megram - Index

megram - desummer - Index

Should you prefer to dispense with the kibble
and pooper scooper while on holiday, it’s
best to start calling and visiting kennels and
pet care services right away. The best ones are
often booked months in advance. As for the
others, well – let’s just say Fido will never ever
forgive you.
Now, with the basics out of the way, it’s
time to start researching and reserving. Read
the rest of Due West. Scour the internet.Take a
look at what will work for your crew, based on
interests, available time, money and distance
you want to travel.
Call the 1 800 numbers and make reservations
or do it online, if you’re comfortable
with that. Be sure to print and keep your confirmation
numbers.
Once you’ve got accommodations and, if
necessary, transportation reserved, learn all
about what you can do when you get there.
What activities, events and performances
require reservations or advance tickets? What
times and options work best for your family?
It’s a good idea to plan your itinerary,
knowing you’ll probably veer from that script.
At least you’ll have some structure and ideas
for things to do. If the kids want to spend the
whole time at the pool or the beach instead,
there’s a lot to be said for that too. But try to
fit in at least a couple of local attractions.
After all, that’s why you left home in the first
SPA PACKAGE
FROM
$269 *
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place. Some spots have full programs for the
kiddies, allowing mom and dad to enjoy themselves
too – on the golf course or the tennis
courts, at the spa and the hot spots and the
fine dining establishments.
If one of your youngsters is child-minding
age, it’s worth the money to pay him or her to
babysit a time or two while you’re away. That
way, your young sitter will have spending
money and you’ll get a break.
For the rest of the time, allow yourself to be
a kid again. Ogle at the animals, go on the
rides, ooh and aah over the exhibits and dig
into the hands-on activities.
Choose to have fun. It’s contagious.
What about the bathing suit that was left
on top of somebody’s dresser?
The sunscreen that spilled all over the backseat?
The two-hour detour when you missed the
turn in Whoozitville?
Messes can be mopped up. Bathing suits
can be bought or improvised. Detours allow
you to see and discover parts of the world
(and of yourself) you may never have experienced
before.
It’s all part of the getaway adventure.
That being said, it makes a big, positive difference
when you pack carefully and wisely.
It’s great when the kids pack their own suitcases,
but it’s smart to check them before
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Sit back, escape and let us take care of you.
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Outaouais valley, just an hour east of Ottawa, our spa mixes
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features a soaking tub for two, rain shower, and side-by-side treatment tables. Unforgettable!
Customized Classic Package (4 hr) $299 ** /person: choice of any 60-minute facial, any 60-minute
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they land in the trunk.You may come across a
whole load of DVDs or books or dolls or collector
cards, but zero socks and underwear.
Make a list and check it twice.
To Take List
• Medications
• Identification and/or passports
• Money and/or traveller’s cheques
• Cell phones
• Toiletries, sewing kit and pocket-size
stain remover
• Clothes to wear for dress-up, if it’s cold or
raining or when it’s 33 degrees in the shade
• Sturdy shoes for lots of walking.
• Hats, towels, swimsuits, sunscreen and
bug repellent
• Books, games, cards and techno-gadgets to
keep the younger set occupied in the car
and elsewhere
• Blankie or beloved stuffed animals
• First aid kit, including pain medication,
antiseptic, bandages, tweezers, scissors, antidiarrhea
medication, antacid, medicinal
relief for nausea and vomiting, a flashlight
and a blanket
• Car treats, including bottled water, juice
and healthy snacks.
• A box of tissue for the car and perhaps a
bag or two for garbage (and vomiting)
• A smile and your sense of humour
Ottawa Page 18 Due West/Due East Magazine • Summer 2008