Marriott Tots Travel Too Giveaway

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Summer is here and families are packing up their bags and their kids and heading out to fun destinations.  This summer, I’m planning on taking my boys to Disneyland and we are so excited about it!  Taking vacations can be fun, but traveling with tots can definitely have it’s challenges.  Anybody who has traveled with a little one will more than likely be nodding their head in agreement with that statement.

I am excited to be working with The Motherhood, an amazing group of moms, and Marriott to bring to you “Marriott Tots Travel Too.”  We are gathering together different travel tips that moms and dads have for traveling with little ones! 

When you stay at Marriott, it is their goal for you to feel just like you are at home, providing many of the ammenities you would have and use in your home.  Tots Travel Too is a program that was created by Marriott to help make traveling easier for families with young children.  This program is available at more than 2,500 Courtyard, Fairfield Inn & Suites, SpringHill Suites, Residence Inn, and TownPlace Suites Hotels in the Continental USA and Canada.  ” As a parent with a child under three, I am definitely aware of all the planning and stress that can happen when traveling with toddlers,” says Peggy Fang Roe, Vice President Global Brand, Management, TownePlace Suites & Marriott Executive Apartments, Marriott International, Inc.  “We’ve developed the Tots Travel Too Program to meet the unique needs of families traveling with very young children.  By helping reassure parents, the Tots Travel Too Program helps them to relax, enjoy their trip, and create long-lasting and happy memories with their families.”

The complimentary Tots Travel Too Program provides guests with different ammenities upon request.  For bedtime, guests can use a Travel Cribs with freshly laundered COVERPLAY covers for their little ones.  For bath time,   your little one can take home an adorable squirting toy.  Also available are outlet covers, nightlights, and various toiletries for your little ones.  These are available at the front desk.  You can also pick up a complimentary disposable bib in the breakfast area.

GIVEAWAY

To celebrate summer and traveling with toddlers, 1 lucky winner on The Mommy-Files will win a $250 Marriott Gift Card and a Marriott Tots Travel Too Welcome Gift Basket (pictured on left).

WIN IT!!! (MANDATORY ENTRY)

– Leave me a comment with 1 (or more) travel tips for traveling with toddlers!!

EXTRA ENTRIES:

– Vote for The Mommy-Files on Top Mommy Blogs (simply click on the button on the sidebar) – 1 ENTRY
– Follow The Mommy-Files on Twitter – 1 ENTRY
– Follow Marriott on Twitter – 1 ENTRY
– Tweet about the giveaway #TotsTravel2 – 1 ENTRY DAILY
– Become a Fan of The Mommy-Files on Facebook – 1 ENTRY
– Follow me through Google Connect (new on the right side of the blog) – 1 ENTRY
– Subscribe to my blog – 1 ENTRY
– Add my Mommy-Files button to your blog and include the URL – 1 ENTRY
– Comment on any Non-Giveaway post on The Mommy-Files – 1 ENTRY per post comment (no limit)
– Blog about this giveaway and include the URL – 5 ENTRIES

RULES:

– Contest will close at 11:59 p.m. PST on Tuesday, June 30th, 2010! Any entries after this time will be deleted!
– Contest open to U.S. residents only.

I am working in partnership with Marriott and TheMotherhood.com to cover the Marriott Tots Travel Too program and have received a stipend.

744 thoughts on “Marriott Tots Travel Too Giveaway”

  1. LynnC

    I know there are a lot of people out there traveling with kids because I see them when I am alone or with my almost 3 year old….so I guess all the new good tips have already been submitted. Old tried and true tips: travel with snacks and new (to the child) playthings and books, keep a good supply of wipes near by, and keep your cool.

    Reply
  2. The Mom Jen

    Make sure you have some of the toddlers items from home (blanket, stuffed animal, etc) I find my youngest getting homesick after a few days away from home and the lovies help!!

    Reply
  13. Joy Bennett

    Take a an extra Tshirt for yourself in the carry on bag because usually my tots spill, spit or some how mess up my clothes too when I’m traveling.

    Reply
  15. Steph

    Always pack a bag with at least one diaper, a ziploc with wipes, a small water bottle, entertainment and most important…patience. Traveling with kids can be really stressful, try and not let it get to you.

    Reply

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  18. Sarah G

    My tip is to bring snack-sized Ziploc bags, filled with your toddler’s favorite finger foods. It keeps them occupied opening and closing the bags! 🙂

    Reply
  20. Beth Warren

    Tip for traveling: bring plenty of snacks, maybe bring DVD for kids to watch. Travel early AM or middle of the night so kids sleep most of the way.

