As an Independent Travel Advisor, specializing in custom family and group vacations, I am often asked for my tips for travelling with children. As most parents know, every child presents their own set of challenges just going to the grocery store, let alone a 5 hour flight to a Caribbean destination. Although flexibility is key, there are a few things you can do in advance, to make things go a little smoother when preparing for a family holiday.
Documentation
Any travel outside of Canada requires a valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past anticipated return date. Passport Canada is implementing new rules for travel documentation applications for children under the age of 16, effective December 1, 2011. Be sure to check out Passport Canada’s website regarding requirements www.ppt.gc.ca
Any travel outside of Canada requires a valid passport. Make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months past anticipated return date. Passport Canada is implementing new rules for travel documentation applications for children under the age of 16, effective December 1, 2011. Be sure to check out Passport Canada’s website regarding requirements www.ppt.gc.ca
Plan and book ahead
Last minute deals are few and far between... Even if you do find a “fantastic deal”, it really isn’t a bargain if you don’t enjoy the trip. The savings are much better with advanced purchase and early booking offers. Get the kids involved. Look through brochures together; ask them where they want to go. If they are involved in the planning, they will be much more excited when they get there.
Last minute deals are few and far between... Even if you do find a “fantastic deal”, it really isn’t a bargain if you don’t enjoy the trip. The savings are much better with advanced purchase and early booking offers. Get the kids involved. Look through brochures together; ask them where they want to go. If they are involved in the planning, they will be much more excited when they get there.
Pay for that advanced seat selection
There is nothing more un-nerving for families than going with the free at check in seat selection, arriving at the airport to find out the family will be split up on the plane. If you are travelling with pre-schoolers, you have to anticipate a good majority of that flight is going to be spent in the bathroom. No matter how prepared you are, I guarantee you will not be able to keep them confined to their seats the entire flight. Bulkhead seating gives you more leg room and a little extra space for the little one to crawl around or stand up and stretch their legs.
There is nothing more un-nerving for families than going with the free at check in seat selection, arriving at the airport to find out the family will be split up on the plane. If you are travelling with pre-schoolers, you have to anticipate a good majority of that flight is going to be spent in the bathroom. No matter how prepared you are, I guarantee you will not be able to keep them confined to their seats the entire flight. Bulkhead seating gives you more leg room and a little extra space for the little one to crawl around or stand up and stretch their legs.
Go with an age appropriate destination and family friendly accommodations
Yes, you have always wanted to watch the sunset from the Eiffel tower and view the Mona Lisa at the Louvre but chances are that isn’t going to thrill your 8 year old princess. Stay in accommodations with kids programs. Kids like to be active and meet other kids. Moms and Dads need some quiet time to relax. Stay in accommodations large enough for your family. Although you think you won’t be spending a lot of time in your room, a family of 5 is never happy stuck in a standard room with 2 double beds and a cot. Many resorts accommodate larger families with adjoining rooms or family suites.
Yes, you have always wanted to watch the sunset from the Eiffel tower and view the Mona Lisa at the Louvre but chances are that isn’t going to thrill your 8 year old princess. Stay in accommodations with kids programs. Kids like to be active and meet other kids. Moms and Dads need some quiet time to relax. Stay in accommodations large enough for your family. Although you think you won’t be spending a lot of time in your room, a family of 5 is never happy stuck in a standard room with 2 double beds and a cot. Many resorts accommodate larger families with adjoining rooms or family suites.
Packing
Create a list of must-have items well in advance and then pack as light as possible. Most scheduled airlines charge per checked bag and most charter airlines allow for one free checked bag. Be sure to pack enough in a carryon to occupy the kids on the plane ride as well as keep them clean during the flight. Diapers, wipes, snacks, drinks (must be purchased at airport after clearing security), crayons, colouring books, hand held video games, comics etc. Bring a change of clothes for them as well as yourself in case of accidents or delays. Find out in advance if resort has strollers or pack n plays. The minimal fee may save the aggravation of lugging them along.
Create a list of must-have items well in advance and then pack as light as possible. Most scheduled airlines charge per checked bag and most charter airlines allow for one free checked bag. Be sure to pack enough in a carryon to occupy the kids on the plane ride as well as keep them clean during the flight. Diapers, wipes, snacks, drinks (must be purchased at airport after clearing security), crayons, colouring books, hand held video games, comics etc. Bring a change of clothes for them as well as yourself in case of accidents or delays. Find out in advance if resort has strollers or pack n plays. The minimal fee may save the aggravation of lugging them along.
Hire a professional
Have a travel advisor be your partner in planning and booking your adventure. Ask yourself this question, would you design your new dream home and create blueprints between diaper changes and carpool? No, you would hire an architect. You might think booking your vacation is as easy as checking out a few internet sites and clicking the buy now button. When planning a family vacation, there are many good reasons to use a professional. Travel advisors can offer you advice on family friendly destinations. They offer one stop shopping when it comes to hotels, car and flight bookings. They also can be your personal concierge organizing everything from character dinners at theme parks to golf tee times. When travelling with kids, always expect the unexpected. A travel advisor can sort through the travel clutter and be your advocate should something unexpected arise. Family vacations should be memorable. Travel advisors can customize your trip to meet the needs of your family.
Jennifer Hunter
Jennifer Hunter Travel by Design
Independent Travel Advisor with Vision 2000 Travel Group
P: 613-661-6551
E: Jennifer.hunter@vision2000.ca
Have a travel advisor be your partner in planning and booking your adventure. Ask yourself this question, would you design your new dream home and create blueprints between diaper changes and carpool? No, you would hire an architect. You might think booking your vacation is as easy as checking out a few internet sites and clicking the buy now button. When planning a family vacation, there are many good reasons to use a professional. Travel advisors can offer you advice on family friendly destinations. They offer one stop shopping when it comes to hotels, car and flight bookings. They also can be your personal concierge organizing everything from character dinners at theme parks to golf tee times. When travelling with kids, always expect the unexpected. A travel advisor can sort through the travel clutter and be your advocate should something unexpected arise. Family vacations should be memorable. Travel advisors can customize your trip to meet the needs of your family.
Jennifer Hunter
Jennifer Hunter Travel by Design
Independent Travel Advisor with Vision 2000 Travel Group
P: 613-661-6551
E: Jennifer.hunter@vision2000.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment