Mayana Voyage

Author: mayanavoyage

  • Nassau with a baby: our 3 day Bahamas itinerary and things to do with kids

    Nassau with a baby: our 3 day Bahamas itinerary and things to do with kids

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning Nassau with a baby or a toddler? Nassau is the capital of the Bahamas, on the island of New Providence, and it is a quick direct flight from Toronto, which makes it an easy Caribbean trip with a little one. I spent 3 days in Nassau with my daughter when she was a toddler. It was just her and me, and we did it without staying at an all inclusive resort. Here is our itinerary, where we stayed, what made it easy, and more things to do in Nassau with kids if you have more time.

    Flying to Nassau with a baby

    We flew Air Canada, a quick direct flight from Toronto, and I booked it for free using Aeroplan points. Here is how I fly and stay at hotels for free. When we landed, we took a taxi from the airport to the hotel.

    If it is your first time flying alone with your kids, here is how to travel alone with your kids.

    Where to stay in Nassau with a baby

    We stayed at the Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach, which I also booked on Marriott Bonvoy points. It is right by Junkanoo Beach, everything is walkable, and the views are amazing. Here are my tips to score a free stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels.

    The beach and the turquoise water from our hotel in downtown Nassau, with a cruise ship in the harbour

    Most families choose between 3 areas. Downtown Nassau, where we stayed, puts you close to Junkanoo Beach, Bay Street and the cruise port. Cable Beach is about 6 miles west of downtown, with a long stretch of white sand and calmer, less crowded water. Paradise Island is just across the harbour and is home to Atlantis.

    If you are looking for a hotel, you can search hotels in Nassau on Booking.com or compare hotels in Nassau and Paradise Island on Hotels.com.

    Our 3 day Nassau itinerary with a baby

    Day 1: arrival and the beach

    After the direct flight, we took a taxi to the hotel, unpacked, and went straight to Junkanoo Beach and then the pool. For dinner, we went to Arawak Cay for local food by the water.

    Arawak Cay is known locally as the Fish Fry. It is a strip of casual restaurants and beach shacks serving Bahamian food, and it is where to try conch fritters and conch salad. It is relaxed, so it works well with kids.

    Day 2: Atlantis on Paradise Island

    We started with a slow morning. Then we walked to the cruise pier and took a speedboat across to Atlantis on Paradise Island.

    We bought a day pass, which gave us the aquarium, the beach, the pools and the water park. Food is extra with the day pass, so plan for lunch and snacks. At the end of the day, we took a taxi back to the hotel.

    The beach at Atlantis on Paradise Island, with the resort towers behind the sand

    Here is the approximate day pass pricing I shared on Instagram: $170 to $195 USD for adults, $95 to $130 USD for kids aged 4 to 12, and usually free for children under 4. Prices change, so check the price for your dates on the official Atlantis site before you go. Day passes are sold on a limited availability basis, and the marine habitats include The Dig aquarium and the Predator Tunnel. If your little one is too small for the slides, the aquarium is a calm way to spend part of the day.

    If you want to compare Atlantis passes, boat trips and other tours, you can look for Nassau tours and activities on Viator.

    Day 3: downtown Nassau, the market and exploring

    On our last day, we walked around downtown Nassau and went to the Nassau Straw Market, where we got some souvenirs. We saw Parliament Square, and then we stopped at Graycliff Chocolatier and the local rum cake shops. We had lunch at a local food spot, and then it was back to the hotel for the pool and packing.

    The Straw Market is an open air market on Bay Street, close to the cruise port, where local artisans sell straw bags, baskets and souvenirs. Vendors generally expect you to bargain, and the market hours change with the season, so check before you go. Bay Street is lined with pastel coloured buildings, and Parliament Square is one of its highlights.

    More things to do in Nassau with kids

    We kept our trip to 3 days, but if you have more time, these are the places other families love in Nassau and Paradise Island.

    Cable Beach

    Cable Beach is about 6 miles west of downtown. The sand is wide and white, the water is calm, and it is usually less crowded than Junkanoo Beach, which makes it a good beach day with little ones.

