Travel

After reading numerous articles about the over-the-top kitsch, long lines, overpriced food and generally poor organization of the Shanghai Expo, my wife and I have spent the majority of this summer resisting the idea of going. And were it not for my insistent in-laws (who really, really wanted to go), we very well would have not. But in the spirit of filial piety we finally succumbed this past weekend and went along with our daughter to witness “Le Grand Spectacle.”

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The summer break is drawing to a close, but while you’ve been away on holiday the team at beijingkids has been busy giving your favorite magazine an overhaul. We’ve got a brand new cover and a few shiny new tweaks inside. Be prepared to see new sections introduced over the next few issues and old sections revamped. We love it! And hopefully you will too.
 
This August is the pregnancy issue. We got two moms to scour high and low, looking for information to help newcomers and veterans alike navigate the maze of birthing options in Beijing. They found everything you need to know about hospital and natural births. For parents who are struggling to adapt to life with a baby, mom Sonia Cahill spoke with a therapist about postnatal depression and what you can do to spot the signs. If Chinese pregnancy traditions have always baffled you, Kara Chin is here to set things straight.

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Family vacations can be a great opportunity to spend quality time together outside of daily life. However, among this picture of familial bliss is also the possibility that one sulky teenager can effectively ruin what should be a relaxing break for their parents. Overly concerned with being “cool,” many kids’ number one vacation goal is to ditch their parental units. To combat this, resorts and hotels have started providing activities for those who are beyond scavenger hunts, but not quite ready for cocktail hour. Helping teens meet each other and stay occupied, these vacation options provide parents with a break from headphone-wearing apathetic adolescents.

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With the adventures of travel and trying new types of food, the risk of eating something that causes gastroenteritis or traveler’s diarrhea increases. This “inflammation of the stomach” can be an unpleasant addition to anyone’s holiday, causing nausea, cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. Even the most careful traveler can eat unhygienic food unawares and so it is especially important to keep yourself informed about prevention and treatment. Dr. Richard Saint Cyr’s article and accompanying slideshow about gastroenteritis provide basic information and suggestions for travel kit supplies to combat traveler’s diarrhea once you get sick.

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A recent China Daily article reports that for some mothers RMB 100,000, traveling while pregnant and giving birth in a foreign country are worthwhile investments for US citizenship. The 14^th Amendment of the US Constitution grants citizenship to babies born on American soil, regardless of the nationality of the parents. As a result, every year a “portion of high-earning couples” are willing to spend the exorbitant amount of money necessary for agencies that provide such services, including an extended stay in the US, and medical coverage.

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Few busy travelers go more than a few days without problems interrupting their itinerary, including harrowing flight delays, upset stomachs, long lines and language barriers. Avoid adding temper tantrums and safety worries to this list by checking out BabyGro’s new items for little ones. From booster seats to blackout blinds, to ride-friendly luggage, BabyGro has the resources on-the-go parents need in familiar, trusted brand names, including Fisher Price. This month, BabyGro has newly stocked baby toys from US brand Sassy and Belgium company Motta.

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Just a friendly reminder for those traveling to Shanghai this summer: check out CNReviews for their handy World Expo Kids Guide, Transportation Guide and Food Guide. They frequently update their coverage on the Expo so that you know what to expect, making the prospect of navigating the long lines and busy metros a little less scary.

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A mosquito bite can be an aggravating addition to any holiday, hence the value of a decent insect-repellant. However, despite popular belief, it seems women can spare themselves a third application of bug-be-gone chemicals. A recent New York Times article claims that mosquitoes are more attracted to men than women.

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For the Dragon Boat Festival holiday we tagged along on for what turned out to be a frenzied, but fun, multi-family trip to Beidaihe organized by a group of parents who are members of the Beijing Running Club.

With our one toddler, we certainly had it easy by comparison – two of the families had twins and one of them came with five kids in tow. 

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Starting Saturday 12 June The Schoolhouse is making it very easy for you to plan a day of fun and sun at Mutianyu Great Wall by providing you a roundtrip ride from Beijing on The School Bus. No hassle, no worries, no packing in the bus like sardines - just a smooth ride out to the fresh air and blue skies at Mutianyu.

For your convenience, they'll have two School Buses -- the first leaving at 9am, the second at 11.30am. Both School Buses will make a stop in downtown Beijing and then Shunyi before smooth sailing to The Schoolhouse front gate. Enjoy a stroll up to the Great Wall or explore the area on your own and hike hidden trails. What's more, all day-trippers will get a free pass for their School Bus shuttle, which will travel in and around Mutianyu throughout the day. Roundtrip School Bus tickets cost RMB 120. For more information CLICK HERE.

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