IDEA175: Amanda Blakely's 5 Favorite Ways to Live Like You're Traveling with Kids! [Toronto]

To live like you're traveling everyday takes determination, planning and lots of inspiration. Having two kids, I know, requires double the planning and double the inspiration since you're thinking how to take the whole family on a 'tour'. Luckily kids happen to be naturals at this whole adventure thing and ANYTHING you do as a family is hysterically exciting even a supermarket run! Bless their little hearts. I however, am not so easily amused and so I'm always on the lookout for travel loving parents that instil a sense of wonder in their kids and live like they're traveling as a family! One such role model is Amanda Blakely of Petits Genoux. Amanda together with her handsome boys recently took us on a virtual weekend getaway to her town Toronto, Canada.  

Meet your Toronto Neighbor, Amanda! 

• • •

As a seasoned traveler, my wanderlust runs deep (from backpacking to business travel, I have circled the globe numerous times). Now as a mother of two, I am passionate about cultivating and passing along this love of travel to my children by placing an importance on collecting experiences, not things. Our first son, Atticus, was conceived in Australia and when my husband and I found out we were expecting, we hatched a master plan to spend a paternity leave traveling Central and South America with our new babe. It was an unbelievable experience to have as new parents.

We had the opportunity to expose Atticus to new cultures, cuisines and customs, while we got to practice this whole parenting thing together as a team (in some foreign lands no less). Fast forward almost four years and we've added another little boy to our growing clan and have been on many more adventures together. Some of our most treasured memories have been made while on the road as a family. BUT, for obvious reasons a nomadic lifestyle is not realistic for most families. So we're excited to share with you some of our favourite ways to live like we're traveling { as a family } in our own city. 

Traveling does not mean you must stray far from home or spend a ton of cash. To me, living like I'm traveling is about celebrating each day (wherever I might be - home or abroad) and approaching it with an adventurous heart and an open mind.

To our family, it means trying out a different park on the weekend, visiting a new coffee shop or a pop-up market. Allow yourself to be awed, surprised or humbled by what you uncover. It only takes a shift in perspective to walk the same road we have already walked a thousand times to really look up and notice the beauty that lies before us. Like most families, we spend a ton of time at our local parks, but sometimes you just need to break out of the routine and do something else equally kid-friendly. Toronto has the friendliest firefighters who always welcome little visitors to the station if they aren't out on a rescue. Here we are on one of our recent visits with @babybrainorganics.

• • •

1 - Get out of the city. -  A Toronto tradition every Fall is to visit a local farm.

Not only is it the perfect opportunity to take in the colourful vistas of autumn (red, yellow and burnt umber leaves as far as the eye can see) but Ontario has an abundance of agriculture and with the harvest comes a bounty of delicious fruit and vegetables. We picked up a pumpkin and a bunch of apples to bake a galette on our recent visit to Whittamores farm.

2 - Explore the many neighborhoods of Toronto

We like to visit all the ethnic Burroughs for authentic treats (from little India to little Italy). But this little storefront belongs to Mean Bao Queen West outpost and is the home of our favorite Pulled Pork Bao.

3 - Attending a book reading and supporting a local or visiting author is a great way to feel like a tourist in your own town. 

Check Now Toronto for listings of readings (or other such events) from week to week. Here we are at my friend Lindsay Mattick's launch of #FindingWinnie last weekend. On Instagram: @LindsayMattick and Photo by @textstyles

4 - Jump on the bandwagon and become a sports fan. 

For the first time in over 20 years our hometown baseball team Blue Jays are making us proud. Visit a pub or try and get your hands on a ticket to witness history in the making as the Jays attempt (again) to win the World Series.

5 - Visit a new coffee shop and watch the world go by... 

(for the 5 glorious minutes it takes your kid to eat his bribe muffin) while you feel like you're a backpacker again.

• • •

Thanks Amanda and family for letting us hang out (virtually) for the weekend! And a special thank you to the handsome guys Archer and Atticus!! 

Get more everyday ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling 

KM Zero Tours : Slow Travel for a Taste of the Sweet Life in Tuscany

This special edition of "Take Us To Lunch" is actually an invitation to a virtual dinner! Our new friends Arianna, Olivia and Alessio of Km Zero Tours take us to an authentic polentata al fresco at a Tuscan casa.  

• • •

Alla: What is Polentata? Arianna tells us all about this traditional Italian peasant meal...

Arianna: Polentata is an old recipe from the Abruzzo region, the birthplace of Alessio. This recipe was born as a traditional dish for poor people who could not afford to buy many ingredients or even enough plates for the entire family. It is made with corn flour, a type of flour that typically cost less than wheat flour. People cooked polenta in a large, deep pot, stirring constantly for a long time. When polenta was ready, they poured it directly onto the table, eating it right away, all together, not using any dishes!