    Junkanoo Beach

    Junkanoo Beach is the beach closest to the cruise terminal, so it gets busy, especially on cruise days and in high season. It has beach shacks and a lively feel, and you can rent chairs and umbrellas.

    The Queen’s Staircase and Fort Fincastle

    The Queen’s Staircase, also called the 66 Steps, was carved out of solid limestone by enslaved people, and it leads up to Fort Fincastle. The bottom step is now under the paved road, so you can count 65. The fort was built in 1793 to protect the city from pirates, and from the top of the hill you get a view over the harbour. It is a short outing, which suits young kids, but plan to carry a baby up the steps rather than the stroller.

    Ardastra Gardens, Zoo and Conservation Centre

    Ardastra Gardens is known for its marching flamingos, the national bird of the Bahamas, with trainers leading them around their arena during the flamingo show. There is also a petting zoo and a garden. Check the show times before you go, because they can change.

    Blue Lagoon Island

    Blue Lagoon Island is a private island a few miles from Nassau that you can only reach by boat. Families go for a beach day, and there are dolphin and sea lion encounters at an extra cost. Each encounter has its own minimum age, so check the age rules before you book with a baby or a toddler.

    Learn about pirates

    Nassau was once a pirate hangout, and the Pirates of Nassau Museum downtown tells that story.

    Getting around Nassau with kids

    We walked everywhere downtown, took the speedboat from the cruise pier to Atlantis, and used taxis from the airport and back from Paradise Island.

    • Taxis: they wait outside hotels and at the airport, and fares are set by zone. Agree on the fare before you get in, and ask first if you want to pay by card.
    • Uber and Lyft: they are not available in Nassau, so plan on taxis.
    • Jitneys: these are the local buses between downtown and Cable Beach. You pay with exact change when you get off, and they do not go to Paradise Island.
    • Water taxis: they cross the harbour between Nassau and Paradise Island in about 10 minutes.
    • Driving: they drive on the left in the Bahamas, so think twice before renting a car with a baby seat for a short stay.

    If you want data on your phone as soon as you land, you can get an eSIM for the Bahamas on Airalo before you leave.

    Best time to visit Nassau with a baby

    Hurricane season in the Bahamas runs from June 1 to November 30, with the most activity usually from August to early October. Mid December to mid April is the most popular time, with drier, cooler weather and lower humidity, which is easier with a baby. Late summer and fall are usually the cheapest months. If you travel during hurricane season, check the forecast before you go and read the hotel and airline change policies when you book.

    How many days do you need in Nassau with kids?

    We did Nassau in 3 days: 1 day for the beach and the pool, 1 day for Atlantis and 1 day for downtown and the Straw Market. That pace still gave us naps in the room and time at the hotel pool. If you have 4 or 5 days, add a beach day at Cable Beach, a morning at Ardastra Gardens or the Queen’s Staircase, and a boat trip to Blue Lagoon Island.

    What made Nassau easy with a baby

    • Our Babyzen YoYo stroller and an Ergobaby carrier. Here is how I decide between a stroller or a baby carrier for travel.
    • Lots of snacks.
    • Naps in the room and on the go.
    • Lowering my expectations and going with the flow.

    A few more things help in Nassau with a baby. The sun is strong, so pack a sun hat, a swimsuit with sleeves and baby sunscreen, and plan the beach for the morning or late afternoon. Bring swim diapers, since you will be in the water every day, and keep a refillable water bottle in the stroller.

    Is Nassau a good Caribbean trip with kids?

    Nassau is one of my Caribbean picks for families. In the Caribbean, you go for the setup: the beach, the pool, space for the kids and everything close by. I find Nassau works best for shorter stays, and it is easy to reach from Canada. If you are still deciding, here is how I choose between Europe or the Caribbean with kids, and here are my excursions from Caribbean resorts for families with young kids.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Nassau, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Nassau with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.

  • Bring all your cable types when you travel

    Bring all your cable types when you travel

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    You get on the plane, you go to charge your phone, and it does not work. The cable you brought does not fit, so now you have no phone for the whole flight.

    That happens because the plugs are different everywhere now. The plane, the rental car and your headset all want a different one, and it is never the one you brought.

