Flying With Children: A Stress-Free Guide

May 3, 2012

Benji Wilson, The Daily Telegraph, May 03, 2012

It is the looks from your fellow passengers that are the hardest to bear. Walking down the aisle with our young son jabbering away, a 21-hour flight to Sydney ahead, I think they would have preferred to sit beside a leper holding a copy of Mein Kampf than myself, my wife and Stanley.

Eighteen months earlier I would have felt the same – no parent really wants to fly with a baby. But you can’t put them in the hold (I did enquire).

This was not our first long-haul flight, but on the previous one Stanley had been so young he was essentially hand luggage. Airlines are well set-up for very young babies, and parents of older children tell me that they’re not so bad for four years plus – plug them in to the in-flight movies and grab that Champagne. But for the twilight zone in between, you’re on your own.

We knew as much when we booked our flight. Stanley would be too big for the bassinet, which meant our options were to buy him his own seat (around £800) or have him on our lap.

We made a call to my elder sister, who has three girls under five and frequently flies to Australia. She offered one abiding rule: whatever Stanley wants, Stanley gets. Any stress regarding sleep times, feed times and play times should be left at the gate. So if it’s to be dire telly, 25 packets of salt-soused crisps or anything else that would shock the mums at nursery, so be it.

With this libertarian philosophy in mind we took our seats. As always on a flight, some seats are more equal than others, and with a toddling aviator, a spare seat is worth the price of an upgrade.

That’s because if your child is to sleep - the ideal state of affairs for all concerned – they will want to lie flat. You could, of course, fly in first-class, but by that point you’re talking the cost of a small family car to go on holiday, and your wealthy fellow passengers are likely to unveil a special type of loathing usually reserved for people who steal from charity boxes.

In premium economy, and in the bulkheads, the arms don’t go up, meaning that your child cannot lie down. Go economy and then fight for those spare seats.

Our flight was not full, and the cabin crew were good enough to move us to an empty row before allowing other passengers to switch seats.

My wife had all manner of diversionary tactics: lollys for ear-popping at take off; pre-rolled balls of Play Doh; stickers (sorry, cabin crew); post it notes; (ditto); a much-loved old book; a couple of colouring pens and a note pad; a small Russian doll. Plus an iPad – a combination of episodes of videos, photos, interactive books - or just bashing the screen repeatedly - killed hours.

The first leg of our journey was a night flight, and hence a doddle - Stanley slept a good six hours. We stopped briefly in Hong Kong, grabbed – a tip - some warmed milk from Starbucks and set off again. This time round there was less sleep, more shouts of ‘eyepah’ (we swiftly gave him the eyepah – see rule 2, above) and more parental desperation as we all grew tired.

If all else fails, the galley is your friend. I found bananas to peel, plastic cups to stack, there was just enough floor space for a bit of playtime, and the stairs to the upper deck provided countless climbing expeditions. Best of all, the crew, also trying to get some rest, were stationed there – making them the only people on the plane who had to pretend they were just delighted to have our little boy on board.

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I’m absolutely delighted about the NEW EXCLUSIVE from Rich Getaways. Out of the BIG EASY at Christmastime. Great fares for all, but also special Louisiana resident rates!!

LIMITED numbers of Junior Suites available too

ALSO - One day ‘Cinco de Mayo‘ Sale from Royal Caribbean!

The author // (c) 2012 www.ricksteves.com

Rick Steves, Blog Gone Europe, May 01, 2012

As far as I’m concerned, there are two IQs for travelers: those who queue … and those who don’t. If you plan ahead, you can avoid nearly every line that tourists suffer through (except for security checks).

Many museums are free one day a month - a great deal for locals. But for visitors, it’s generally worth paying the entrance fee on a different day to avoid the hordes on a museum’s free day. The Sistine Chapel feels more like the Sardine Chapel when it’s open and free on the last Sunday of the month.

At popular sights, it can help to arrive early or go late. At St. Peter’s Basilica at 7 a.m., it’s heavenly to see Michelangelo’s Pieta, free of the crowds vying for photos. Near closing time, I’ve been alone in Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors, where kings and queens have preened.