The traditional sauce for polenta was tomato sauce enriched with a single sausage (given the high cost) which was used to give flavor to the entire sauce and was eventually designated to head of the house. We have decided to re-propose this ancient dish for our guests, enriching it with more sauce and sausages! ;-)

The best thing about this experience is that we eat together at the same table, sharing values and ideas and becoming friends.  

How did this idea of sharing Italy with visitors come about and what does Km Zero mean?

The expression “Km Zero” (literally “no distance”) products, refers to a conscious choice to buy quality products and to consume them as close as possible to their area of production, ensuring freshness, seasonality and biodiversity, as well as strengthening connection with the land.

Arianna: Inspired by this concept we developed our project “Km Zero Tours,“ wanting to give people authentic tasting experiences, letting them re-discover ancient traditions and refine their palettes by understanding the journey of a product from farm-to-table.

Alla: When your guests return home, what would you like them to bring back to their countries from this experience?

Arianna: The best souvenir our guests can bring home is to become fully aware of how a product originates, understanding its history, tradition and the hard work and passion of the producers. We'd love for them to rediscover the pleasure of sharing experiences and values with others, which encourage them to interact with local people, actively engaging with them.

Alla: How did you and your partners meet? How did you decide to start this business together?

Arianna: Olivia and I are sisters, so we didn't actually "meet," but Alessio (my boyfriend) and I met 9 years ago in Bologna and immediately felt we had in common an endless love for our land and for its products. Precisely this love and genuine passion has led us to get to know a lot of different local producers and to taste their products. It opened our eyes. In most cases we felt that there was no real information about what we eat, and most of all there was no way to witness the passion, experience and knowledge of producers.

We created Km Zero experiences to help people to get a taste of Tuscany from a local perspective, through authentic products and meeting genuine and passionate local producers. 

Alla: Is there a specific moment you can share when you felt especially inspired to be on this journey of sharing Italy with the world?

Arianna: We love to tell the story of a time we went shopping at a local market to buy vegetables, cheeses and other products. It was our turn at the stand of fresh vegetables and we asked the lady if she could give us some fava beans (fave toscane). It was late in the afternoon, and she told us that unfortunately the fava beans were already gone. In any other country, perhaps the conversation might have ended at that point, but in Italy, the market is not only a place to buy products, but a place where you can exchange experiences and stories...and you always finish your day with some nice surprises!

In Italy, those who are not in a hurry, ready to stop just to have a chat and listen to people...are the ones who gain the most!

The lady invited us to wait until the end of her working day, to go with her to her house, where she would give us fava beans directly from her garden. We were not in hurry, so we decided to wait. Not only did we get fresh and delicious fava beans, but we saw her beautiful country house, met her family, and even stayed there for dinner! We returned home with new vegetables and  friends, having tasted incredible food while sharing inspiring stories. 

Alla: What is your greatest challenge for you in your business?

Arianna: The most difficult thing being able to transmit a real experience through virtual channels such as the web. Despite this difficulty, we are still managing a method that allows us to overcome this obstacle and to be able to express our philosophy, passion and project. 

We "Live Like We're Traveling" every single day as we discover and encourage our guests to discover a different and charming world...from the artistry of olive oil making to woodworking.

Every experience represents an interesting journey and collection of stories, experiences, parfumes and flavors, that deserve to be savored. The best way to live the "dolce vita" is to follow the rhythms of this beautiful and charming country, enjoying its atmosphere and observing the people. To comprehend their gestures, listen to their stories and take part in the slow and creative lifestyle.

• • •

Thank you Arianna, Olivia and Alessio! For sharing your work with us today and for sharing Italy with the world in a way that brings us closer to it's people and their way of living. Your advice for living la dolce vita is a great inspiration for us to get to know our own local producers wherever we happen to live. Thank you for reminding us that our taste buds are made happier not only by healthy food but by truly connecting over a meal and taking the time to talk with each other and listen to each others stories. 

{ Experience the Sweet Italian Life }

With Km Zero Tours you can really touch Italian culture. Have you ever wondered what it's like to be a wine maker? You can now experience it first hand. What about making goat cheese yourself along side cheese artisan themselves...or prepairing a slow cooked meal from the freshest ingredients while learning Italian? 

{ Live The Sweet Life In Tuscany }

For a complete immersion in the Tuscan way of living, stay in a stone villa, Casa Montrogoli, on the hills overlooking vineyards and rows of Cyprus trees. Perfect for bringing your entire family along!        

ALL PHOTOS VIA KM ZERO TOURS

• • •
For more ways to connect with the people and world around you,
get everyday ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

---

IDEA176: Get Lunchbox App and Connect with Lunchtime Travelers!

Here at LLYT Headquarters, we go on and on about being a "Lunchtime Traveler." It's about using your lunch hour whether it's in the middle of your work or school day as an opportunity to have an adventure.