    The cable types you might need

    Honestly, I do not remember which one is which. Some are called USB-A, some are USB-C, and I can never keep up. I just know there is a big flat one that has been around forever, a small one that everything new uses, the old iPhone one, the round headphone jack, and sometimes a normal plug like the one in your wall at home.

    So I bring them all

    I stopped trying to guess, and I just bring them all.

    The chargers, cables and adapters I travel with are in my electronic must-haves for travel list on Amazon.

    More on tech for trips: essential travel gadgets and eSIMs to avoid roaming charges. If you need data when you land, you can set up an Airalo eSIM before you fly.

    My free packing list is the list I use for every trip. You can get it here.

    Which one do you always end up needing? Tell me on Instagram.

  • How I get my kids to sleep on a plane in economy

    How I get my kids to sleep on a plane in economy

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Someone asked me how I get my kids to sleep on a plane. We are not in the business class flat beds yet, so everything here is from economy, and the answer changes with their age.

    Babies: on me, or in the bassinet

    When they were babies, they slept on me or in the bassinet. You have to request the bassinet with the airline, and it is better to request it and then check with them, because they do not have enough bassinets for everyone.

    Toddlers: their own seat, their head on me

    Toddlers go in their own seat with their head on me. I take the window, I lean on it, and they lean on me. That is the whole setup, and it works on every flight.

    Around 3 to 5: an inflatable footrest

    Around 3 to 5, I used an inflatable footrest so their legs had something to rest on. I found mine on Amazon and used it on Air Canada. Not every airline allows it, and it also depends on the flight attendant, so check with your airline before you buy one. Here is how I compare airlines with kids.

    Comfy clothes, every single time

    We have a travel uniform: soft pants, a t-shirt, a sweater and socks, and shoes come off the moment we sit down. It is the same clothes in summer and in winter.

    A blanket, or a big scarf

    Bring a blanket, or a big scarf that doubles as one. Planes get cold, and a cold kid wakes up.

    What I pack for sleep on the plane

    The things I use are in my Amazon store: my baby and toddler sleep list, my 3 to 5 year old travel essentials and my plane travel essentials.

    More for the flight: 10 airport tips parents learn too late, keeping kids entertained on long flights and jet lag with kids.

    My free packing list is the list I use for every trip. You can get it here.

    How old are your kids and where are you flying? Tell me on Instagram and I will give you the version for their age.

  • Before every international trip with kids: my checklist

    Before every international trip with kids: my checklist

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning an international trip with kids? I have learned some things the hard way: finding out that yellow fever vaccination is required for Côte d’Ivoire, realizing we needed to book the Louvre in advance in Paris, and arriving in Rome on Epiphany and not being able to visit the Vatican. So before every international trip, I run the same checks. Here they are.

    What I check before booking: daily life once we arrive

    • Location: where we are staying, what is nearby, walkability with kids, parks, grocery stores and pharmacies.
    • Entry rules: visa, passport validity and health requirements. Some destinations require specific vaccines. (More on this in Africa with kids.)
    • Culture: what is considered rude, dress expectations, tipping, and whether kids are welcome everywhere.
    • Food: restaurant culture or cooking, grocery access, eating times and kid-friendly options.
    • Language and apps: maps, public transport, ride-share and translation apps, downloaded before landing.
    • Family comfort: stairs or elevators (not every building has one in Europe), stroller reality, bathrooms, diaper changing, and how easy it is to take breaks. Here is why I always check for an elevator.

    6 things I always do before every trip

    1. Check passport expiry dates as soon as you book, because many countries require at least 6 months’ validity. More on passport expiry dates.
    2. Charge all devices the night before, and do not forget your portable power bank.
    3. Pick and lay out the family travel outfits the night before, to avoid morning chaos.
    4. Set up a packing station a week ahead, to keep everything you need to pack in one spot. Here is the exact order I pack.
    5. Use packing cubes.
    6. Take a photo of all the luggage before putting it by the door the night before, in case the bags get lost or delayed.

    My daughter helps with this now too.

