Traveling with Kids: 11 Things I Learned in 2011

As we head towards 2012, I look back at all I have done and learned, vis-a-vis globe-trotting with the kids. I didn’t travel much, but what I did was quality, because I added one more member to our wandering troop. So here I sit, in my hotel room in Dubai and offer you Momaboard’s wrap-up of 2011 with the eleven things I learned about traveling with children in 2011.

1. When traveling with more than one child, it’s always preferable to book a service apartment instead of a hotel room. Essentially you need one space where the sleepers can sleep and another for the rest to camp out so they don’t disturb the sleepers. If your kids are old enough for their own room or you have a suite, that’s ok too.

2. When you have toddlers and below, laundry piles up faster than you can imagine. My children puked, and pooped and peed on their clothes every day on vacation. Sometimes all at the same time. See point 1 about apartment.

3. The parents vs. airlines battle has been particularly bitter this year but there are still carriers out there that know how to treat families: Emirates and Singapore Airlines being my top choices.

4. Traveling with other families can help alleviate some of the stress of traveling with kids, but you have to pick the right family.

5. Don’t go to Disneyland on a public holiday. Even if someone paid you.

6. It’s not impossible to stay fit on a family vacation (tough, but not impossible!).

7. “Flash” sites are 2011′s contribution to travel. You can find great deals on vacations if you are flexible with time and location.

8. “Kid-friendly” is more about attitude than amenities. If people are welcoming of children, you can make do without any gear or facilities.

9. Babies are ridiculously easy to travel with. Unfortunately you only learn that once they become toddlers.

10. Everyone needs some time off when traveling with kids: to go to the spa, to nap, or to just be quiet for a while. Figure out how to make that happen for yourself.

11. NEVER be outnumbered. If you can help it, always make sure that the adult to children ratio is 1:1 or better!

Here’s to another great year of living and learning in 2012!