Why not? When we travel, lunch is a chance to explore a new culture, see something new, taste something new or meet someone new. When we're home we tend to just fall into a routine of doing the same exact thing during lunch, eating the same thing, or... gasp... eating at our desk. Oh dear, call the intervention squad! Now, the Human Performance Institute has long ago established that we are more productive and perform better if we take breaks so there is no need to expound on that.

The bottom line is, how do we do something new during our one-hour lunch window?

To answer this question, Artyom Avanesov created the Lunchbox so we decided to meet for lunch, of course! and get all the details.

First of all, what is Lunchbox App and who is it for? 

Download the app and you can post a lunch status letting everyone (using the app) know where you're going for lunch, others can click to join you and meet up at the stated lunch place. Is it just for the office workers looking to break the routine? Travelers wanting to meet up with locals or other travelers? Mommies with babies getting together for a lunch date? For art aficionados looking for a partner in crime to check out a new gallery during lunch hour? Umm... I think it's pretty clear that Lunchbox App is for everyone! Hey, we all have to eat right? 

We headed to a great lunch place right in the center of Amsterdam, Cafe de Jaren. It's always full and hopping for lunch with a nice mix of students, entrepreneurs, bloggers and suit types. Despite it's central location, this place remains undiscovered by tourists. In the summer by the way it's nice to arrive by boat via the canal. Just saying. 

{ Pictured: serious discussion about entrepreneurship, the future of travel and social networking in progress... Artyom on the right } A little bit about Artyom. He speaks Russian, once lived in a favela in Rio, is no stranger to China and pretty much feels at home in the world. He got the idea for the Lunchbox one fine day when his co-workers seemed to be either skipping lunch or eating at their desks.

During my internship my colleagues would often be busy during lunchtime and I would go out for lunch on my own. Walking around the financial district I would see other people eating their sandwich by themselves. So I thought; wouldn't it be great if there were an easy way for all of us to get together and enjoy lunch in good company?

Artyom thought of the lunches he had during his travels, when it was an opportunity to discover the culture, taste new delicacies and connect with people. And so...Lunchbox was born! Now, we always have new friends to meet at lunch.  

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

{ Exotic fruits on the beach in Paraty, Brazil  ~ Chinese fish market ~ Family style lunch in China } 

{ Sangria, paella and friends! Perfect lunch Barcelona style. }

Speaking of lunches in exotic locales with exotic friends...why can't we continue lunching like we do when we are traveling?

Why can't it be a discovery for our taste buds when our cities are brimming with ethnic cuisine and lovely lunch spots to discover covering just about any culture! A chance to meet someone perhaps completely different and discover things you actually have in common. This happens all the time when we travel and does not need to stop.

--> Download the Lunchbox, and seek out an opportunity to be a #lunchtimetraveler. 

View fullsize

View fullsize

{ Artyom practicing calligraphy in China ~  View from Artyom's pad in Rio's favela }

For me personally it was absolutely incredible to meet Artyom.

A fellow travel lover, promoter of living an inspired life and always discovering. Not to mention a fellow lunch enthusiast, who is not afraid of snapping a photo of the said delicious lunch. Currently the Lunchbox is very active in Utrecht and Amsterdam but wherever you are in the world do not be afraid to be the first one who posts a Lunch Box. Invite friends and ask them to invite their friends and soon we'll all be lunching all together! Thanks Artyom for helping us Live Like We're Traveling!

Artyom's Lunch Spot Recommendation:

The location of the world's first stock exchange! The remodeled building now houses space for events, work sharing space for entrepreneurs and a couple of cozy cafes. 

• • •

Join us @livelikeyouretraveling for more #LunchtimeTraveler ideas! 

Take Us To Lunch : Living Pura Vida in San José with Cueropapel&tijera

We are continuing our adventures in Costa Rica with Sofia Protti founder and designer at cueropapel&tijera who is taking us on a tour of her regular lunch spot in San José. This place happens to be El Mercado Central where you can find little sodas (eateries) and all kinds of colorful wares. A place you can really soak in some atmosphere, let's go?!!

• • •

I went to El Mercado yesterday! It was nice to visit this time having in mind what things would be interesting to see and to know for other people. I enjoy food so much that El Mercado is like a party to me. Herbs, seafood, vegetables, lots of fruits, the smell of plantain leaves that are so usual at this time of the year to cook "tamales" our traditional Christmas meal... uh! It is wonderful!

I never get bored here, as there is always something new! A different kind of "chili" or a new fruit, or simply a little spot that has been there for years, that you haven't noticed before. As usual, what I did yesterday was to have Fresco de frutas, a frozen fruit juice made of chopped fruits (banana and papaya mostly) and syrup. This is so classic, and delicious. So after the walk you have to do to get to El Mercado, where you need to start your journey is Fresco de Frutas.

• • •

After that, I wander around the market to see the handicrafts. You can find the traditonal market bags made out of "cabuya" (a natural fiber produced here), small leather bags, post cards, baskets, and "hamacas." The coffee shops are all over too.