    Reply
  22. Margaret Smith

    My best tip is to bring along a small pillow, blanket and favorite stuffed animal to help the kids rest when travelling. Also, we bring a few favorite small toys, some snacks and drinks.
    Thanks so much for this wonderful giveaway.
    rickpeggysmith(at)aol(dot)com

    Reply
  25. McKim

    I always pack several zip lock baggies. You never know when you will need one for a dirty diaper, unfinished snack, etc.

    Reply
  32. Marilyn Wons

    When traveling with toddlers I try to start off the trip when they are ready for nap time. At least this way they sleep through some of the trip.

    Reply
  36. Stephanie

    Those DK board books with lots of pictures kept both of my kids occupied for a long time when they were toddlers. (My First Colors Board Book, My First Truck Board Book…there are several in the series.)

    Reply
  47. Kristen

    We always make sure to pack crayons and notebooks/coloring books as not all restaurants have crayons when we are traveling.

    Reply
  56. Tanya Clapshaw

    My daughter turned two while we were traveling in Europe, so we’ve definitely learned a few things about how to travel with a toddler! Here are our top tips:

    –SLOW DOWN. You can’t travel at warp speed when you have a cranky two year old, so plan extra time for naps, or playing, or whatever. You’ll be surprised how much more you see, and also how nice people are when they see you as a family, instead of as a tourist!

    –Take a convertible stroller. We took one that converted into a baby backpack, so we could carry our daughter when climbing stairs, or walking over rough streets. This also got her up out of crowds, and she could talk to her Daddy when she wanted to.

    –GALLON ZIP TOP PLASTIC BAGS–great for keeping wet clothes or diapers separate from the other stuff in your suitcase. Also good as baby barf bags (don’t ask….)

    –Take something that’s familiar to your child. We took a portable DVD player with a few of her favorite shows in English (she was really confused by the other languages people kept trying to speak to her), and her favorite blanket. As long as she had those things and us, she had a sense of ‘home’.

    –Bring someone extra to help! We brought a friend who helped schlep luggage, babysit so my husband and I could get some time alone, and just be extra help for getting reservations or doing legwork around town while the baby was napping. It made a big difference, and he had a great time (even if he had to learn how to change a poopy diaper….)

    –HAVE A GREAT TIME!

    Reply
  57. Tanya Clapshaw

    I’m also following you on Twitter, and befriended you on Facebook 🙂

    Tanya

    spiderdevo8 AT hotmail DOT com

    Reply
  58. Debra F

    As I’m sure many have already said….make sure you always have snacks for the kids. And, even though I’m sure many would disagree, those little gameboys have been a lifesaver for us when we travel. We do limit how much time they can play, but there are times when you just need them to settle down and be quiet, and those surely do the trick.

    Reply
  85. Dana

    My tip for traveling with toddlers is to pack several extra outfits…especially some that are “disposable”.
    I also like to pick up a bag full of small toys or activities from the dollar store and keep them as a new surprise for when they get bored or aggitated.

    Reply
  96. Stephanie Vollowitz

    Put together a bag of NEW toys and activities and things toddler has never seen before – flashlight, sticker books, coloring books, etc. A portable dvd player with new dvd’s also saved us last month!
    tvollowitz at aol dot com

    Reply
  123. Gena

    Baby Wipes! No matter if you are staying in a hotel, traveling on a plane or driving in a car you would be well served to have baby wipes (or sanitary wipes) on hand at all times. They are so valuable for cleaning your child’s messes that are made as well as runny noses or any other bodily function you might come across!

    Reply
  124. Amber

    My tip is to bring along snacks, it’s a great way to keep them busy when you hear “Mommy I’m hungry…” 100 times 😉 Bring along easy to clean and easy to store treats such as raisins, Cheerios, Goldfish crackers, mini pretzels, etc. It saves time and money from having to stop on the way, and they store well and won’t make too much of a mess if spilled.

    Reply
  140. Tricia Andrews

    Make sure everyone’s medications are packed, and take photocopies of prescriptions in case meds get lost on the trip. Have your health insurance card with you (with a photocopy packed seperately). If traveling to a foreign country, check out medical facilities in the area, and consider getting travelers insurance that cover medical needs. A few hundred dollars in travel insurance is better than a $20,000 medical evacuation back to the US bill!