    3 steps that protect you if something gets lost

    1. Take photos before you leave

    • Your passport, which helps the embassy if you lose it.
    • Your boarding pass, useful if your phone has no internet.
    • Your itinerary and hotel address, because immigration sometimes asks for it.
    • Your luggage, helpful if your suitcase is delayed or lost.

    All the photos stay in your gallery even without Wi-Fi.

    2. Email everything to yourself, and send a copy to someone you trust at home

    If your phone gets lost, stolen or dies, you can still access your travel documents, and someone at home can help in an emergency.

    3. Print paper copies

    Apps glitch, Wi-Fi fails and batteries die. It takes 2 minutes and gives you peace of mind.

    Set these up before you go

    And on travel day, here are 10 airport tips parents learn too late.

    My full pre-travel checklist has all of this in one place, and it is free. You can get it here.

    What is your pre-travel routine? Tell me on Instagram.

  • Stroller or baby carrier for travel? Why I bring both

    Stroller or baby carrier for travel? Why I bring both

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Travelling with a baby or toddler often turns into a big debate: stroller or baby carrier? For me, the answer has always been both. Here is why, and what I use for each.

    Stroller or baby carrier for travel? Both

    My 2 favourite travel items are the Ergobaby carrier and the Babyzen YOYO stroller. I always bring both when I travel with a child under 2, because they solve different problems during the trip.

    • The carrier is my go-to in airports, on stairs, or when the baby needs comfort or a nap.
    • The stroller is perfect for exploring the city and carrying all the things that come with travelling with kids.

    My kids have always loved the carrier, so it made travelling much easier for us. But every child is different, and the most important thing is to figure out what works for you and your baby.

    When the carrier wins

    In the desert in Dubai, sand and wheels do not mix, so the carrier was the only option. Here is how we did a desert safari with a baby. In busy markets and old souks, a carrier is also much easier than a stroller in crowded alleys.

    When the stroller wins

    On city days, the stroller carries the bags, the snacks and a sleeping toddler. Our YOYO folds easily, and it worked well even on a bus tour in Miami. In older European buildings, check that the elevator fits your stroller before you book: in Paris, ours did not fit in our Airbnb elevator.

    Flying with both

    Your baby gear flies free: the stroller and the car seat are usually checked for free, so do not pay extra, just ask at check-in. Here is how to protect your stroller and car seat when flying, and why you might rent baby equipment at your destination instead.

    You can find the travel gear I use in my car seat and stroller accessories list on Amazon and my baby travel essentials list.

    My free travel with a baby guide covers everything I learned flying with babies. You can get it here.

    What works for your family when you travel? Tell me on Instagram.

  • Picky eaters when travelling: 5 things that help

    Picky eaters when travelling: 5 things that help

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    One concern I hear from parents all the time is: “What if my child does not like the food?” If that is something you have worried about too, here are a few things that have helped us while travelling with our kids.

    5 things that help picky eaters when you travel

    1. Always pack snacks

    They can save the day between meals, or while you are looking for a restaurant. Here are my feeding essentials when travelling with babies and toddlers.

    2. Stop at a grocery store when you arrive

    Pick up a few familiar foods for the kids.

    3. Order for the kids first

    Most restaurants can make something simple, like fries, rice, pasta, bread, fruit or grilled chicken.

    4. Feed them before the restaurant you really want to try

    If there is a local restaurant you really want to try, feed your kids beforehand or grab something simple on the way. That is completely okay.

    5. Keep offering new foods, but do not force it

    I have found that it gets much easier as kids get older. In São Paulo, my daughter, who orders pasta at every meal, finally tried my steak, finished it, and told me she likes my food now. That story is in São Paulo with kids.

    Do not let food stop your family from seeing the world. The goal is not perfect meals, it is to enjoy your trip and make great memories together.

    More on food with kids

    Dining out with kids on vacation and flying with baby formula, food and milk. My favourite snack containers and feeding gear are in my feeding essentials list on Amazon.

    My free packing list includes the snacks and food items I always bring. You can get it here.

    What is one food your kids will eat anywhere in the world? Tell me on Instagram.

  • Flying with kids: 10 airport tips parents learn too late

    Flying with kids: 10 airport tips parents learn too late

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Flying with kids? These are the airport and flying tips parents learn too late. They are small things, but they make a big difference, especially on international flights. Plus how we handle the airport itself with kids.