My favorite picks are the "cabuya" bags because of their colors, the thread, and their long lasting quality. Every housewife in Costa Rica should have one, as all our grandmas did. It is so meaningful to me. Not only for the colors and shape, but for the memories I have going to the market with my grandma. Her bag was aged and had so much personality that I found it unique and special and also because of all the good stuff we put in it. 

Leather handicrafts are also my favorites. I get so much inspiration here as I am always trying to reinterpret the traditional styles into my own modern version of it. 

• • •

Then I finally go back to Soda San Martin. The place where I get my fresco de frutas and my soup. This place was stablished in 1953, and it is well known for the typical local food. Their specialty is the Olla de Carne, a meat soup with a lot of vegetables, but today I was craving the Seafood soup!

Tell us a bit about your country and your work...

What I love the most about my home place is our style. We are easy going, friendly, full of opportunities, education, and progressing forward is a chance that everyone has. 

One thing I would like to see improved is our ambition (in a good sense). Costa Rica is such a good place to live that we easily get into a "comfort zone" that makes us lose our competitiveness. We lack ambition and a sense of empowerment, which I admire in other countries. I studied Industrial Design at the University, but leather has been a part of my life since I was a little girl. My grandpa who was a leather craftsman supported our family by creating leather bookbinding and other crafts.  I loved being at his workshop playing or "working" with little pieces of leather during my free time. I decided to switch from my design career to my grandpa's passion. 

When he got sick, I realized that the only thing I could do to keep him "alive" was to do what he loved.

I did not start the business thinking it was going to be my grandpa´s business forever, and by the time I felt strong and clear about what I wanted to do, I decided to take the best of his work and make my own version of it. So that´s how I founded CueroPapel&Tijera* in 2008. (*leather paper & scissors) 

Costa Rica's essence is easy to infuse into my products. For inspiration, I visit local spots for coffee, talk to people, and I take lots of pictures of every flower I find, the sky, greens in the views, rain, and everything that resembles our country. So I AM Costa Rica and translating this feeling to my designs is something I do through texture, color, and simplicity. A very Costa Rican saying, Pura Vida, means an agreement of life to me! We say "Pura Vida" intead of saying "hi" or "ok." "Pura Vida," is our phrase for everything. We even say it in place of "thanks!"  

So, this is exactly who we are: "Pure Life."

(Follow Sofia on Instagram (@sofiaprotti) to see more of this pure and colorful Costa Rican life.)

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

What is one thing you recommend to do in Costa Rica to experience this Pura Vida?

My recommendation would be to see a sunset with a cup of coffee. Trust me our coffee is the best. The air is so perfect and the light is gold. Birds sing and you can have tamales with coffee, which is pretty close to glory I guess.
 

SOFIA'S FAVORITES FOR SAN JOSE:

Lunch spot: 
Soda San Martin in El Mercado Central 

Coffee:
Sofia's daily favorite coffee "1820." The name refers to the year Costa Rica started exporting coffee beans. Coffee production used to be the country's main economic activity (it is now tourism), and still remains the biggest export. 

Sharing always goes both ways, giving and taking. Thank you Alla and Mu-Hsien for taking the time and showing interest in my small unique homeland, Costa Rica. I hope others can also join this giving and taking experience, from which I have already learned so much.

Always welcome to Pura Vida land!
- - -
Sofia 
OTSP Neighbor Profile : Cuero Papel & Tijera  

Thank you global neighbor Sofia for taking us to lunch and sharing your Pura Vida way of thinking and working... I think we are definitely inspired to pay closer attention to nature's kaleidoscope and be open to the inspiration it sends our way!  (Photos: via Sofia) ~ Sofia helps us infuse our life with vibrant colors and simple and pure Costa Rican sensibility through her modern yet rich in history artisan leather bags and accessories. 

 { Alla's Picks }

 { Mu-Hsien's Picks }

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED #44    • • •

Inspiration is all around us, 
you just have to look through a fresh pair of eyes to see it.

 Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

---

READ NEXT:

---

Take Us to Lunch : City of Dreams, Bogotá with Azulina Ceramics

One of my favorite things to do if I'm visiting friends in another country is to spend a day with them just doing what they normally would on a regular day. I believe the scientific jargon for this is: "observing the locals in their natural habitat". This, I think, is truly the best way to take it slow and really soak in the atmosphere.  I found, I always end up uncovering the true essence of a place better then running around from one touristic landmark to another. And what could be more "normal" then having lunch at someone's regular haunt? 

Well today we have a fabulous Global Neighbor Melissa Moriarty, founder of Azulina Ceramics, who is taking us to lunch with her... in Bogotá!!! 

Melissa is bringing us to Masa, a place where she likes to eat, located in Bogotá's "Zona G" (Zona Gourmet). This area, we hear, is the place to be for not only the best restaurants in town, but also to sample the world. International cuisine is a trend on the rise among the world curious Bogotanos.