Even at the most packed sights, there’s often a strategy or shortcut that can break you out of the herd, whether it’s a side entrance with a shorter wait, a guided tour that includes last-minute reservations, a better place in town to pick up your ticket, or a pass with line-skipping privileges. (more)

Travel Advice: How to Avoid Airport Immigration Queues

The long queues at Heathrow Terminal 5 are a familiar sight for many travellers who have to use major UK airports at peak times. But, if you plan things carefully, there are ways to reduce your chances of getting caught in a long line. Here are five tactics.

1. Fly local

Smaller airports occasionally have problems when more than one plane arrives at once, but generally speaking you will get through immigration much faster at a minor regional airport than at a main hub.

2. Arrive in the middle of the day

If you have to fly through a big airport, try to book a flight which lands between about 10am and 4pm. There tend to be fewer flights landing then, and the planes are not so full. Weekends, and peak days for travel — such as the beginning of the school holidays — are also best avoided.

3. Check-in online

If you have already booked your flight and can’t avoid the busy times, make sure you check in early (ideally online) and choose an aisle seat near the front of the aircraft. Then you can at least get ahead of most of the other people on your plane when you disembark. If you are flying with no-frills airlines which don’t allocate a seat number, you may want to pay extra for priority boarding in order to get a suitable seat. (more)

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 Be sure and take a look at the Exclusive Alaska Cruisetour set for May 13, 2013. Start planning now and get more freebies from Rich Getaways!

A few things you should tend to, to make sure you’re plans happen without a hitch.

Wait. Sometimes things do go awry! Have you planned for them?

Of course, unforeseen is just that, but you can effectively make sure you don’t lose your money and sanity at the same time if something should happen. Get an insurance policy to protect yourself. You can get policies to cover land and air portions of trip, emergency evacuations, medical (acute), pre-existing conditions, cancel for work, cancel for  any reason, lost/misplaced baggage, missed connections and much more. It’s not fun when you’re trip goes haywire, but insurance coverage can help keep it from being downright awful. Small investment for peace of mind.

What to do, what to do?

Have you pre-booked excursions? Do this for many of the same reasons you book your trip ahead. Get those shore excursions or special tickets early. When you do so ahead of time, you can insure:

• availability
• best selection (e.g., seats at a show)
• more time to enjoy vacation (than chasing down tickets, or standing in line to purchase excursions only to wait until time to go)

Passports in order?

It’s true - passports are not required for US citizens to visit many countries. HERE IS THE BIG HOWEVER - passports are required to re-enter the US by air. So even if you are taking a cruise, in the event of an emergency where you must fly back to the states, you will need your passport! It’s really very painless.

Here is the passport page from the US State Department. Consult your travel advisor for more information about your particular destination - and also check regarding immunizations and visas which may be required. (I do keep this page link permanently available in the Blogroll).

Now - time for “Bon Voyage” - and I can’t help you pack!

Final in the series, I’ll cover the post-getaway blues.

April 30 - May 17    Last day for many of the Early Summer and Fall Getaway Specials.

Hotel Only, All-inclusive vacation packages, and Cruises.

Don’t forget also: last day for $100 Onboard Credit for April 21, 2013 E. Caribbean sailing - exclusive from Rich Getaways.

Click picture and make sure you take advantage now!

A yacht adventure is the ideal way to experience what many consider the world’s most beautiful islands—the Greek Islands. Sail aboard our 50-foot yachts, with time for hiking, snorkelling and relaxing. Explore ancient archaeological sites and taverna-lined harbours, dine on fresh seafood and don’t forget to try the Ouzo! This 10-day round trip from Santorini will give you the chance to explore some of the treasures of the Greek Islands.

Brief Itinerary

Day 1 Santorini

Arrive in Santorini by 11am to embark on our first day of sailing, setting off in the afternoon for the island of Ios. On arrival, explore the picturesque harbour town at leisure or enjoy some of the island’s famed nightlife in one of its lively bars or discos.

Day 2 Ios–Small Cyclades

Spend the morning on the fantastic island of Ios, famous for its beaches and chapels. Around noon, leave Ios to cruise to the unique chain of islands known as the ‘Small Cyclades’—the perfect hideaway for an overnight stay.

Day 3 Small Cyclades–Naxos

Enjoy the life of a sailor on your way to Naxos. Hang out on deck and watch for dolphins or try your hand at sailing with the Skipper!

