Preferably a 1-2 day drive from AZ<br /> - Open to a 1-2 day drive from CT<br /> - Inexpensive (!)<br /> - Suitable for family travel with a 3.5 and 1.5 year old<br /> - Nature-oriented options (National or State Parks are our favorite)<br /> - Open to theme parks but neither Disney bc we're saving that for later</p> <p>Things I don't want:<br /> - No New England.... I grew up there and did a ton<br /> - Not humid or temps above 90s<br /> - DH &amp; I have done mostly everything in Southern CA, all of AZ, and most of NV / UT / NM. </p> <p>anddddd...... go! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vacation-budget-for-4#post-2907129 Sat, 28 Dec 2019 15:51:23 +0000 gotkimchi 2907129@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What does everyone budget yearly for vacations for a family of 4? I’m having sticker shock! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/international-travel-with-kids-solo#post-2906639 Fri, 20 Dec 2019 15:09:56 +0000 monstersmomma 2906639@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi!<br /> I've been lurking around the bee for a while, but I really need some help and this is the first place I thought of :)<br /> I'm going to be traveling internationally with my littles (6 and 1.5) alone in a few weeks to visit my husband. I've never traveled with them alone before and its feeling kind of overwhelming. (I've never really traveled alone before in general haha) I'm just curious, what are some of your best tips and tricks? Packing, snacks, toys, all of it! I'm also looking for a travel stroller; all the reviews seem to be kind of inconsistent. While I'm not opposed to just getting an umbrella stroller, I'd like something a little more substantial that I can use for more than just this trip. {We do frequent amusement parks and weekends walking our city, things like that} I am also planning on taking my Ergo. Right now I'm just planning on some carry-on luggage because it's really only going to be a few days and there is only one short layover stateside for the flight. Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks so much!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/girlsguys-weekends-or-get-aways#post-2899100 Thu, 10 Oct 2019 07:13:35 +0000 Ajsmommy 2899100@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Do you and your SO partake in these types of trips?? If so whom do you go with and what do you do? Is it a yearly thing? Tell me about it...</p> <p>I just went on a "Girls Weekend" with my female family members (mom, aunts, cousins) and we are thinking of making it a yearly thing. We basically shopped all day and ate out and then played games at night at the Airbnb.</p> <p>My DH does a guys weekend that he has called a "golf trip" but I just found out that they aren't even golfing!! He isn't even taking his clubs. So basically it's a bunch of dudes in a condo for 4 nights..... I asked him what they do and he said they smoke cigars, talk, bet on sports... </p> <p>Those w DH's does your DH do anything like this?? Sounds odd to me.. LOL... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/any-bees-taken-a-toddler-to-peru#post-2898015 Fri, 27 Sep 2019 21:34:05 +0000 yellowbeach 2898015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>You guys have provided such great travel advice the past year and a half (Greece, Italy, Copenhagen), so I'm coming back to ask if anyone has taken a toddler to Peru. DH and I are contemplating Lima, Peru in late Jan/early Feb 2020. I've never been to Machu Picchu, and it's certainly on my bucket list. I've heard it's not doable with young kids. Is that the case? If so, we'll probably hold off on Peru as if we went now and skipped Machu Picchu, I doubt we'd ever get down there again. </p> <p>@Pachamama: Can you offer any insight? I seem to remember you have some connections to Peru. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/barcelona-in-february-with-a-2-year-old#post-2898093 Mon, 30 Sep 2019 07:45:19 +0000 snarkybiochemist 2898093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We usually take a vacation in Feburary and typically hit a warmer destination since the mid-atlantic region of the US is not particularly nice. We are currently making plans for this year and came across a great flight deal for Barcelona. According to weather reports it would be in the 60'sF, so warmer then the 20-30F we have, but also not beach weather like last years Bahamas trip. We think it might be worth giving up a totally beachy trip but does anyone have first hand knowledge? How is Barcelona with a 2 year old? Any must dos or must avoids? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/pricing-out-vacation-us-input-please#post-2897770 Wed, 25 Sep 2019 10:58:06 +0000 graceandjoy 2897770@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We haven't gone on any big vacations so I'm a little rusty in figuring out if this is at least a fair/acceptable price or not.</p> <p>Planning to go away for 2 nights 12/26-12/28, so I already know I'm not really getting any good deals, if anything most places I've been looking at are hiked way up! </p> <p>This is for Hershey, PA! So it's more or less $600 for 2 nights for 2 adults and 2 children (5 &amp;3). Includes admission to their small indoor water park, admission to 2 places (just not the main Hershey park). I foresee spending roughly another $200 on meals &amp; other activities that require tickets. </p> <p>I know there are way better deals but given the dates constraint (now that DD1 is in public school we are really stuck traveling during school breaks), this at least is better than some places that are charging over 1K for 2 nights. </p> <p>So would you go for this? Or is it way too overpriced and I should keep looking? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/baby-gear-rentals-when-travelling#post-2896048 Tue, 03 Sep 2019 14:12:25 +0000 agold 2896048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm going to be travelling cross-country very soon with two toddlers for the first time. I haven't had much time to plan this trip. The gear I will need will be two convertible car seats and two pack and play type cribs. My friend suggested I rent these at the destination. Has anyone done this? Can you tell me pros and cons? Is it easy to do? How does it work and are the items clean? I'm a germ freak, but I also want the easiest route for all things possible, so I'm really going to consider this since lugging my two car seats and two pack and plays through airports seems like a lot of hassle. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/trip-suggestions-from-chicago-area#post-2824680 Thu, 24 May 2018 16:21:23 +0000 gotkimchi 2824680@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We actually live in Wisconsin but I figure Chicago is more we’ll known! Any suggestions for a trip we can take with a 2 and 4yo? We’re thinking to drive, somewhere within 6-8 hours. Any suggestions for a spot that is awesome for kids and adults? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/colorado-vacation-tipstricksmust-dos#post-2892041 Tue, 23 Jul 2019 10:35:58 +0000 josina 2892041@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We're planning a last-minute trip to Colorado in 3 weeks, 5 days, staying in a VRBO in Winter Park.<br /> We have a 2 and 4 year old.</p> <p>Any must-do's? Tips or must-brings?<br /> DH and I have never been to the mountains so don't really know what to expect!<br /> We hope to spend one day in Rocky Mountain National Park, and one day at Winter Park Resort, but are open for the rest of our vacation. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/anyone-stay-at-fairmont-bermuda#post-2893168 Thu, 01 Aug 2019 07:46:45 +0000 PurplePumps 2893168@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Hi! Trying to mentally prepare myself for the sleeping situation while on vacation in a few weeks. The hotel site says that every room has a walk in closet.... so I was hoping I could use this closet as my son's "room" with the hotel crib. Does anyone know if the walk in closet there is large enough for this? Or if "walk-in" means there's just enough space for you to step into it? And does it have a door I can shut to get it nice and dark in there? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/family-friendly-hotels-in-downtown-denverco#post-2889268 Thu, 27 Jun 2019 16:19:04 +0000 leelee 2889268@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>We are planning a family trip to Denver in a few months and was wondering if anyone had any family friendly hotel recommendations in downtown Denver area that is within walking distance to activities for kids? My kids range from 7-1. Any help would be greatly appreciated:) </p>