Tell us about Masa.

Masa is just the greatest. It is a cafe and bakery located in the Chapinero neighborhood of Bogotá, which is the hip place to be. It has a big family-style table in the entrance and a sunny, outdoor patio. My favorite thing about Masa, besides having Bogotá's best pain au chocolat, is that they are turning themselves into a friendly, neighborhood spot. Patrons are allowed to bring their dogs onto the patio and they offer bike locks for those who show up on two wheels. They are thinking of the little things. And believe it or not, that is a first.

{ Is that CARROT CAKE!??? } 

What about you Melissa, originally from Houston, Texas, you've lived in DC, Boston, Chicago, Spain and Honduras! What has brought you to come settle in Colombia? 

I first visited in 2011 when I joined my uncle on a business trip to Medellin. I fell in love with the energy of Colombia and its people almost immediately. There is just something in the air: there is this good, positive, exciting energy. It is so contagious I get giddy talking about it.

Everyone is involved and committed to making Colombia a better place to live, work and raise children, and as a result new, innovative services are popping up daily. The energy is almost palpable. I am so excited for what's to come.

• • •

Melissa's description made me think about my former home, THE place for incredible energy. NYC that is. In fact, Silvana Villegas, the owner of Masa has studied and worked in NY before moving back to Bogotá to open this restaurant with her sister. Silvana has brought back a bit of Manhattan to Bogotá with a 'make your own' salad bar, not something you see everyday in Colombia. Together with french pastries, world inspired breads, fresh juices and omelettes, it's a brand new way of looking at lunch in Bogotá, traditionally a heavier, rice and beans kind of a meal.

View fullsize

View fullsize

View fullsize

Melissa with Silvana, owner of Masa

Has your perception of Colombia changed now that you've been living in Bogotá for a while?

No, but the realities of living in a country with old-fashioned, bureaucratic systems makes for some additional hurdles and frustration. I'm lucky in that my company, Azulina Ceramics, is a U.S. Corporation and I deal with all legal and accounting standards according to U.S. laws. However, I have lots of ideas and aspirations to start different businesses and social initiatives here so it won't be long until I am dealing with those 'hurdles'. But you know what? There is so much opportunity here because there are still so many problems to solve and so many people willing to join in on your cause. I love that about Colombia.

What was most surprising thing you discovered about your new home or something you did not expect? 

I've found that Colombians are exceptionally well educated and hard-working, in all things and in all levels of society. I could not be happier to be working with my team in El Carmen de Viboral. From the women artisans to the business development team, everyone works their butts off and makes the impossible possible. I had a misconceived notion that doing business would be difficult for cultural reasons or perhaps because I thought people might be stuck in their ways, but I have been so surprised by how open everyone is to collaborate.

(Photo: Jay Marroquin)

What makes you feel at home here? Do you speak Spanish? 

My friends, boyfriend and boyfriend's family make me feel so happy and at home here. Colombians are generally very warm and welcoming, so it has been easy to meet and make amazing, lifelong friends. And frankly, with that, I could live anywhere. The rest is just material.

As for Spanish, I can speak like a native. I don't look like I can, so I use it as my secret weapon. Ha! 

• • •

{ Melissa's yummy lunch, scrambled eggs with mushrooms and ham,
pain au chocolat and coffee in Azulina's "everyday mug" from the Flora Collection. } 

What is another insider tip (besides lunch at Masa!) you want to give to us planning to visit?

If you are heading to Bogotá download these Apps: Uber and Tappsi. The city is going through some growing pains so their public transport isn't yet easy to navigate and use, especially for a tourist, so I recommend you use Tappsi or Uber to order taxis. Cabs are super cheap, like $5 max to go practically anywhere. I use either Tappsi or Uber at least 4 times per week. Yay technology.

• • •
{ Masa's Mythic Pain au Chocolat looking ever so scrumptious on
hand painted canape plate from Azulina's Lima collection. } 

MELISSA'S FAVORITES FOR BOGOTA:

Lunch spot: 
Masa (Cll 70 # 4-83 Bogotá D.C.) and a second restaurant is planned to open in the near future. 

Getting Around: 
Taking a cab is an inexpensive and quick way to get around in Bogotá. 
• Uber - Is a taxi booking app available in 22 countries, you can request a ride, be picked up in minutes and pay using your phone. 
• Tappsi - A Bogotá based company servicing Latin America. 

Thanks Alla and Mu-Hsien for the opportunity to share a bit about the world's greatest hidden treasure: Colombia. 

Con Mucho Amor,
- - -
Melissa of Azulina Ceramics
(Photos via Melissa)

Thank you Melissa for taking us to lunch and sharing about your new home and also introducing us to Silvana's Masa. You ladies are true global neighbors bringing a bit of New York and Paris to Bogotá and exporting a bit of Colombia to the world! We love that you help bring us all closer together! And we are even more curious now about the city that's making it all possible, Bogotá. ~ Bring a little piece of Colombia into your home and head over to Azulina.com for beautiful hand painted ceramics! 
 

