Video of the Day Most Popular Stories Travellers at Calgary airport turn into twitchy-eyed savages o

It's no secret: travel is tricky when you have a young family. It can be expensive, for starters. And depending on where you want to go, it could be virtually impossible from a logistical standpoint.
Let me put it another way: there's a reason why young couples try to see as much as the world as they can before they settle down and have kids. It's the same reason why backpacking is considered to be the domain of the not-yet-committed twentysomething – or even why travel becomes such a big thing once again for retirees and empty-nesters: not having kids around makes it much, much easier, and broadens the range of possibilities.
My wife and I have certainly found it harder to take a trip now that we have kids. Back when our oldest daughter was a bit younger, we flew with her a few times. As an infant, she cried and complained throughout our entire flight to New York, only to relax and fall asleep the moment we hit the tarmac at LaGuardia. Subsequent flights proved more difficult, especially once she was old enough to resist the confines of her seat (but still young enough to leave a trail of destruction in her wake).
Still, having kids shouldn't mean putting all travel on hold. While a trek to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro might be out of the question, there are still plenty paris vacation packages of ways to get away and spend some quality time – without breaking the bank, too.
If you're heading to the U.S., it's important to remember that even infants now require passports. And given how long it could potentially take to get one once you've applied, be sure to give yourself enough time before your departure date. Make sure, too, that you have the supporting documentation you need (long-form birth certificate, for instance) before applying.
PHOTO: Pavel Losevsky/Fotolia.com Remember how hard it is for a young child to be confined to their seat in such a cramped environment – especially one that's full of interesting things they ve never seen before.
By far, the best thing about flying with infants and toddlers is that they're paris vacation packages free until they turn 2. Take advantage of this while you can, because they're full price afterwards. That said, "free" doesn t necessarily mean free from some of the airport taxes and fees we all routinely complain about. You may want to find out in advance what the real cost of a ticket could be.
If you're flying with young children, you might expect some eye-rolling and rudeness from other passengers, paris vacation packages particularly if your kids are having paris vacation packages trouble settling paris vacation packages down. Be as considerate as you can towards other passengers, of course. But also remember how hard it is for a young child to be confined to their seat in such a cramped environment – especially one that's full of interesting things they ve never seen before. They are, after all, on an airplane flying tens of thousands of feet above the ground. There's a lot of pent-up energy. If possible, leave your seat with them and take a walk around, or show them the view out the window. Bring games, books, or anything else that will keep them occupied. Take advantage, too, of the in-flight entertainment.
Air travel is expensive, and with the cost of gas rising and an ever-expanding list of add-on fees we're all expected to pay, it's rapidly becoming an unaffordable option for many families. Thankfully, there's still the road. And the great thing about travelling by car is the ability to plan a series of stops along the way, rather than focusing on the final destination.
One thing we learned: take the time to plan your route well: map out your route and directions before heading on the road. Include lots of great stops for sightseeing. Visit friends and family along the way, where possible. Introduce your kids to some good music – or if your car is so equipped, keep them entertained with a movie.
Make sure your kids will have things paris vacation packages to do at your destination. paris vacation packages Resorts and cruises can often be very child-friendly, offering plenty of programming for children of all ages and even some child-care services. Some cruise lines, however, are more appropriate for families than others: here's a handy ranking from the Telegraph that might help.
Some destinations might be too tricky, though: you'll likely need to avoid some of the more adventurous options paris vacation packages until either they're old enough to join in on the activities, or for when you're not travelling with them.
And even if you're just visiting a city, it'll likely paris vacation packages require a lot of walking or public transit. While this might not seem like a big deal, it's important to remember you're now going around with kids in tow. Be prepared to load a stroller onto a city bus or carry it up and down stairs paris vacation packages into a subway station. If this seems like too much, sightseeing bus or boat tours can be a good way to see a lot of a city while saving yourself paris vacation packages some legwork – and giving your back a rest.
Don't get bogged down by setbacks, delays or detours. Give your kids opportunities to really enjoy what you're paris vacation packages seeing and doing. Take lots of pictures, or even videos, as you spend that time together. You're making memories as a family, after all.
Money trumps personal growth in New Year's resolutions Green perfect from field, Duncan has double-double for Spurs in win over Mavericks Silent nights rare for Canucks with John Tortorella on board Oilers use tough love with Nail Yakupov
Travellers at Calgary airport turn into twitchy-eyed savages over delayed flight Thousands of Canadians are accessing U.S. Netflix Prince George nowhere to be seen as Royal family paris vacation packages attends Christmas service Top 10 astronomy events for 2014 Viral image of dead deer in Alberta has nothing to do with oil patch
Video of the Day Most Popular Stories Travellers at Calgary airport turn into twitchy-eyed savages over delayed flight Thousands of Canadians are accessing U.S. Netflix Prince George nowhere to be seen as Royal family attends Christmas service Top 10 astronomy events for 2014 Viral image of dead deer in Alberta has nothing to do with oil patch
The Kates File Dad in-training / 1 week ago Dad in-training: 'Tis the season to (not) spoil your kids Life / 2 weeks ago Dad in-training: The perils of raising boys Dad in-training / 4 weeks ago Dad in-training: What if we don t celebrate Christmas? Life / 1 month ago Dad in-training: The unstable alliance of toddlers and food Life / 1 month ago Dad in-training: Hey, parents! Quit hovering! More Articles
Editor paris vacation packages s Pick News Top 7 social media backlash news stories of 2013 2013 Review Drake is Canada.com s Entertainer of the Year 2013 Review Canada.com s big 7 media criticism stories of 2013 2013 Review The most important cats of 2013 Entertainment Top 10 GIFs of 2013
Gallery: What to shop for on Boxing Day Photos: Best festive reindeer cars of the Internet Gallery: Bethlehem on Christmas Day Gallery: Raise the bar Gallery: Cutest animal ornaments Gallery: Reasons to fall in love with Ferrari Quiz: Holiday checklist Avoid these Christmas dinner conversation killers Recipe: Raspberry and cream cheese stuffed biscuits Top 10 entry-level luxury cars for under $35,000
paris vacation packages