    10 airport and flying tips parents learn too late

    1. Keep your boarding pass until you leave the airport

    Border control or airport staff can ask for it after landing.

    2. Keep your luggage tag after arrival

    You need the tag number to report delayed or lost luggage. Here is how to deal with lost luggage.

    3. Put your name and phone number inside your checked luggage

    If the outside tag gets removed, this helps the airline identify your bag.

    4. Take a photo of your checked bag with the tag visible

    It makes baggage claims faster if your luggage does not show up.

    5. Screenshot your boarding passes

    Airline apps crash, log you out, or do not load without Wi-Fi.

    6. Save your hotel address offline

    Immigration can ask where you are staying.

    7. Use the washroom right before boarding starts

    Taxiing and the seatbelt sign can keep you in your seat for 30 to 40 minutes.

    8. Keep the kids’ essentials under the seat, not in the overhead bin

    You will not be able to reach the overhead bin during taxiing or turbulence.

    9. Feed the kids before boarding, even if meals are served on board

    Delays happen, and kids’ meals often run out.

    10. Pack a full change of clothes for the kids and the parents in your carry-on

    It is not always the kids who need it.

    Airports are not waiting rooms

    One thing I learned after a lot of travelling with kids: airports are not waiting rooms. Kids are excited, they are out of their routine, they want to move and look at the planes. So instead of trying to make them sit quietly for hours, this is what we do:

    • Let them walk as much as possible before boarding.
    • Find a play area if the airport has one.
    • Use a lounge when it makes sense, for space, food and a reset. More on airport lounges with kids.
    • Give snacks before they get hungry, not after.
    • Window time: watching planes is free entertainment.
    • Screen time is okay on travel days.
    • Family boarding gives us time to settle without rushing. Here is why we always use it.

    I also prepare myself for the day to be a bit chaotic, and that is okay. Someone may have a meltdown, or need to pee right when we are lining up at security. That is part of the trip, and I try not to stress about it.

    More for your flight

    Bring an empty water bottle through security, keep kids entertained on long flights, and if you are flying solo, how to travel alone with your kids. If you need data when you land, you can set up an Airalo eSIM before you fly, and you can book your airport transfer with Kiwitaxi. My favourite travel products are in my Amazon store.

    My free packing list is the list I use for every trip. You can get it here.

    What is your best airport trick with kids? Tell me on Instagram.

  • Africa with kids: where to start, and the cities I would revisit

    Africa with kids: where to start, and the cities I would revisit

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    I hear this all the time: “I want to go to Africa with our kids. Where should I go?” As an African woman, going back to the motherland feels like going home. But even for me, Niger, my home country, is completely different from Tanzania, or Zambia, or Ethiopia, or Tunisia. Every country is a different trip. Here is how I would plan a first trip to Africa with kids, the African cities I would love to revisit with mine, and what to check before you go.

    How to plan a first trip to Africa with kids

    I start with the kind of trip we want as a family. If you have never been before, here is where I would start:

    • Choose one country, not the whole continent.
    • Focus on one region or one main city.
    • Start with destinations that are already popular and well set up for visitors.
    • Consider working with a local travel specialist who knows that country well.
    • Look at what that country is known for, and build around that strength.

    Check the entry rules early

    I learned this the hard way when I found out that yellow fever vaccination is required for Côte d’Ivoire. Before every international trip, check the visa, passport validity and health requirements, because some destinations require specific vaccines.

    African cities I would love to revisit with my kids

    We visited some of these places as a couple before kids, and we would love to explore them again as a family, as much as travelling with kids looks different.

    Accra, Ghana

    Labadi Beach, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, Osu, Jamestown and the local markets. For a day trip: the Cape Coast and Elmina castles. More in my Accra destination guide.

    Samira of Mayana Voyage on a beach in Accra, Ghana

    Cairo, Egypt

    The Pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum, Old Cairo, Khan el-Khalili and a boat ride on the Nile. For a day trip: Luxor, with the Valley of the Kings and the temples. More in my Cairo city guide and my Egypt itinerary.

