Traveling With Kids by Wanderlust and Lipstick

Last Updated on June 19, 2010 by Jody Halsted

Traveling with kids is a hot topic.  Don't believe me?  The ladies behind Wanderlust and Lipstick, the “go-to” womens' travel site, recently released Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids, a book filled with tips on safety, affordable travel, what to take and what to leave and even the importance of technology while you're on the go.

I had the opportunity to ask co-author Michelle Duffy a few questions about the book- and my favorite place in the world (and her birth-place), Ireland.

FR: It seems like traveling with kids is a hot topic right now. When I began sharing my travel tips and destinations in 2005 the only sites out there focused on theme parks and “kids” destinations. Why did the Wanderlust and Lipstick guides decide to release this book now as opposed to two or three years ago?

Michelle: The reason Beth (Whitman) explained to me when she suggested the book project to me was that the Wanderlust and Lipstick brand was all about women traveling + that most women at some time travel with children – whether the children are sons or daughter, nieces of nephews or just friends – and that she wanted the series to include a kids book for this reason.

FR: I appreciate the “real life” tips included in the book; did you have one that, when you heard it, it was like a light switch went on and you thought, “why didn't I think of that?”

Michelle: I spent some time looking through the book yesterday… I have to say that I don't think there was a “wow!” tip. I realize this is odd, but by the time I was writing on the book I'd been traveling with my kids for 12 years and had pretty much covered every situation you could think of. Instead, I felt that the tips and stories I heard from other mom's validated the advice I was writing in the book.

FR: I know that both you and your husband hail from my favorite country in the world: Ireland. We've taken our daughters a few times and can't wait to return. What is your favorite place to visit in Ireland? Is there anyplace you think may be overlooked due to location or other sites nearby?

There are many great places to visit in Ireland, but I like to get off the beaten path and on our recent trip there, discovered my new favorite place: Omey Island (http://wandermom.com/international-escapades/connemara-secrets/). A tidal island on a peninsula west of Clifden, Omey has beautiful scenery and is about as far away from anywhere as you can get in Ireland. There's miles of empty beach for kids to explore with rocks to climb on and tide-pools to investigate. And, for good measure, the fields are full of wild rabbits – a sure delight for younger children. Omey is not so much overlooked in comparison to other nearby attractions as little known. It's a perfect family day trip from Clifden. Pack a picnic or stop at the store in Claddaghduff for picnic supplies. On the way back, take a moment to stop in Cleggan – it's a picture-perfect Irish fishing village.

I found Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids to be well thought out and to include every scenario for traveling with kids- from traveling with toddlers to teens and even children with special needs.  The 50 true life stories included from moms who have handled almost every situation imaginable are inspiring (if you haven't yet ventured out with your kids) and validating (if you have).

I recommend this book for families who are just beginning to travel with their kids.  It is available through Amazon (affiliate link) or wherever books are sold.

Win a Copy of Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids

Wanderlust and Lipstick Travel with KidsI have a copy of Wanderlust and Lipstick: Traveling with Kids to give away!  To enter please leave a comment sharing where you would most like to take your kids if money and time were no object!

For a second entry “LIKE” my Facebook page.  Please leave a second comment letting me know that you “like” me (insert old, tired Sally Field joke here).

Contest ends June 30, 11:59pm CST.  Drawing will take place July 1.  Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Winner will be contacted via email and will have 3 days to reply.  If winner does not reply a new winner will be chosen.

Disclosure:  I was given a copy of this book to review.  Interview and thoughts are my own.  Links are Amazon affiliate.

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