Traveling with little ones is not easy. Anyone who tells you differently is delusional. Objections? Let me know below or, for the love of god, tell us your secrets! With summer travel in full swing, readers and friends alike have been asking me for the secrets to baby travel success. My answer: find people, services, devices, and a sense of humor to help ease the pain. Travel does not have to start with a negative. In fact, it should start with a positive – like a really cool gadget that promises to entertain your child for at least four hours straight or a fabulous hotel stay. While I’m always a fan of home rentals, sometimes a hotel is your only option, so I rounded up the kid-friendliest hotel chains — teddy bears and warm cookies included.
The Ritz Carlton
Ahh, the Ritz. When you’re ready to splurge, these guys are the masters of catering to your every need. All rooms are pre-baby-proofed, complete with cribs, so both you and Jr. can rest a little easier. Check out the awesome amenities, did someone say “Nanny Pack”, and services on their website.
Marriot Hotels
Bravo to Marriott Hotels for introducing a new program specifically designed to simplify travel for families with young children. “Tots” provides pint-sized guests with free travel cribs and a toy to make bath-time a little more fun. Forget a few essentials? Not to worry – just contact the front desk for complimentary items like outlet covers, nightlights, baby shampoo and lotion. The hotel also offers disposable bibs for your little “traveler-in-training.” We’re sold!
The Four Seasons
The Four Seasons pulls out all the stops to make families with small children feel very, very welcome. Kids are greeted in room with cookies and their own mini robes to cuddle up in, and at check-in, children receive a stuffed animal and newsletter highlighting the best family activities around the city. For toddlers, the hotel provides a host of amenities including diapers, lotions, bottle warmers, strollers and even teddy bears! The hotel also runs activities for kids ages five to twelve, including crafts and nature walks. Families will find separate kids’ pools and play areas, and a concierge who can suggest fun outings or arrange for babysitters.
Club Med
For over 40 years, Club Med has been the mother of all hotel chains when it comes to showing young travelers a fab time. They provide all the baby care equipment you could possibly require, including cots and nappy-changing mats, baby baths and pushchairs for walks. The baby-care rooms (open 24-hours a day) provide all the equipment necessary for preparing babies’ meals. Should you want a special evening just for mom and dad, the Pyjamas Club (at extra cost) provides babysitting service for children four months and up and the Petit Club Med dishes up a variable buffet of activities and entertainment, like games, meals, water sports, and even a baby gym! Give your children (and your sanity) a treat this summer, and let the little ones loose for a vacation they won’t ever forget.
