How to Prevent Car Sickness in Toddlers

Getting car sick is no fun at any age, but it’s especially troubling to watch a young child not feel well. Children 2-12 years old are particularly susceptible.

What causes car sickness?

Car sickness is essentially motion sickness that occurs when the brain receives conflicting signals from the motion-sensing parts of the body: the inner ears, eyes and nerves in the extremities.

 

For example, if your child is in the back seat and can’t see out the window, their inner ear will sense motion, but their eyes and joints may not.

 

If your child is prone to getting car sick, consider these steps from Nationwide Children’s Hospital to prevent and relieve discomfort:

Before you leave

• Give your child a plain snack to eat, such as crackers
• Avoid a large meal before travel, especially spicy, greasy or caffeinated foods and drinks
• If possible, travel when your child is tired, so he or she can sleep during the ride

During the ride

• If your child is in a safety or booster seat, make sure they are elevated so they can see through the windshield (read the safety rules provided by the car seat manufacturer)
• If children are old enough, sitting in the front seat can help prevent sickness
• Provide plenty of ventilation
• Avoid smoking and keep strong-smelling food out of the car
• Encourage your child to look out the window
• Discourage them from focusing on books, games, movies or anything that involves looking down
• Encourage activities that don’t require much visual focus, like listening to music, singing or playing verbal games
• Have a pillow or headrest handy to avoid unnecessary head movements
• Keep flavored lozenges on hand. The gingered-flavored variety, in particular, can help settle an upset stomach
• Have water available to keep them hydrated

If your child gets car sick

Pull over for a short break and have your child lie on their back with their eyes closed. A cool cloth on the forehead also helps.

If symptoms persist, contact your child’s doctor about over-the-counter preventative medication.

Thanksgiving by the Numbers

Curious how your fellow Americans spend their Thanksgiving? We compiled facts and figures from TripAdvisor, Orbitz and the U.S. Department of Transportation to give this Turkey Day snapshot:

Who travels?

43,400,000 Americans travel for Thanksgiving

Why do they travel?

40% travel to have dinner with family 4% travel to have dinner with friends

How far do they go?

50 miles or more on average

Where do they go?

The 5 most popular cities to travel to for the holiday are:

• New York City
• Orlando
• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco

How do they get there?

38,900,000 travel by car 3,140,000 travel by plane

1,400,000 travel by bus, train or ship

When do they leave?

27% of drivers leave on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving – the busiest travel day

64% plan to travel during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic

Where do they stay?

44% of travelers stay at the home of family or friends

42% stay at a hotel or vacation rental

How do they book their tickets and accommodations?

57% of travelers use a mobile device in the booking process

How much do they spend on traveling?

$384 is the average domestic airfare

$162 is the average hotel rate

What about the food?

235,000,000 turkeys are raised in the U.S. each year

46,000,000 turkeys served for Thanksgiving dinner

736,000,000 pounds of turkey served for Thanksgiving dinner

16% of people eat at a restaurant on Thanksgiving

How much is spent on the feast?

$49.04 is the average cost of Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people

$21.76 is the average cost of a 16 lb. turkey

$75 or more is the average for a ready-to-eat meal from a grocery store

Tis the Season...for Theft Prevention

5 Tips to Keeps Your Belongings Safe from Holiday Theft

 

 

 

The holidays are a cheerful time, but while you’re celebrating, someone may be eyeing those new gifts. Beware of the burglars waiting to get their hands on your presents.

 

According to Nationwide claims data over the past three years, there were nearly 15,000 home thefts during the holidays and travel months of November, December and January.

Here are 5 tips to help avoid being a victim of theft over the holidays:

1. Save the status updates for later

Four out of five burglars used social networks last year to find out when people were not home.

 

Telling friends and family your holiday plans on social media may seem harmless, but that social media message can be an advertisement to burglars that says, “I’m not home.” Don’t let your social media behavior while you’re gone put your home at risk for a burglary.

2. Add home security devices to your gift list

Adding these items to your wish list can offer some extra protection:

• Sensor-triggered lighting
• Motion-activated webcams
• Smart phone home security

Also look into technology that lets you connect with your phone for 24/7 surveillance when you’re on the go.

3. Close the curtains before turning in

Open blinds may invite unwanted eyes, allowing thieves to check out the layout of your home, or view your belongings.

4. Don’t leave ladders up after decorating

Ladders can help a burglar gain access to your home. Once you’ve hung the outdoor lights, store the ladders and tools in a locked shed or garage.

5. Create categorized inventory lists

Put your gift list-making skills to good use and keep an ongoing record of items in your home. Free apps like Know Your Stuff can help you take inventory with pre-programmed categories and locations.

 

An inventory list will come in handy if you have Brand New Belongings insurance* coverage, which can help replace your insured belongings if they’re stolen or destroyed – regardless of age or condition.

*Optional feature. Exclusions and limits apply. Damaged items may be repaired in some cases. Details vary by state and policy language. Please consult your policy for the specifics of your selected coverages. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review, and approval.