Here are some of our favorites:

{ Alla's Picks }
A tall mug worthy of my coffee worship!

{ Mu-Hsien's Picks } 
A lovely pitcher that doubles as a vase & a cheery mug to start off the day!

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

One neighbor's everyday mug,
is another neighbor's global find! 

Get everyday adventure ideas @LiveLikeYoureTraveling

---

READ NEXT:

---

Blog

Take Us To Lunch : Living Pura Vida in San José with Cueropapel&tijera

about 11 years ago

There are no items to display from the selected collection.

Follow us for travel-inspired wisdom and unique cultural finds:
FEEDLY   |   BLOGLOVIN   |   FACEBOOK   |   PINTEREST 

IDEA126: Travel Like a Local and Stay in a Family Friendly Kid & Coe Home

Sometimes you come across a company and you just want to scream "YES!!! This is exactly what I've been dreaming about!". Well here is a fabulous new find for traveling with kids. (Thanks BozAround for the introduction!) Kid & Coe are taking "apartment" stay to the next level specializing in places with children's rooms equipped with toys and other child friendly extras. I don't know about you but when we travel we bring a suitcase for ourselves, a suitcase for the child (we have yet to travel with our new baby Vin, but he is only 3 weeks old) AND a suitcase with toys, not to mention a stroller. Staying at Kid & Coe place will surely help to eliminate the toy suitcase at least. 

Improving travel logistics is only one of the benefits, what we really love about this idea is how you can experience a destination while living like a local family! You know we here at OTSP are all about immersion travel. Eating like locals, or rather with locals, and now you can live like a local too. I for one can't wait to try this out. I told Vito last year that I thought it would be fun to celebrate Christmas in Iceland with the whole family. He thought it was a rather strange idea considering Iceland is a cold and dark place in the middle of winter. I however envision cozy strolls along the shopping street during the Christmas presents rush and having hot chocolates at the adorable cafes. Of course going for a family dip in the pools. Going on sled rides... the list goes on as I think there is plenty of family fun to be had in the wintry Iceland. By the way, each Kid&Coe apartment comes with a guide of kid friendly activities from a local scout. Perfection!

• • • 
[ The Hrisateigur Residence, Iceland ]

At the end of a fun filled day you want to come "home" and have a refrigerator available for the inevitable snacks and milk bottles, you want comfortable room to "stow" your kids away for a night of sweet dreams and TRUST me you want a comfortable living room with a TV and somewhere to perch your over-sized glass of red wine for an evening of relaxation. Vito and I call it the "happy moment", when we sit down on the couch alone after tucking in our oldest into bed promptly at 8pm. Yes it's a bit different traveling with a toddler because unlike a baby who will happily snooze through thumping samba music in his stroller while his parents sip caipirinas at a swanky South Beach, Miami lounge, a toddler needs a real bed and preferably a night light with star shapes. (Prince!) Thus unless you want to be sitting in the dark starting at 8pm you need a place with a living room.  

• • • 

Kid&Coe's accommodations look so adorable that I can just imagine having a sweet little Christmas dinner at the "borrowed home" and pretending we're an Icelandic family! Would you just check out this residence of 5 bedrooms! Three adorable children's rooms fully stocked with toys, shelves of books and plastic dinosaurs!!! Also check out the huge bathtub! I can definitely see a "happy moment" happening in one of those! 

There is only one issue remains to be settled... WHEN ARE WE GOING!? 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

For happy travels make sure your child
and YOU have plenty of toys.

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin it on Pinterest! ~ For more ways Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

---

READ NEXT:

---

There are no items to display from the selected collection.

There are no items to display from the selected collection.

IDEA123: Eat with a Local : Share a Home-cooked Meal with New Friends

Have you ever been on vacation and exclaimed: "Oh how nice would it be if we knew someone here so they could invite us to their house for an authentic home cooked dinner!"? Some of the richest experiences I've had while traveling is from sharing a meal with friends in their homes; friend's friends throwing us a bbq-pool party in Brazil, star-lit dinner on a terrace in Portugal, new years dinner in a 100+ yr old lake front family home in Switzerland. It's really not just about the food. A whole new dimension opens up when visiting someone's home. You can see how they've decorated, what kinds of things they have around their house, and of course get to hear first hand what life is like in their corner of the world! It's a real bonding experience that makes you believe, even if for just that evening that we can transcend our differences, cultural barriers and just all be... one big happy village. Isn't it why we travel after all? To connect and to find a little bit of ourselves in far flung places? 

This is why Alla and I are so thrilled to see *eat with a local* companies like these rising. We now have a direct dinner invitation in the homes of our global neighbors!  

• • • 

So where to first?

