When your child isn't a 'child' anymore

"Kids Stay & Play FREE!"  Isn't that a slogan than catches your eye nearly every time you're planning a trip? Yes indeed.... you think there will be a deal at the end of the next link, but sadly there's often disappointment.

Take for example, I've been trying to book an interesting beach vacation package for a family of 4.  9 times out of 10, I pursue a trip and an advertised "Kids FREE" deal and there are catches. Something that sours the deal completely. Like when the fine print reveals just the "first kid free" with 2 paying adults. Or one adult, with one child and that child has to pay "adult" rates because there is otherwise NOT double occupancy.

Take this example here. This is taken from an Air Canada Vacations last minute deal. In this case, only the adult fares are discounted. Look at the way it adds up. It's actually no deal. Even if all 4 passengers were given the adult discounted price, it would only be about $4800.

In other cases, such as Disney, children play the adult ticket price after 10 years of age.  So, you pay full adult rate from 10 and up. 

Other resorts I found wouldn't accept a booking of 2 parents, a 12 year old and a 9 year old. Because the 12 year old is considered an "adult" and you couldn't have 3 adults or more in a room.  What the heck is the point or solution to that? Book two rooms or adjoining rooms? No thank you. 

About the only place I found success with this type of booking was at resorts in Mexico or Jamaica, or at certain hotels in Grand Cayman. 

Here's an example, from Westjet, in Montego Bay Jamaica, where they still consider a 12 year old a child, AND they let 2 paying adults, have a discounted rated for 2 children. And since this resort is all inclusive they offer a scaled rated based on the child's age. 

Lastly, the other way to avoid this frustrating situation is to book your hotel and flights separately. In this case, you will pay equally for your flights as there is no 'child discount'. A seat, is a seat, is a seat, and should be charged accordingly. (Unless they are an infant in an adult lap.) And then you will pay your hotel rate, based on their occupancy polices. Most hotels still consider a 'child' to be anyone 17 or under that is accompanying adults and using existing bedding. Again, this is no guarantee of a deal but you should at least avoid paying extra for a child as in the example from the top of the page. 

I can only imagine the difficulty of trying to plan a trip for a family of 5 or more. 

5 Things you must take when travelling with kids

I've been halfway around the world and back, a few times with my boys. Whether I'm planning a road trip or jetting to Hawaii, I would never leave home without these 5 things for my kids.


1. The Gadget  It used to be a dvd player for the car, and now it's more likely an iPad on your list but you need to have something kid friendly that can distract them for hours. You never know when you'll spend the whole day in an airport. Of course, bring all your cords and adapters.

2. The Pacifier This is a personal item that brings your child comfort and makes them feel "at home." It might be a favourite stuffed animal, or a blanket, or even a cozy sweatshirt. In times of chaos or tantrums, I turn to the 'pacifier' to try to calm the child and get them re-centered.

3. The Bribe If you're having one of those moments where immediate compliance is necessary (airport security line or the like) you might need the 'bribe'.  Honey, if you calm down and just let us finish this activity I have a $15 iTunes card for you. When we get back to the hotel (free wifi zone) I will help you choose some new games or a movie. The bribe can be anything... letting them pick the next restaurant, a new book or anything. Only you will know what will work for your child.

4. Snacks Everyone gets a little growly when they are hungry. And picky eaters in foreign countries can present a challenge. That's why I always travel with a few granola bars and 100% fruit bars. They barely take up any room in your purse and the reserve supplies fit compactly in your suitcase.  We had one long flight with turbulence and the airline was unable to provide drinks or snacks. For my son, that was a bit of an emergency. Luckily, I had my supply right at my seat. It saved the day for us. The granola bar stash has also been an asset in theme parks, hotels, cars and airports. So valuable!

5. Emergency Supplies  Children's Tylenol, Gravol, and any inhalers or medication they might need should be in your possession. My emergency kit also includes bandaids, wet wipes, an empty plastic bag and hand sanitizer. There are also 100 reasons your child might need a change of clothes, so that's in the kit too.

Travelling with kids requires a little more planning, patience and suitcase space, but the lessons you learn on the road are more than worth it. The times I have spent travelling with my kids are some of my most treasured memories.