Dog-Friendly Vacation Ideas to Consider This Summer

 

Do you experience separation anxiety when leaving your 4-legged friend behind while you’re on vacation? Luckily, there’s a simple solution – plan a dog-friendly getaway. Whether you and your pet are beach bums or active movers and shakers, there are plenty accommodating trip ideas the whole family can enjoy.

 

Beach Bums

 

What could be better than a beach where dogs are free to frolic in the sand? Dog-friendly beaches allow you to catch some rays and enjoy a refreshing dip – right along with your pup. Don’t forget to set up some shade to help protect your furry friend from the summer sun.

 

Fearless Adventurers

 

Water sports are fun with other humans, but water sports with your pet are even better. Take surfing. So Cal Surf Dogs is Southern California’s dog surfing club. For beginners to pros, the club offers a variety of lessons at Del Mar Dog Beach that aligns with you and your dog’s skills. Experienced instructors provide techniques and the proper equipment to ensure that you and your canine are safe at all times.

 

Sightseeing Enthusiasts

 

Is kayaking or hiking more your fortè? There are loads of options for you and your pal to explore nature together. Consider renting a kayak or paddle board or visit one of the many dog-friendly hiking trails. Be sure to protect your pet with a life vest when renting a kayak or paddle board, and to bring plenty of water when you hit the trails.

 

Ski Searchers

 

For those who prefer a winter vacation, consider ski resorts that cater to pet owners and offer dog-specific trails for skiing (some stay open until early July) and hiking in warmer weather.

 

Visit the Cross Country Ski Areas Association site for a list of dog-friendly ski spots.

 

No matter what type of traveler you are, there’s a getaway for you and your pet. Let the planning begin and remember to review this travel checklist before packing your dog’s favorite bone. Which of these ideas will be on your itinerary?

RV Campgrounds for Your Next Vacation

 

Whatever vacation destination fits your style or taste, you’ll find it behind the wheel of an RV. Locations that cater to RVers run the spectrum from roughing it to refined.

Back to basics

If you’re a natural camper looking to escape modern technology, consider Horse Thief Lake Campground in the Black Hills of South Dakota. The family-owned and -operated campground transports you back to simple days, when all you had to do was enjoy the great outdoors. And if you’re up for more exploring, Mt. Rushmore is only a few miles away.

National park people

In close proximity to Yosemite National Park is the Yosemite Pines RV Park, an affordable, kid-friendly spot with a variety of amenities for you and the family. In addition to outdoor activities, such as mountain biking and swimming, the kids will love the alpaca-filled petting zoo and gold mine.

Luxury lovers

New to the RV scene and not ready to abandon the comforts of a hotel? Lake Osprey RV Country Club, a luxurious RV resort, balances scenic views for the nature fanatics with countless amenities. Located in Elberta, Alabama, the resort features an 18-hole golf course, clubhouse, pool and free WiFi.

Popular pads

With a grade “A” rating from guestrated.com for the past six years, South Haven Sunny Brook RV Resort in southwest Michigan is clearly popular among RVers. The 65-acre resort has a private lake, kayaking expeditions, fitness centers and scenic hiking trails. Guests can also take advantage of an extensive events calendar filled with music, contests and food. Another plus? The resort is situated near beautiful Lake Michigan.

RV newbies

Anxious to go on an RV trip, but lack the essentials – like a recreational vehicle? No problem. The Shady Dell RV Park in Bisbee, Arizona, provides travelers with a selection of nine restored vintage RVs. If you’re looking for quiet time and privacy, this may be the choice for you, since the crowds are kept small and the noise level is kept to a minimum.

 

Have your pick from luxurious to the pure outdoors. And to help make your trip safe, as well as fun, look over this RV checklist before hitting the highway.

11 Travel Tips for Thanksgiving

With winter weather, freezing temperatures and rain forecasted for much of the country and more than 43 million Americans expected to be on the roads this week, the American Red Cross offers tips to help Thanksgiving travelers arrive safely at their destination:

AUTOMOBILES

 

1. Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels before you get on the road. Avoid driving when conditions include sleet, freezing rain or drizzle, snow or dense fog. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

 

2. If winter weather is present, bring pets/companion animals inside before you leave the house.

 

3. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order. Fill your gas tank, check the air pressure in your tires and make sure you have windshield fluid.

 

4. Buckle up, slow down, don’t drink and drive, or text and drive.

 

5. Make frequent stops on long trips. If you’re too tired to drive, stop and rest.

 

6. If you have car trouble, pull off the road as far as possible.

PLANES & TRAINS

 

1. It’s flu season. If you’ve been sick or been in contact with someone who is sick, consider postponing your trip. You could be contagious for a week before symptoms appear.

 

2. Remember that everything you touch has to be touched by someone else – luggage handlers, etc. Handle your own belongings as much as possible. Wash your hands often with soap and water.

