Cruising with The Ladies: Tips for Moms!

As ladies travel coordinator for our group, Chicks at Sea, I often find women who would love to cruise with a group of ladies, but don't feel they can take the time or the money away from the family. Women tend to put themselves last and sometimes feel a bit the martyr, often unnecessarily. While they will work hard to make it easy to send Johnny to camp, or do double duty to help hubby hit the links on a golfing get away, women feel funny taking vacation time for themselves. Well you shouldn't! No one needs and can probably benefit as much from a few days of r and r in the company of other like minded women. Here I have presented a short list of items that just might help you get the children (and dad) ready for our next cruise adventure!

• Don't let your trip come as a surprise to your children. Depending on their ages, tell the kids in a timely manner so they become comfortable with the idea of your leaving. Use maps and pictures of the places you will visit and print out the deck plan of your ship and mark your cabin. Perhaps your kids can put together a scrapbook of these items which you can add to when you return.
• Prepare and leave a list available of the children's doctor, dentist, and pharmacist, with names, phone numbers, and addresses, including directions if dad has never been. Be sure to leave a list of medications and details for administration. Take a copy with you in your bag, just in case!
• Stock the pantry shelves with supplies for easy to make meals (along with directions), put a few homemade frozen dinners in the freezer, and leave convenient coupons for "acceptable" fast food choices to make things simple for dad.
• Lower your housekeeping expectations for the period before, during, and after your trip for a little while to reduce the stress for yourself and your spouse.
• Put together a color-coded master schedule using a dry erase calendar or other calendar with large write-in spaces. List all the kids activities including times, addresses, and if any gear, shoes, or snacks are needed for the event. Also list who is going to drive the carpool if appropriate. Leave contact phone numbers for carpools and activities.
• Put together a tote bag or gym bag for the activities on the master schedule. For example, if Tuesday Sally has ballet, put her needed items in a bag and label clearly "Sally-Ballet-Tuesday-4:00) Make sure dad knows where all the activity bags are!
• Have dad make notes while you are away of suggestions for the next time you travel. If age appropriate, have the kids make notes as well. Their perspective of how things went could be invaluable for your next trip!
• Relax and have fun! Everything is going to be fine at home!

Sandy the Diva Cruiser is actually Sandy Wheeler, Independent Contractor, in association with Connie George Travel Associates. See our website: www.ChicksAtSea.com for more information about our ladies cruise.