TRAVELING WITH KIDS

Best time to go

If kids are younger than 5 years, off season is cheapest. School age kids take advantage of school breaks.

Saving time and maximizing fun

Keep kids entertained and make sure they get their naps to avoid meltdowns and tantrums

What you need to know

Catering towards their interests but guide them to explore.

Where to stay

Staying at resorts, hotel, or vacation rental?

EARNING MILES

Best time to go

Choose an activity that is age appropriate. You might want to save Niagara Falls for PreTeen and above and Disney at 6 and older. When are kids were under 5 we opted for Indoor Water parks rather than blowing our savings on Disney. We chose off days, usually a one night check in on a Sunday so we only take 1 day off of work, but we get their best rates. Even better there were no crowds. As kids got older we planned family vacations around their school holidays. Saving the expensive trip during off times that aren’t in line with other schools. Summer and Winter break usually has high prices for that reason.

Maximizing Fun Time

Whenever the itinerary calls for a long day, we usually enforce naps. Even if our pre teen no longer needs naps, it helps them re-energize for a long evening and they will be less cranky. Always carry snacks and water and keep them engaged. Cruises are good for pre-teens as they have their own kids programs. Try to look for places where everyone can enjoy and age appropriate.

When flying with young kids remember to also pack snacks and keep them entertained. Most of the whining is because they are antsy of different environment or hungry.

Things to know

If you are a nursing mom you can request a minifridge free of charge from hotel rooms for medical purposes.

You can bring food into theme parks if your kids have allergies and specific dietary requirements.

Most cruises and all inclusive resorts cater to all ages, check their daily programs for activities.

Don’t underestimate kids interests. They may enjoy theater, going to botanical gardens etc, it’s up to you to guide and excite them.

Where to Stay

I used to be very strict about avoiding pools. My thought is we have a pool at home, I’m not taking you hundreds of miles to swim in the pool. But alas I realize we need to make those compromises. Adults like to unwind with a glass of wind, kids like to enjoy the pool.

We usually book vacation homes for our family, it has more conveniences like washing machine, private pool, more room for the family. Hotels are usually for one night stays as it’s cheaper and easier to book.

Many OTA (Online Travel Aggregators) like Expedia now allows you to book vacation rentals as well.

What are Recommended Attractions by Age?

Under 5: Beach trips, indoor water parks, visiting out of town family members.

5-10: Disneyworld/Land and other similar theme parks. Cruises, All inclusive Resorts

10-18: Universal Studios & More Adventure Theme parks. Travel abroad, Cruises, All Inclusive Resorts, Camping & Fishing Trips. Historical Tours.

FAQ

CAN BABIES FLY FREE?

Children 2 and under can fly free on the lap of their parents. It’s usually cautioned that it’s not safe if really bad turbulence occurs. Southwest requires a birth certificate to prove child is under 2. If you have 2 kids under 2 you need to book seats across the aisle because of shortage of oxygen masks. Remember to do this ahead of time or if they have to move you during seating. Children 2-5 should have a car seat or booster seat to harness them in safely and they always have to be at the window seat and not in any exit rows.

DO I NEED to BRING A CAR SEAT?

The laws domestically are the same, your child needs a car seat whenever they are in a car below certain age and height/weight. However even if not required internationally still think of safety over convenience. All airlines let you check in baby gear for free.

IT’S SO EXPENSIVE TO TAKE MY KIDS TOO

True, no one said having kids were cheap. You need to think of tradeoffs being away from the kids. They still need a babysitter which you would have to pay for or even if they are with family, still need to bring gifts of some sort for courtesy. For me personally I traveled to a lot of wonderful places, and it makes me smile that I’m able to see pictures of my kids in those pictures with me. The are ways to save money such as signing up for frequent flier miles and airline credit cards

RECOMMENDED FOOD?

When traveling with kids it’s inevitable fast food will be on the menu. Most places only offer fried foods and very little healthy options. For that reason we usually like to cook our own foods if we’re not out all day so we can enjoy comforting veggies and soups. We try to go to places where we can try local farm fresh foods or we can catch our food and kids enjoy that as well. You also can request a mini fridge in your hotel room at no extra cost if it’s a medical need like storing medications for the kids or milk if you are nursing.

WHAT ELSE IS THERE TO DO BESIDES DISNEY?

Plenty! There are a lot of local theme parks that don’t have the same marketing dollars as Disney so they aren’t well known but they exist, you just need to search. Our favorite in the Bay Area is Gilroy Gardens price is ridiculously cheap compared to Disney, kids get to ride fun rides, take amazing pictures and best of all their membership is tax deductible and you can bring a guest for free every Friday. There are no lines, and it brings them the same amount of joy without the stress or breaking the bank.

If you didn’t get a chance to buy some of your souvinirs or you want to be prepared ahead of time to avoid wasting time at the stores, check out some of our recommendations below. These have been evaluated for value, use, sentimental value and more. Best of all Disney Store often offers coupons for additional savings which you might not get at the park or cruise.

Product
Why We Recommend
Link

Traveling Toddler Luggage Attachment

This is a life saver at airports. It allows us to transport our kids, not have to carry extra carseat and we can bring our carseat on board. We get so many people asking about these!

Activity Set

Other than a phone which we try to avoid, these will keep kids occupied in long trips by plane or car

3-1 Car Seat

Our kids used these passed 8 years. They are safe for young toddlers and big enough to provide safety harness for older kids. I like the sides where they can rest their heads comfortably when falling asleep and they can be attached to luggage for air travel. Bonus is two cup holders as well.

Roadside Assistance & First Aid

It’s always good to be prepared, especially if you have young ones safety should be prioritized. This Roadside assistance kit will help if your stranded and bonus with first aid kit.

Below you will find some recommended Loyalty Programs to help make the most of your travels

Product
Why We Recommend
Link

Ebates

Great cashback program for shopping but also travel. Can get 4.5% cashback booking hotels on Expedia or other rates for booking cars.

Apply

Delta American Express

The platinum card does come with a fee, but the fee covers a “Free” companion tickets yearly along with miles and boosters earned while spending that can get free tickets as well.

Apply

CHASE Preferred Ink

If you own a business or individual contractor, you can apply for this card which not only gives you generous welcoming bonus, but gives 3 points for every dollar spent on travel. When you redeem for travel you get additional 25% off so it builds quickly

Apply

Hilton Honors AMEX

Hilton owns a family of hotels, so it only makes sense if you are a loyal member to get their card to earn points for free rooms

Apply