    Reply
  145. Lori A.

    You definately need to plan stops if it’s a long trip in the car. I like to try and find rest stops or plan around meals. You canfind nice parks in the areas you’ll be driving to stop for a picnic lunch where the kids can run around a bit. Of course, you should always have plenty of “back-up” activities for in the car.
    ljatwood at gmail dot com

    Reply
  171. Judith

    I would like to say leave the toddler with grandma but I don’t think that is exactly what you were thinking.
    My tip is to plan, plan plan. If there is a long car ride plan to stop every 2 hours, food potty and stretching. But don’t overly stimulate the toddler. make sure you have all important document adn enjou the trip.

    Reply
  180. april j

    When we travel with our toddler son on the airplane I always have lots of snacks for him.
    Along with a variety of small toys so we can keep him busy.

    Reply
  181. hollowsins

    I take a little of everything i could possibly need.Travel sized items are great for making a toddler/baby to go bag.I have a cosmetic bag with tylenol,bandaids,aloe wipes,neosporin etc so it is all always there and together

    Reply
  182. Cynthia Mercado

    I always have a bag of tricks and treats available. This includes but not limited to: books, toys, wipes, coloring books, crayons.

    Reply
  216. Erica

    I always bring entertainment coloring books, dvds etc., extra clothes in a seperate travel bag that stays in the car so i dont have to dig through the luggage if an accident occurs before we arrive.

    Reply
  240. Carrie

    Our survival tip is to lower our expectations for how things will go, and build in lots of free time to the schedule. And to take as many small, new toys as possible, since these keep the kids’ attention better than the toys they know and love.

    Reply
  241. Joanna Price

    I pack outfits into Ziploc bags, so I have all the pieces (socks, undershirts, etc) all ready together!

    Reply
  253. nan lara

    i would suggest their own pull suitcase..my son who was almost 2 felt like a big boy going through the airport pulling his..he even pushed it all around during our layover and wore himself out..he then slept nicely on the plane
    nannypanpan at sbcglobal.net

    Reply
  271. Susan Bywater

    My travel tip is snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Things like goldfish crackers that take a while to eat.

    Reply
  273. Jacob

    My best tip is about the actual activities. When you have a toddler it is a good idea to go to a place that has places for the toddler to have a good time too. Walking tours are an excellent activity. Your toddler can walk or you can push the stroller and both of you will enjoy the scenery. Botanical gardens and zoos have things that will stimulate your child and you can enjoy it too!

    Reply
  279. Ken M

    Travel tip – don’t forget to pack some healthy snacks. You never know when you’ll get stuck somewhere

    Reply
  292. Katie

    Bring plenty of toys even though they may take up some room, tots have short attention spans and get bored easily. Also funny music to play on the CD player , my kids always love sing alongs even if they cant pronounce all of the words , makes it even cuter!!!!

    Reply
  315. Darlene Alexander

    Keep baggies(s) of nutritional snacks handy and if they each have their own they will be much happier.

    Reply
  319. Vickie Couturier

    My best tip ive learned thru the years is if at all possible travel at night,the kids will sleep thru most of the ride

    vlbelk(at)hotmail.com

    Reply
  343. Annette D

    When my kids were too young to understand the concept of time, they still asked the question that all parents dread “When will we get there?’” To give them an answer that they could understand, we would tell them in terms of their favorite TV shows. So 1/2 hour would be, “we will be there in one Barney.” The answer seemed to satisfy them because they understood how long the Barney show lasted.

    Reply
  348. Kristen

    Pack plenty of snacks because you don’t always know when/where you’ll be able to get something, and a hungry kid is a cranky kid! ….adults too, for that matter!

    Reply
  351. Show Me Mama

    When traveling whether is going overseas or other state make sure you have books, toys that they love to keep them occupied. Always travel close to their sleepy time, take their favorite soft music with them (great in the car)
    Hope that help!
    showmemama @ ymail dot com

    Reply
  363. Stephanie Grant

    I always keep my sons favorite snacks and toys in the car while traveling and we stop often to let him streatch his legs and keep him happy in the car seat!

    Reply
  377. Katie Stewart

    We just took a car trip to Idaho a few days ago and we left at our son’s nap time so that he could start out the trip with a good long nap. It worked great, he woke up happy and was good the rest of the car trip (about 4 hours). Also, I think you should bring a few favorite toys/items, as well as a few new things they’ve never seen (a new coloring book or toy, etc.) Also, bring plenty of plastic bags and baby wipes, they are great for mess clean ups!!

