Pandemic Travel With Kids

Holidays 2021 have arrived!! It was almost 2 years since we had seen family and 3 years since we were last in Canada. It still feels weird to be here... and of course, the Pandemic is still ongoing, although many think it's over. This year for the holidays, we took a  risk to fly home to finally see our families.

When flying with kids, there are more than a few extra things you need to remember. Flying with kids, during a Pandemic adds a few more important items to your checklist.  

Here are some Tips for Flying with kids during the Pandemic:

-As always, give yourself lots of time.

-Check-in online and pick seats. 

-Select a special meal online a few days before you check-in. During the Pandemic, there was only one option for dinner and breakfast on our flight. This was not an allergy friendly option. You can order kids meals and that also means you eat ahead of the others (in Economy Class). 

-Bring extra masks. Check with the airlines which mask they recommend.

-Book your Covid test and travel certificate (if necessary, different countries have different requirements. If you need to transit through a country, be sure to check their entry requirements as well.)

-Have your digital Covid certificate saved on your phone.

-Pack plenty of snacks.

-Pack some key items in your carry-on:

-An extra set of clothes for yourself and the kids (we have had spills, and diaper accidents a few times when traveling).

-Any medicine for kids or yourself (we carry kids' anti-histamines for allergies, and kids' alvedon in case)

-Phone charger (or universal charger depending on where you are visiting)

-Snacks

-Water bottle (fill it up after security)

-Your masks - don't forget masks for kids! Some airlines require masks even if kids are 2.

We used FFP2 masks for kids.

- Don't forget a couple of small bottles of Hand Sanitizer 

-Sanitizer wipes to wipe the seats and tray table. Some airlines give you a sanitizer wipe when you board. 

- Pack any valuables you are taking in your carry-on.

Some ideas to keep kids entertained 
Books (find the differences, coloring books and books to read)

-A zippered pouch with different items to take out - a folding brush, a pez container minus the candy, string, tape, mirror (Toddler age)

Some ideas to keep kids comfortable 

-Bring a light blanket or sarong.

-Lollipops, candy or dried fruit for their ears (otherwise breastfeeding the baby on landing and takeoff).

-Their "stuffy" and or backpack with toys/books.

It was a long journey but we made it! We are blessed and grateful to spend the holidays with family this year. We've enjoyed plenty of food we missed (takeout and food delivery). Holidays 2021 have been wonderful so far :)

Happy Holidays! Stay safe and remember, don't forget your snacks!

What is a Julbord?

 

A traditional Swedish Julbord or "Christmas table" is one of our favorite things to do during the Christmas Season in Sweden.

We have been to a few Julbords since living in Sweden, but missed it during the Pandemic.

A Julbord or "Christmas buffet" is usually something you need to book ahead of time. Many of the restaurants in the city will start advertising Julbord dates in mid-November. It's something, you enjoy with your coworkers (office Christmas party) or with your family/friends. 

When you line up to enter the restaurant, you can often warm up with some "Glögg" or mulled wine (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) then you're invited indoors and head over to your table. 

Remember, it's a buffet so you choose what you'd like to eat. I was told that normally you take food 4 times. You start with the Fish, like the pickled herring. Then move to the Cold cuts, various meats, Swedish cheeses, and Swedish crackers. Afterwards, you continue with the hot food like the baked salmon, ribs, and Jansson's Frestelse (creamy potato casserole).

And finally you take your dessert choosing from pudding, candy, cookies, pastries or cakes. Since it's a buffet, you can actually go as often as you like. I go a few more times because I take for the kids first so they can occupy themselves eating while I select my own food. This works out quite well especially if they are happy with the food.

There is a lot of food at the Julbord, so if you have allergies or dietary restrictions it shouldn't be a problem, but always mention to the staff when you arrive since the items ingredients might not be marked. 

During the Pandemic, there was a takeaway Julbord bag at several restaurants instead to be more "Covid-safe". It was nice to still have the traditional meal items from the comfort of your home.

If you are going to a Julbord and this is your first Julbord experience, don't forget to also talk to the staff, so you don't miss out on anything!