1 - www.cookening.com World (Mostly Europe)
Founded in France by three friends passionate about food and travel. Check out this veranda dining in the beautiful Vico Equense on the Amalfi Coast with a host who makes his own limoncello from lemons growing in his orchard. Oh...Ciao! 

• • • 

2 - www.plateculture.com (Asia)
Founded in Malaysia by two Lithuanian friends and entrepreneurs. How about a dumpling making lesson with an expat couple living in Singapore?  

• • • 

3 - www.eatwith.com  World (Mostly Europe and Americas)
Founded in Israel, the hotspot for tech start-ups, this company seems to be expanding daily adding new countries and new hosts! How about a real Argentine wood smoked BBQ feast in San Isidrio?    

• • • 

4 - www.bookalocal.com World (Currently mostly Belgium)
Founded in Belgium by an ex-New Yorker. How about a real Belgian experience of Beer Pairing Dinner with Evelyne & Brian. Or for international flavors you can make sushi with a Japanese host Haruko!

This is not only great for when you're traveling, but also right where you live.  Why not try this in your very own city? I can't wait to try a vegan dinner near me and on Alla's list is a Lebanese dinner in Amsterdam! Where will you go? 
 

• • •     LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Eat culture, not food and you'll leave
the table more satisfied.

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin on Pinterest! ~ For More ways to Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

---

READ NEXT:

---

IDEA118: Plan Your Next Trip with 5 of Our Favorite Travel Booking Sites

"We want to go somewhere tropical and luxurious.... any ideas?" Mu-Hsien asked me the other day.

"When?"

"Beginning of August."

"WHAT!? And only now you're asking for IDEAS?" I'm a super planner, at the moment I'm thinking about a weekend away next March, so clearly I was shocked and appalled at this nonchalant treatment of the most sacred thing on earth...travel.

In a knee jerk reaction I immediately invited Mu to my favorite sites for booking travel. 

After a day of browsing Mu-Hsien dismissed Caribbean as being to risky for stormy weather in August, Asia as being simply too far for an impromptu week-long escape, California and Florida as not "exotic" enough, Canada not tropical enough, and Hawaii a tad over the budget for the uber sexy and romantic accommodation that she envisioned.  

Dilemma seems to have only intensified and Mu-Hsien once again proved that she really should have been born a princess. 

I told her that there is only one place where someone like her can be helped... and that is at a travel agency.  

"A travel agency!?" exclaimed Mu-Hsien amused. "Do those still exist?" 

While Mu-Hsien is seeking wisdom and guidance at a Travel Agency, I thought I'd share with you all my favorite sites for travel booking and inspiration in hopes that you never to get caught without a travel idea and perhaps help you unleash that travel buying trigger finger!

1. Booking.com

This is my absolute first stop when I look for any accommodation. Booking.com, a Dutch company, lists not only hotels, but also B&B's, design hotels, villas and apartments from all over the world. The real gem however is in the reviews. For most accommodations you are likely to find hundreds of reviews. You can even filter reviewers by families, mature or young couples, single travelers or groups. I use Booking.com to book just about all of my accommodation if where I'm going does not require me buying a plane ride.        

2. Expedia.com

Everyone is familiar with expedia. I use it in situation when I need a simple flight + hotel combination. Many times I have concluded that the price on expedia really can't be beat any other way. I've even used it for some far away business trips. This is also great for last minute getaways and when you're flexible about your destination. TIP: If you're outside of the US, expedia will automatically redirect you to the local site with local currency. Be sure to click back to expedia.com and purchase in USD. For some reason listings in USD prices are almost always LESS EXPENSIVE.  

---

The next three picks are member sites. Sort of your Rue La La but for travel. There you'll find unbelievable discounts on super luxurious hotels, resorts and trips. Yes, I'd put most of these into the splurge category but if used wisely they could really lead you to a STEAL. I use these as follows: 

•  Sexy hotel night stay right in your own city - you know, for celebrating something special, or just for a quicky romantic get away without traveling far.

• When booking a week or longer holiday I always like to include at least few indulgent hotel nights either to start or end your vacation with. If you're booking via another site, or a travel agent you can always exclude a few nights of hotel bookings and reserve something extravagant on your own.  

• Inspiration!!! These sites really give you a nice bite sized introduction to some non-mainstream travel destinations or simply places that might not be on your radar. Many times the deals on these sites are still a bit over my budget but supplied with some inspiration I simply looks for a different option in the same area. Besides, you do know that most of these incredible resorts and hotels can be enjoyed for the day? That's right! Sleep next door at a more 'realistically priced' place and in the morning simply stroll on over to spend the day at the grandiose pool of the neighboring resort. Sometimes you'll have to pay for a day pass, and sometimes just having breakfast or lunch there will get you in for the whole day! I know, I know, you love me... 

3. Jetsetter.com 

I absolutely love LOVE! their online magazine. With features like "72 hours in...",  "Your Hot Summer in...", "Top Ten..." you'll be feverishly scribbling all over your travel list.  