    Reply
  387. Tara V

    The best tip I have for traveling with toddlers is make sure you have lots of fruit or another health snack for the little ones to munch on during the ride!

    Reply
  401. Veronica Murillo

    So far we only did small trip with the kids, by car, so I always pack lots of snack, Capri Suns, for them. And in the car…portable DVD player!!

    Reply
  405. Melissa Vaught

    Main: My tot travel tips are: 1. Take a pack-and-play if you can. This saved us big time on our last hotel stay! 2. Take your toddler’s favorite pillow and blanket and stuffed animal for the familiarity and security. 3. Take some “new” play things they have not seen before or in a long time, so they will be more entertained.

    Reply
  433. R Hicks

    Take along a bag of their favorite toys and give him or her one to play with. When they bore of it then hand them another one~

    ardy22 at earthlink dot net

    Reply
  435. mickeyfan

    Keep your sense of humor! Things WILL go wrong, kids WILL be cranky, etc etc. It’s how YOU deal with it that can make or break a trip. (And if possible, at the end of the “ordeal” take a day where you can decompress, do laundry,etc without having to get right back into the grind.)

    Reply
  460. Becca

    Not having kids of my own but with a newphew, when I travel with him I notice my sister always has plenty of food on hand, and lots and lots of baby wipes!

    Reply
  464. Ro

    I think it is important to bring some entertainment in the hotel for your little one. I don’t bring all their toys but a favorite toy, a special blanket, and great dvds. This makes the trip a lot less stressful :D!

    Reply
  487. LT

    My tip is to take some of their own toys they are familar with, and maybe 1 or 2 small new things for distraction! And don’t forget snacks!

    Reply
  496. Rosie

    Planning ahead to avoid delays, hotels that aren’t child friendly, and bad food at restaurants and hotels. Working with a travel company really helps. Also, be sure to pack healthy snacks for those long trips.

    Reply
  513. Jennifer G.

    My tip for traveling with a Toddler is stick to his/her schedule. Don’t mess with the nap/sleep routine!

    Reply
  514. Jennifer G.

    I tweeted about the giveaway – @take2mommy – at 10:40 pm est on 6/28. Dunno how to put the url in here!

    Reply
  516. Schmitt

    The emergence of cheap and nearly disposable digital media players that can hold a few hours of kids shows and movies are a boon for traveling with little ones.

    Reply
  525. Danielle

    bring familiar items like a stuffed animal or blankie. sometimes being in a new place can be overwhelming so it helps make it feel more like home.

    Reply
  533. Kathy Scott

    I believe that if you take your kids with you everywhere you go from the beginning they will be great travelers as they grow up. A portable dvd player is a must for a road trip.

    Reply
  541. Angela Winesburg

    Make sure you have lots of games and toys to keep them entertained so they don’t get bored and start to complain, thanks!

    Reply
  555. Louis

    as many the previous posters stated, bringing plenty of snacks is essential to keep your toddler occupied and happy.

    Reply
  557. Laura

    We bring snacks and toys that the kids don’t have at home – they behave really well in order to earn these treats

    Reply
  560. Autumn b.

    bring lots of healthy snacks so you don’t have to eat out of the vending machine

    autumn398 @ yahoo.com

    Reply
  563. Phil

    Whether driving or flying, we always try to travel overnight so the kids can stay on a normal sleep schedule.

    Reply
  567. Brittany

    Don’t expect too much out of them. Sometimes while we are on vacation I want to go and see everything but my 1 year old may not have the same plan. I think just going with the flow is key. If I get stressed out then no one has fun.

    Reply
  586. Leslie Price

    I don’t know much about traveling with kids, but I’d suggest you check with your hotel about babysitting options. It’s your vacation, too- a little adult time alone is your right!

    Reply
  596. Darcy B

    Always carry zip lock bags, I’ve saved many a trip with a zip lock bag. Trip to Disneyland, son will not part with giant sucker–put it in a zip lock for later. My little one had an ugly diaper leakage that got on his blankie–it smelled so bad–even after trying to wash it in a bathroom–anything else would have been tossed–when we got to our hotel he was still crying—the woman that checked us in was just getting off work—she took it home and washed and brought it back to the hotel 2 hours later (I cried—she was so sweet–she told me she remembered when her children were that age–and she missed it–and was happy to help—she was a life saver!!!) One trip up the California coast –we were on a windy road over looking the ocean—one lane–no where to pull over–and my daughter gets car sick—zip lock bag to the rescue—I had her throw up in the bag & ziped it closed—-believe me I’ve had several occasions where one of them throws up all over the other 2—–it’s a lot less traumatic to give them each a bag.

