The Latest from the FlipKey Blog

Posted: 10 Apr 2012 07:09 AM PDT

Today we are featuring Adam Bruk, an avid traveler who enjoys helping customers find the travel products from Travelproducts.com that they will need for their adventures. When he isn't busy circling the world, he enjoys golfing and trying new restaurants.

One of the most difficult parts of a family vacation is finding a way to keep the kids entertained on a long flight. We know that it's hard to keep the kids quiet and in one place for a few minutes, let alone hours at a time. Chances are they aren't interested in the in-flight movie (or it isn't appropriate for them), and you need a way to keep them entertained and quiet so that they don't make noise and draw unwanted glares from your fellow passengers.

So what do you do? Below are 5 suggestions on how to keep your kids entertained and help the time pass on longer flights:

Crossword and/or Sudoku games

These are great games that the kids can do from their seat. Not only can you print them out for free (or buy a book full of hundreds of puzzles for cheap at the airport), but you can customize the difficulty for different ages. To keep the kids engaged in the puzzle, make a competition out of it, offering a small prize for whoever finishes first. Hopefully the runner up will ask to do another competition, asking for another opportunity to win a small prize.

Cell phones

If you have a smart phone download a handful of games that are suitable for your kids. Surfing through the thousands of games and apps while at the gate will help you kill time together! Make sure the games don't require a connection to the internet, as you will need to keep your phone on airplane mode or be willing to pay for internet. You never know if they'll discover their next favorite game to keep them entertained in the car, or whenever you are looking for some quiet time.

DIY crafts

DIY crafts are a great way to keep the kids occupied on a long flight, and most don't require many materials. And the best part about most DIY projects is that you can do them from your seat, such as this DIY project for Snooki sunglasses my co-worker made with her daughter on their flight from Los Angeles to Miami (using a strong glue stick instead of a hot glue gun). Make sure the project doesn't require many materials and won't take up a lot of room in your carry-on. Also make sure the materials are allowed to be brought on the plane.

Favorite TV shows/Movies

While the in flight movies and TV shows might not be suitable for your kids, you can download your own. This is great if you are traveling with a laptop and/or tablet such as an iPad, as you can download almost any movie on these platforms. You can also stream a movie through sites such as Netflix prior to takeoff, and then watch it once you are in the air. Just make sure not to restart the device or else you will lose what you already streamed!

Books and homework

Does your child have any homework or reading assignments due in school? Take care of them on the plane; you'd rather finish them before your vacation than afterwards. If they don't have homework, give them a book to read. To entice them to get into the book (which helps time fly faster), you can give them a quiz on it afterwards and they earn a prize for scoring well.

Deals of the Week: Sippin’ Wine on the Western Coastline

Posted: 09 Apr 2012 09:29 AM PDT

As the weather warms up and summer draws nearer, longer days offer you and your loved one more time to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sunset. There is no better place to enjoy that drink than on the coastline in Sonoma County, California. With endless wines to be sipped, surrounded by the beauty of the redwoods, you will find the Spring getaway you’ve been looking for.

$400 off per night!

This villa in the heart of wine country offers the luxury you deserve. With a jungle spa and pool, a stone balcony with a fireplace, an acre of blooming gardens, and two gazebos- you will be never want to leave.

$100 off total stay!

With a custom wine bar in house and Kendall Jackson Winery only a mile away, this home is perfect for a wine country enthusiast. Don’t forget to unwind at the end of your adventure packed day in the private garden hot tub.

Free Wine Tasting Passports!

Sip a glass of local wine in the garden before you soak in your hot tub following a day of exploring California wine country. There are laughs to be had and memories to be made around their beautiful Oak table.

20% off Total Stay!

Nestled in a redwood grove on the banks of the Russian River this charming house will give you the serenity you have been dreaming of. Soak in the hot tub overlooking the river and organize chef-prepared meals for complete comfort.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2012