 

3. Carry hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes with you. You can use them to wash your hands or wipe down surfaces such as armrests.

 

4. Bring your own pillows and blankets – they can act as a shield against the seat itself.

 

5. Avoid touching your face or eyes. If you have to cough or sneeze, do so into a tissue or your sleeve.

 

BONUS TIP

Download the American Red Cross First Aid App. The app provides users with quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores. See all Red Cross apps at redcross.org/mobileapps.

7 Social Media Vacation Safety Tips

"We're Not Home"

 

Beautiful sunsets, breathtaking mountain scenes, a photo op with a celebrity—vacations are a social media gold mine.

 

When you’re lying by the beach or touring a historic landmark, it might be exciting to share a picture of the view on Instagram or tweet your Grand Canyon Foursquare check-in. But that social media message can be an advertisement to burglars that says, “I’m not home.”

 

 

A recent Nationwide Insurance survey reveals that 14 percent of homeowners use social media to post updates, share photos or check into locations on Facebook, Twitter or Foursquare while they’re on vacation. For Gen Yers (18-34 year olds), this percentage jumps to 41 percent.

 

According to an article in Time Magazine, it’s estimated that 78 percent of burglars now use social media to choose the location of their next break-in.

 

And search features like Facebook’s new Graph Search tool could make the research even easier for thieves. Now burglars can quickly find out who checked in at tourist attractions or easily comb through timeline photos for vacation pictures.

 

Don’t let your social media behavior during vacation put your home at risk for a burglary. Here are seven social media safety tips for your next vacation:

Before vacation:

1. Resist the “I’m going on vacation” social media announcement

• You might want to brag to your friends that you’ll be on the beach for the next seven days, but resist the urge to post or tweet about it.

2. Disable location-identifying settings

• Smart phones, tablets and laptops have location services that identify where you are by using GPS or Wi-Fi hotspots. By disabling the location-identifying settings, your geographic location won’t be captured if you tweet or post.

3. Check your Facebook tagging settings

• Facebook’s privacy settings allow you to manage the posts and photos you’re tagged in. Prevent tagged posts from automatically appearing on your timeline by enabling the timeline review control. Then you can approve pictures snapped by friends or family during vacation after you get home.And while you’re adjusting your Facebook tagging settings for that vacay, take a few minutes to double check the rest of your social media privacy settings.

During vacation:

4. Don’t check in or post about vacation

• Check-ins on Foursquare and Facebook are a no-no while you’re on vacation—and so is tweeting about it. By pinning your exact location on a social media virtual map like Foursquare, your friends will know where you are—and burglars will know where you aren’t.

5. Capture the incredible moments

• Take photos and jot down the social media messages you’d normally say about the experience. Consider using a social media management website to write posts and tweets, then schedule them to post after you return home.

6. Blog now—publish later

• Blogging during your vacation is a great way to capture all the details of your experience. When you finish writing the post, save it as a draft instead of publishing it.

After vacation:

7. Share

• Once you get home, recap your vacation with friends and family by sharing the photos from your trip and publishing your blog posts.

Pass these tips along to your fellow vacationers (friends, family and kids) so their social media behavior on vacation doesn’t put your home at risk for burglary.

Check out more home theft prevention tips and test your home burglary knowledge with our quiz on common home break-in statistics.

Holiday Travel Safety Tips

Taking to the seas for the holidays? Or flying out in search of sun and sand instead of gray skies and snow? Before you board, check out these Travel Safety Tips checklist. It includes important information and advice on how to avoid theft while traveling; clever ways to keep your travel cash safe; and how to avoid health risks.

 

Checklist: Travel Safety Tips

Travel Packing Tips

 

 

Need some tips on how to travel lighter during your holiday travels?

 

Check out these five tips to packing and lugging a lighter load:

 

1. Do your research

It sounds silly but make sure you know exactly how many days and nights you are away for and the temperature at your holiday destination. Most women make the mistake of packing far too much because they don’t know what they will ‘feel like wearing’ or are scared of packing too little – a bit of research will ensure you take just the right amount.

2. Pick staple items

It’s all about versatile and interchangeable items that you can mix and match, or dress up and down. For example, a maxi dress can work both during the day and the evening – it’s all about accessories!

3. Plan your outfits

Try to match up enough outfits for the number of days you are on holiday, and what you might be doing on each day. Don’t forget to pack enough underwear too!

4. Don’t forget essentials

Essential toiletries, sun cream and medication are all must-have necessities. Never take expensive jewellery away with you – buy cheaper alternatives from the high street.

5. Be space savvy

Roll clothes instead of folding them and tuck away toiletries and accessories into shoes. Standing a case up for a few hours will get rid of extra air, giving you a few inches of extra space at the top to squeeze in those last essential items.

If all else fails and the serial packers amongst you just can’t make up your minds on what to take, then pack your suitcase as normal and then take out half of it. This way, it’s easier to see what you do and don’t need. Happy holidays!