    Reply
  597. Sonya Allstun

    the vtech handheld learning system is great to take on trip they will pass the time playing while they are still learning

    Reply
  619. kimbly

    Bring lots of small non sticky/messy snacks. Invest in a portable dvd player and bring educational fun shows for the kiddies to watch!

    Reply
  631. Heather Moses

    My number one tip is carrying a potty seat with you. When we went off to Destin,FL last year , we didn’t know the “clean” spots to stop and use the rest areas so the potty seat came in handy !! Babies were comfortable and thats what matters :o)

    Reply
  650. vicki andrew

    bring a small bag of toys, coloring books and crayons. I keep this up front and dole them out as needed. also easy to eat snacks like grapes, cheese cubes, sandwich squares and lots of water

    Reply
  657. Anthony Hilden

    Best Tip: Travel with family. My son loves to travel with grandpa and grandma…it helps-the more hands, the better.

    Reply
  658. Eleonore Thomas

    Water Wow! by Elmers coloring pads are amazing time eaters! They only use water to “paint” pictures of Dora, Diego, Disney Princesses, Little Einsteins and more, and when the image dries, the pictures can be “repainted” again and again!
    ellesjunkmail@gmail.com

    Reply
  661. susan smoaks

    when i travel with toddlers i make sure they get time to use their energy, swimming is a great way to do this

    Reply
  663. Sarah C

    Snacks. Snacks upon snacks upon snacks must be packed. A full kid is much easier to handle than a hungry, cranky one!
    soluckyducky(at)gmail(dot)com

    Reply
  670. Susan Smith

    We bring along a portable DVD player so my daughter can watch movies while we are traveling and at the hotel. We also take books and snacks.

    Reply
  675. Debra F

    I know many would pooh pooh me for this, but for long trip with the kids, there is nothing like the Nintendo DS to save the day.

    Reply
  683. Ani

    I would take lots of little toys and for sure some color wonder markers & paper so they can be creative without the mess.

    Reply
  689. brian e.

    Thanks for the giveaway…my toddler tip when traveling on a plane is to invest in a “CARES” (child aviation restraint system) that is designed for children between 22-44lb who are able to sit in their own airplane seat….it works !!!

    senorpiero [at] yahoo [dot] com

    Reply
  700. Trina C

    I only the pack enough diapers for the first day or so and then buy the rest when I get to my destination, saves room in the suitcase and when you have to pay per bag it helps.

    Reply
  704. Leigh

    We ask for a ground level room so we don’t have to nag nag nag about the little ones feet pounding on the floor. How do feet so small make an elephant sized noise? lol

    Reply
  706. Geoff K

    My number one tip for traveling with toddlers is to avoid trying to change their routine or schedule too much, even when changing time zones, because disaster can result! In addition, we try to have “practice runs” at home when we prepare the tykes for traveling and being on a plane, complete with a bag full of snacks and toys that they’ve helped pick out so we can be sure they’ll be happy with their diversions when actually in air. Thanks!

    Reply
  720. Justine

    My travel tip would be to remember to bring their comfort items like blankets, pillows and stuffed friends. I also recommend getting a portable DVD player or your laptop and hitting up Redbox, you can’t beat $1 for new movies!!!

    Reply
  727. Roxann

    Take travel games and snacks. Also take a portable DVD player with an extra battery so the kids can watch their favorite show when they are cranky which might lead to a nap and some peace and quiet for you. 🙂

    Reply
  733. Jacqueline Griffin

    I don’t think many toddlers have fun on long trips. I think just keeping them comfortable. Be more aware of tempertures in the car or travel vessel. Make sure their bottom is kept dry and their tummy is full. You may want to leave yearly and plan to make more stops. Find a safe place so they can get our and stretch their tiny legs. I’m not sure that snacks and games will keep their attention long enough so make sure the parents takes along things for their headaches so their patience doesn’t run out. Lots of love and understanding!!
    jacqgrif@yahoo.com
    Thank You!!
    ♪♫•*¨*•.☆❤Jacquie❤☆*¨*•.¸¸♪♫•

    Reply

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