Enjoy the countdown to Christmas!

Don't forget your snacks!

Göteborgs Choklad & KaramellFabrik

This little chocolate and caramel shop is located in the neighbourhood of Kronhusbodarna, right in the square of Kronhuset.

There is a large assortment of handcrafted chocolates and candies to choose from that make lovely Christmas gifts! Pralines,  chocolate bark and lollipops were on my list of gift ideas!

I stopped by the Chocolate factory and shop to pick up some Christmas presents. Snacks and treats make wonderful gifts in my opinion.

Many of my friends and family seem to agree ;) especially those who don't live in Sweden!

This shop can get quite crowded, especially during the Christmas season, as it's a small space. Now that it's time for last minute Christmas shopping there are many people out and about checking out the shops while visiting the Kronhuset Christmas Market.

If you are in Gothenburg or plan to visit in the future, stop by Kronhuset and Göteborgs Choklad & KaramellFabrik for some delicious treats!

Göteborgs Choklad & KaramellFabrik

Postgatan 6, Gothenburg, Sweden 

Check out their website for more info. 

Gothenburg's Biggest Candy Store Sega Gubben!

 

The largest candy store in Gothenburg, Sweden has to be, Sega Gubben. From bulk candy, to Chocolate and international snacks, there's a snack for the littlest to the biggest ;)

Here's a quick look into this amazing candy store!

Sega Gubben also sells a variety of soda, like Vanilla coke, Lipton tea, and different flavors of Fanta. It's nice to check back as their selection changes. You'll also find ice cream tubs like Ben & Jerry and individual Popsicles.

Little toys that include candy, is also a popular section of the store. A variety of Kinder Surprise eggs are also available to choose from, like Peppa Pig, Paw Partrol, Hot Wheels. 

Chocolate and candy you scoop into a bag and weigh at the end!

Just before the Christmas season begins, Sega Gubben stocks an assortment of Advent Calendars to get you ready for the countdown to Christmas! 🎄 

If you're in Gothenburg or planning to visit, stop by Sega Gubben for some treats for "Lördagsgodis" (Saturday sweets),  weekend movie nights or some Christmas gifts and stocking stuffers!

Enjoy your countdown to the holidays and remember, don't forget your snacks (Sega Gubben has some great ones)!

Swedish Snacks Make Great Gifts

We are hoping to visit family and friends during the holidays this year. Like so many others, Its been almost 2+ years seeing family because of the Pandemic. It's one of the downsides of living in a different country. But it's true, even families in the same country haven't been able to get together due to Covid. In preparation for our upcoming trip, I've been stocking up on various Swedish snacks and treats to gift.  

If you are wondering where to shop for some Swedish gifts, the grocery store is a great place to start!

My closet was beginning to look like the snack section of the grocery store ;)

Friends and family love trying unique chocolates and snacks. Friends who used to live in Sweden, also mentioned how they miss some snacks from Sweden. It'll be nice to bring them a few of their old favorites.

If you're thinking about some gifts for family and friends outside of Sweden, either to take with you during the holidays or even to ship by mail this Christmas, here are some gift ideas:

Chocolate bars

There is so much to choose from, unique flavors, dark chocolate bars, there's something for everyone who likes chocolate on your list.

Swedish candy

There's also plenty of candy to choose from because Swedes love candy!

Swedish Jam

Lingonberry jam is a favorite among my family :)

There was also a type of lingonberry bread that I used to bring with us.

Swedish cookies

Pepparkakor or Ginger snap cookie tubs are a favorite !

Swedish Licorice or Laktris

Lakerol 

Or chocolate licorice for those who like that flavor that is ;) 

Swedish Buns or maybe Gifflar: 

A non-snack idea... 

Wettex dish cloths 

You might be surprised, but friends who used to live in Sweden and moved away have asked for these dish cloths a couple of times now. They said it's hard to find and more expensive where they live!

Depending on the regulations for where you're traveling, you can also take Swedish cheese or meats (dried, smoked and sealed not fresh). Swedish cheese is a popular request from friends too!