    Samira of Mayana Voyage at the pyramids of Giza in Cairo, Egypt

    Niamey, Niger

    The Musée National du Niger, the Niger River, the Village Artisanal, brochettes (meat skewers) and the local markets. For a day trip: Kouré, to see the giraffes. More in my Niamey destination guide.

    Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

    The Plateau, a boat ride on the lagoon, the local markets, garba and attiéké to eat, and the city cafés. For day trips: Grand-Bassam, and Maliane Lodge in Adiaké. More on Maliane Lodge in Côte d’Ivoire.

    Travel does not stop when you have kids. It just changes (and gets a bit more difficult).

    Booking your trip

    When you are ready, you can search hotels on Booking.com, look for tours and day trips on Viator, and get an eSIM from Airalo before you land. Morocco is another easy start: here are 10 tips for visiting Marrakesh.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    My pre-travel checklist covers entry rules, vaccines and everything I check before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Thinking about Africa with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me what kind of trip you want.

  • Choosing an airline for a family trip: my economy ratings and tips

    Choosing an airline for a family trip: my economy ratings and tips

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Choosing an airline for your next family trip? Here is how I rate the airlines I have flown in economy with my kids, what to know about budget airlines, why we always use family boarding, and how kids can earn airline miles too.

    How I rate airlines in economy with kids

    This is the order I rated them in: Emirates, Etihad Airways, Air Canada, Air France, British Airways, Air Transat, Ethiopian Airlines, TAP Air Portugal, EasyJet and Ryanair. It is based on my experience flying these airlines, some of them multiple times, and focused on the onboard experience, not things like delays.

    What some airlines offer families

    • Family or priority boarding. We always use it.
    • 2 baby items checked for free, like a stroller and a car seat.
    • Family check-in counters at some airports.
    • A changing table in the airplane bathroom, usually.
    • Free Wi-Fi for members, on some airlines.
    • Blankets, headsets and snacks, sometimes free and sometimes paid.

    Food with kids

    Kids meals are not always automatic, so sometimes you need to request them. You can usually ask for free milk or for a bottle to be warmed.

    Comfort

    Some airlines have bassinets, which are limited, so request one early. Some have seat extenders for kids, but many do not, and seat comfort depends a lot on the aircraft.

    What I think about when booking a flight

    • The total travel time and the layover.
    • The flight timing.
    • The airline experience, so I know what to expect on the plane.
    • Points and the loyalty program.
    • And of course, the price.

    When you are ready to compare, you can search flights on Expedia.

    Flying a budget airline with kids

    Budget airlines get a bad rep and are not often the first choice, but here is what you should know. We flew round trip with Flair Airlines from Toronto Pearson to Fort Lauderdale. It was a 6am flight, so we prepped everything the night before: boarding passes downloaded, bags measured and tablets charged.

    • Bags: only a small personal item is free. Carry-on and checked bags cost extra, and adding a bag at the gate can cost double what it costs at booking. Measure at home, and pay when you book.
    • Onboard: drinks and snacks are for purchase only, including water. There are no blankets and no screens.
    • For parents: kids get 2 free gate-check items, like a stroller or a car seat, and a free diaper bag under 2.

    For a short flight with the kids, it worked, and the crew was super sweet, especially the pilots. For a long haul, I prefer the extra comfort. Here is what we did on that trip: a Miami day trip with kids.

    Why we always use family boarding

    I keep seeing people online saying family boarding is a scam, or that parents should always wait and board last. After 50+ international flights with my kids, I honestly do not agree. That extra 15 to 20 minutes on the plane has never made a real difference for us, especially on a long international flight.

    • Quiet time to settle in before the plane fills up.
    • Time to organize bags, snacks and toys before everyone boards.
    • Easy access to the overhead bin for carry-ons.
    • Empty aisles, which make it easier to walk to your seat with kids, backpacks and bags.
    • The kids get comfortable, look out the window, and love watching people board.

    When I travel solo with the kids especially, those calm setup minutes make a big difference. Every family travels differently, so do what works for your family.