Day 4 Naxos

Explore the beautiful island of Naxos. Join your Skipper on an optional excursion around the island as he shows you some of its hidden gems. Check out the Temple of Demeter, have lunch in a local tavern high up in the hills and end the day on a spectacular golden beach.

Day 5 Naxos–Mykonos

Set sail from Mykonos and dock in the bustling port of Mykonos Town. There are plenty of options on this popular and charmingly elegant island. Take a trip out to Delos, birthplace of Apollo—or, for a more relaxing day, lounge in one of its trendy bars on the waterfront. If shopping is your thing, the boutiques of Mykonos Town are the place for you!

Day 6 Mykonos–Syros

Set sail for Syros, stopping en route for a lunch break at the uninhabited island of Didimi for some spectacular snorkelling and swimming opportunities. Moor for the night at the old Cycladic capital city of Ermoupolis, with plenty of time to explore.

Day 7 Syros–Paros

Sail to Parikia, on Paros, and explore this charming little port town or take an optional excursion to visit Antiparos with its shallow beaches and wonderful caves.

Day 8 Paros–Sifnos

Set sail for Sifnos—so secluded and charming that Ernest Hemingway himself might well have chosen to stay for a while. Soak up the magnificent setting and relax—away from the crowds.

Day 9 Sifnos–Folegandros

After a morning swim, set sail for Folegandros. In the evening, an optional bus ride into the town of Hora will allow you to explore one of the most beautiful areas in the Cyclades.

Day 10 Santorini

Set sail for the last port of call—Santorini. Depart the boat around 12pm. We recommend, however, that you do not book outgoing transport until 3pm.

“This advice seems very simple but believe it or not, sometimes even my clients think they can get a better deal by booking last minute,” said Emily Meredith Prentiss, a luxury travel consultant, in this New York Times article.

There are many advantages to booking early:

a) guarantee selection of desired room(s). Those who have booked earlier often get the free upgrades and amenities at the last minute as hoteliers or cruise lines make those last minute reservations. When you try to book last minute, you will probably not find the extras, amenities or special requests you want such as connecting rooms, accessible rooms, larger suites (for families that wish to stay together), particular resort locations (e.g. oceanview or pool-side), or even concierge/butler services.

b) get the best possible rates. Especially when booking with air, rates can tend to fluctuate and increase at the last minute. When you have booked early, you’ve locked in your rate. Not only that, some companies have lowest fare guarantees, either included up until a certain date or included with nominal insurance policy!

Additionally, think simple supply and demand. Booking NOW for next year’s spring break will be much less expensive than waiting until the last minute when EVERYONE is trying to book a month ahead of time. Are there sales last minute? Sure - but ask yourself this: are the sales relative to last year’s or yesterday’s pricing?

c) have greater flexibility. Your co-worker told you about a boutique resort that you’re dying to try out; as soon as you know your dates, book it to guarantee you’re not at the place down the road. OR you’re taking a special anniversary cruise and absolutely KNOW which stateroom you want. You might not believe it, but whenever an itinerary is announced, those special rooms go VERY quickly. Avoid your own disappointment by booking early

d) more payment options. I’ve mentioned it before, but it’s worth repeating. Booking early [generally] allows you to space out payments. You don’t have to make the entire expenditure at once - and at least for me, it means I’ll have more money to “play” with when I actually go on vacation.

e) less stress. That’s just self-explanatory. The more you get to enjoy the thought of going rather than IF you get to go, the better.

If you are looking for great trips for next year, take a look at the exclusives page, just updated today. 7 Night Eastern Caribbean cruise and an Alaskan Cruisetour (sea and land - includes both faves…SHIP & TRAIN!)

The Floating Family Reunion

How to organize a family get-together on a major cruise line

BY EVERETT POTTER

Seeking an adventurous, cost-effective and easy way to organize a multi-generational get-together? Consider setting sail on a floating family reunion aboard a cruise ship. “It really is the best way to spend quality time together without the stress of who will cook, clean and play host or hostess,” says Katie Skow, a San Diego-based wine writer whose in-laws have organized four family reunions on Carnival, Princess, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean ships.

Full Article here