Myths mothers believe about booking travel with their kids

When it comes to traveling, it is so difficult to research everything you need to research. When viewing online, you find such a plethora of web sites that a variety of choices in airfare costs, tickets, and accommodation.

How do you narrow down the true offers from the misleading? Simply by knowing myth versus fact with regards to traveling.

Myth #1 - The "Kids Free" programs: Have you ever seen an offer that says "Kids Fly Free" or "Kids eat free?" Chances are, the cost of your kids flying or eating is worked into the price of the overall package.  When your kids fly free, you must purchase hotel and airfare accommodations together.  Often you can also choose a rental car with your package or catch a break on theme park tickets. The catch is that most of the kids free hotels can be booked at a better rate directly through the hotel, or the room you can get is completely wrong for staying in with small children.  Do your research prior to booking these packages.

Myth #2 - Travel Web sites will get you the best deal on airfare - Nope, not even close. Occasionally you will find a great deal on airfare through these sites, and many of them no longer charge booking fees, but the logic is that they have to make money from somewhere.  Find a flight on these sites that looks appealing, then go straight to the airlines web site for a better deal. Often you'll find it, and more flexibility with time and dates as well.

Myth #3 - Hotel rooms that are labeled "Kid Friendly" really are - Have you ever booked a junior suite in a hotel and thought it would be perfect for you and your two children? You can watch TV while they sleep and the morning noise will be diminished. When you walk into these 'Suites' your hopes are dashed as you see a simple half-wall between the couch and bed, while still allowing direct view of the bright TV screen.  Junior suites are not designed for privacy. If you want quiet for your baby, book a one bedroom suite in a hotel that caters to those with children.

Yes, it's difficult to narrow down your travel choices because there is such an amazing amount of web sites who want your business. Ask your friends, do some research, and try not to stress when you finally do decide on a package. Vacations are meant to be fun, even when you are traveling with your children!

For the best baby equipment rentals on the web (and that's a fact), visit us at Travel BaBees.

Traveling Bug but kids have you putting on the brakes? Travel BaBees can help

If you are a mama with the bug to travel, you might have felt suddenly 'restricted' when you took your first trip with your child. My first trip with my 3 month old was on a 6 hour flight across country, and I was a bundle of nerves not only because I had her with me, but because of all the extra luggage and crippling cargo I had to take.

Yes, it's harder to travel with your kids than it is to fly solo. Going through security alone is a breath of fresh air compared to lugging children through those scanners. Unfortunately, once you have kids, if you still want to see the world you are going to have to bring them along.

Here are a few tips for making travel with your children ever so slightly easier on you:

• Get rest the night before - Traveling is draining, not only on you but on your children as well.  Be sure everyone gets adequate sleep the night before. Everything seems more stressful when you are exhausted.
• Pack snacks. Although many airlines will not let you bring a bottle of water, soda, or juice onto an airplane any longer, there are approved snacks you can still bring. Alternately you can purchase juice or milk once you have gone through security, but don't be surprised if you are restricted from bringing that on as well. It is up to the airline whether or not you are able to bring any outside items on board with you. 
• Give your children a flying gift - If you want to occupy your kids on the plane, get them a gift that you give them right when you take off. A colouring book, video game, or new barbie doll will give you some much needed peace and quiet while flying. 
• Rent your travel accessories - If you need a crib at your destination, don't bring along the playpen. Need a stroller? Leave yours at home and rent a brand new, spiffy stroller that will get your baby around in style. Travel BaBees is set up so your baby can be pampered wherever you travel. 

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Grandchildren on their way? Be prepared!

Grandparents love when their grandchildren come for a visit.  If you struggle for activities that everyone will find fun, here are a few quick ideas for you:

•  Play dough.  Licensed character kits such as Littlest Pet Shop, Barber Shop, or Chunky Monkey are a must have when the grandkids are over, and they can entertain the kids for hours.  Play dough is generally non-staining and low mess, so you don’t need to worry about your furniture. 
•  Crayons and coloring books are a staple, and you would be amazed at the variations that Crayola has come up with in the recent past.  You can purchase extra large coloring books that are almost the same size as the child, or character coloring books like Disney Princess, Bob the Builder, or the Wiggles.   The differences in crayons is significant, and you can get them for little fingers, big fingers, liquid form that only comes out when you shake them, and markers that dissolve with water.   
• No need to run out and buy a bunch of toys when the Grandkids come and visit.  Rent a tub of toys from Travel BaBees. The tub includes books and videos, and are from varied brand names like Fisher Price.
  

A great visit with your grandchildren starts with being prepared. Rent them a comfy bed, a safety gate, or a double stroller for walks from Travel BaBees.

Winter Cold Snap? Time to take the kids on a ski vacation!

If you've ever thought about taking a ski vacation with your family, you probably picture a roaring fire, days spent effortlessly gliding down the slopes, and buckets of hot chocolate.   If you have small children, the odds that your ski vacation will be as effortless as what you picture is slim to none.  Skiing, although a great sport for your family to enjoy, it is not as easy as it looks.  If you plan on taking your children for a ski holiday, here are a few tips to get you on the right track. 

You have their equipment on and they are ready to go.  How do you teach them?  The answer is:  YOU don’t.  The best thing you can do for your children is to avoid teaching them to ski yourself.  Not only is it difficult if you’ve never taught anyone to ski before, they can also pick up on any bad ski habits you may have.  Ski school is especially formulated to teaching young children the ins and outs of beginning to ski, and they include games and fun. 

If your child is slightly older and has been to ski school, you may want to hire a personal instructor or sign them up for group lessons.  Professional ski instructors know the ins and outs of progressing ability levels and can assist your child to overcome any obstacles that he or she may be experiencing.  

Ski hills are often out of the way from major cities.  Traveling light is your best bet! If you want a backpack for wandering through the resort in the evenings, rent one from Travel BaBees. Skiing is exhausting, and that afternoon nap will ensure your continued energy on the slopes. Be sure that your baby will have the best nap as well, but renting a full crib with organic linens.  

Enjoy your time swooshing down the slopes!