4. Tablethotels.com 

This site has some really unbelievable deals not only on famous large hotels, but also on really gorgeous small design hotels. You can also see reviews from other members that have stayed there. 

5. Vacationist.com and Familygetaway.com 

This is really three sites in one, presented by Travel+Leisure. I particularly find Family Getaway very interesting because it makes it easy to book trips specifically with kids in mind. The site already takes into account that you'll need those fun extras like cots, Kids clubs with furry characters, pools with slides and so on. You can also bid on vacations and see if you can get even a bigger discount.  

Here Are Your Personal Invites!

Jetsetter -  [Invitation] 
Tablet Hotels - [Invitation] 
The Vacationist - [Invitation]  
Family Getaway - [Invitation] 

*When you sign-up you can spread the love by inviting your friends and receive a nifty little bonus if your friends book travel.

Booking.com 
Expedia.com  

Happy travels! 

• • •    WHAT ABOUT YOU?    • • •

What's your favorite travel booking website? 
Do you also have a travel agent on speed dial?

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin on Pinterest! ~ For more ways to Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

IDEA102: Use this 3 Step-Approach to Get the Best Tips from a Local

Asking someone for dining advice seems like an easy way to be in the know about the best places to eat are, but in practice it’s a bit tricky. When giving advice, locals tend to tell you to eat where they think a TOURIST would enjoy eating.

Like that tacky cafe right in the main square. Or that old fashioned place that supposedly serves typical food but really is only frequented by tour bus crowds. Locals may have the best intention when giving you their advice, thinking you would not be interested in their neighborhood restaurant with a very casual vibe, packed every night and with great food and cozy atmosphere. Yes! This is exactly what we are interested in!

Fear not! we have perfected a 3-step approach to getting someone to tell you all about their favorite spots. To illustrate let’s reminisce over my first time in Nice, France.  I was there for a work conference with Vito joining me for the weekend. I knew that we’ll be packing in lots of sightseeing and after a full day of walking around you don’t want to take chances on not finding the perfect place to cozy up for dinner. Nice however, is full of restaurants, so how do you pick the right place?

I did not have much time during the conference to understand the lay of the land, so I marched over to the concierge, a charming man in his fifties, and asked him for a restaurant recommendation. I explained that I’ll be taking some clients out for dinner and if he can recommend: “Something nice, butnot too fancy.” He wrote the name of the place down for me without missing a beat. This was probably a pick from his list of restaurants to recommend to hotel patrons.  I then asked him for a second recommendation. This time I leaned in and told him that my guy was coming for the weekend and I wanted to go where you eat really well and not pay a lot. The Concierge looked up puzzled, I could see he understood that I did not want a restaurant from the “list,”  I was looking for something really special. “What is your favorite place to eat?”  I added to really drive the point home.

I’m not sure if it just seemed that way, but he gave a quick glance around the room as if making sure no one was watching him break a rule. He then looked at me and said in a lowered voice: “Well, here is a place you should try. It’s a bit out of the way, but the food is great.”  He wrote it down for me, then added:  “I go here with my girlfriend.”  The way he said it sounded like he was either asking me not to tell anyone about this restaurant, or not to tell his wife about his girlfriend.  (Though before I go spreading vicious rumors about the nice concierge, just for the record, I did glance at his hands and there was definitely no wedding band so probably he was not married after all.)

• • •

So here is the 3-part approach to getting a local to give you the best recommendation:

1 – Bait and Switch
Ask them a question, let them answer you then give them a different scenario and ask for one more recommendation.

2 – Magic combination: I want to eat GREAT FOOD and NOT PAY A LOT.
This particular one works really well in Italy, Spain, Greece…well pretty much all of Mediterranean and the Middle East, where getting a good deal for high quality is a sport.)

3 – Ask them what their favorite place is.
Now in case you’re dying to know what that secret place in Nice was, I have to confess that I don’t remember the name! This was after all five years ago and it is possible that the place may not even exist anymore. This is my point exactly, ask a local for the most up to date special location!

But we’ll hold your hand a little bit, just this once, and give you three restaurants that fit the perfect dinner location after a day of frolicking in Nice…authentic, cozy and romantic. But don’t take our word for it, ask a local yourself!

• Chat Noir Chat Blanc, 20 Rue Barillerie
• La Merenda, 4 Rue Raoul Bosio
• Le Maquis, 7 Rue de l’Abbaye

 

• • •   LESSONS LEARNED    • • •

Spontaneous romance requires meticulous planning.

Love it? Share it! - We are dedicated to sharing stories that spark ideas and are meaningful to you. The best way to let us know is to post a comment, like below or pin it on Pinterest! ~ For more ways Live Like You're Traveling, follow us on Feedly, Bloglovin, Pinterest, or Facebook. 

---

READ NEXT:

---

There are no items to display from the selected collection.

There are no items to display from the selected collection.