We have also taken a can of Surströmming (Fermented Herring!) with us one year! That was a bit risky and I can't say that those who tried the stinky fish enjoyed the experience much... Hahaha... 

Happy shopping and remember, don't forget your snacks (especially when you are buying for others, you are bound to get hungry)!

Top 3 Christmas Markets Gothenburg

It's that time of year again, when Christmas markets start setting up around Gothenburg.

Gothenburg is a perfect city for Christmas markets because many of the original buildings are preserved. Areas like Haga and Kronhus in city centre make beautiful locations to have outdoor vendors.

Here are my Top 3 Christmas Markets in Gothenburg:

Liseberg

Liseberg.se 

Haga Christmas Market

Haga market on Göteborg.com

Kronhuset

Kronhuset Christmas Market

Note that Vaccine cards are required to go into Kronhuset, for everyone over 18 years old. If you just want to check out the grounds and shops, you don't need to show a vaccine card. 

Check out their Facebook page for more information. 

There is plenty to eat and see at each of the Christmas markets! From handmade crafts and baby clothes to cookies, smoked meats and glögg (mulled wine). Just be sure to dress warmly with some good Waterproof shoes and have some cash or Swish set up on your phone.

Enjoy the beautiful Gothenburg Christmas markets and remember, don't forget your snacks! 

Christmas at Liseberg!

It's that time of year again and this year (unlike last year in 2020), Liseberg, in Gothenburg, Sweden, is open to celebrate the Christmas season!  Here's my past blog on Liseberg memories since it was closed during 2020. 

Christmas is definitely one of my favorite holidays. European Christmas markets, in my opinion, are nicer than the North American ones. Maybe it's what the vendors are selling or maybe it's just that the markets are set-up around a European city, so there's just a certain charm to them.

Liseberg has one of the city's Top Christmas markets, with vendors all around the park. They sell everything from food items like Salami, Äpplemust and Chocolate balls to Swedish-made wool socks and silver ornaments. 

Since Liseberg's Christmas market vendors are set-up all over the park. It's nice to be able to shop and check out Liseberg's Christmas decorations and Christmas lights while walking to your next ride ;)

Liseberg usually has an Ice show which changes each year. The last time Liseberg was open for Christmas,the Ice Show was a version of Scrooge. 

Unfortunately, this year there isn't a Christmas ice show, but visitors are free to ice skate at the skating rink! For the kids, one of the rabbits visits the ice rink a few times during the day. The 5-year old tried ice skating for the first time during our visit and was pretty good!

The kids also enjoyed the Christmas Rabbit performance that takes place in Kaninlandet on the Kanin stage. 

Always a lot of family fun with music, dancing and a funny performance. The toddler especially loved it!

We finally got a chance to ride the big Ferris Wheel as a family. The views are amazing! You actually go around 3x so you get enough time to enjoy the views!

 The view of the beautiful ice skating rink all lit up.

A Christmas visit to Liseberg isn’t complete without a visit to Santa's house! This was our first visit with Santa in 2 years!! 

Everyone is welcome to visit Santa's house and kids can write down their wish list and take it to him :)

The lineup to see Santa was pretty long, so bring something to help pass the time. I saw some kids with lollipops, some with snacks, games and toys.

It was worth the wait to see Santa! 

Another highlight of our visit was riding the Rollercoaster Valkyria! The Single Rider queue was only a few minutes and The thrill of the initial drop was made more chilling by with how cold your face got in the cold air!

 

During the Christmas season at Liseberg, there are places to warm your hands and faces up. If you notice people standing around then you know they are around the fire. It gets quite hot so keep your hands at a safe distance. 

The Chocolate Wheels are always fun to try whenever we visit Liseberg. I was getting used to not winning, until, I won!! For the very first time! We were sooo lucky this time and it was a great way to end the night!

If you're in Gothenburg for the holidays, consider a visit to Liseberg during the Holiday season. Remember, you need to book a visit in advance and cant just show up at the park. If you book a julbord at one of the restaurants in Liseberg, the park entrance is included. 

Enjoy your countdown to the holidays, and remember, don't forget your snacks!

Liseberg

Gothenburg, Sweden 

Check out their website for more information.