    Kids can earn airline miles too

    Many parents only create loyalty accounts for themselves, but kids can have their own airline loyalty account, and once they start flying with a paid seat (usually around age 2), they can earn miles just like adults. Over time, miles can be used for free flights, seat upgrades or discounted tickets.

    • Create a loyalty account for your child.
    • Add their loyalty number when booking flights.
    • Try to fly within the same airline alliance when possible, so your points add up faster. The 3 main alliances are Star Alliance, SkyTeam and Oneworld. I personally stick with Star Alliance, because it includes Air Canada and many international partners.

    More on this in the secrets of travel loyalty programs, and for the flight itself, how to keep kids entertained on long flights, plus airport lounges with kids.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my plane travel essentials list and my 3 to 5 year old travel essentials list.

    My pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Deciding between airlines for your next trip? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are flying.

  • Hotel or Airbnb with kids? How I choose, plus my 10 hotel essentials

    Hotel or Airbnb with kids? How I choose, plus my 10 hotel essentials

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Hotel or Airbnb with kids? Choosing accommodation with kids is not just about price and pictures. For me, it usually comes down to one question: do I want something easy, or more control? Here is how I choose, what to check before booking in Europe, and the 10 hotel essentials I never travel without.

    When I choose a hotel with kids

    I choose a hotel when I want things to feel simple: breakfast is handled, there is room service if needed, the cleaning is done, and there is a pool or space for the kids. It is also what I prefer for shorter stays of 1 to 3 nights, unless it is a resort where we are staying longer.

    In Paris, we were jet lagged and the kids were fully awake at 1am, and we were able to move around in the hotel lobby.

    Not every family trip needs the biggest or fanciest hotel, and the kids do not care about that (but we adults do). Especially for short trips, when you know you will be out exploring most of the day, the best hotel is the one that makes life easier: a good breakfast, ideally included in the room cost, a pool the kids will talk about all week, and a comfortable room where everyone can rest and play. I love a beautiful luxury hotel too, but family travel is all about balance, and sometimes convenience wins.

    When I choose an Airbnb with kids

    I choose an Airbnb when I want more flexibility: more space for everyone, a full kitchen and fridge for meals and snacks, and easier bedtime routines. It feels more like living than staying.

    One thing to know: some hotels do not have a microwave, or only have a small fridge, and in Europe hotel rooms are often smaller.

    A small hotel room with suitcases, hotel or Airbnb with kids

    Check for an elevator before booking in Europe

    One thing I always check before booking accommodation in Europe is whether there is an elevator. This is especially important if you are booking an Airbnb. Hotels usually have elevators, but many buildings are older. Some do not have one at all, and if they do, it can be surprisingly small.

    In Paris, my UPPAbaby stroller did not even fit in the elevator at our Airbnb. Every single time we went in or out, I had to fold the stroller before we could get inside.

    Before you book your next family trip to Europe, check:

    • Is there an elevator?
    • What floor is the apartment on?
    • Do the reviews mention stairs or the elevator size?
    • Will your stroller and luggage fit?

    It is a small detail, but it can make a big difference after a long travel day with kids. When you are ready to compare, you can search family hotels and apartments on Booking.com or on Hotels.com.

    10 hotel essentials I never travel without

    After 50+ international trips with my kids, these are the hotel essentials that make our stays much easier.

    • Extension cord: hotel outlets are never where you need them.
    • Door stopper: so no one can enter the room, especially when I travel solo with the kids.
    • Stain remover: because kids always seem to spill something.
    • Travel laundry detergent: for the random stains, or to quickly wash a few items.
    • Ziplock bags: for snacks, wet swimsuits, dirty clothes, or keeping small items organized.
    • Scissors: for opening random packages for the kids or cutting anything you need.
    • Nightlight: it helps the kids find the bathroom at night without turning on all the lights.
    • Laundry bag: it keeps dirty clothes separate from everything else.
    • Cleaning wipes: kids get messy.
    • Books and colouring activities: great for quiet time in the hotel room.

    And a bonus: a satin pillowcase. I bring one for me and my daughter. It helps protect our hair, and I like sleeping on my own pillowcase when we travel.

    They do not take up much space, but they are part of my hotel packing list for every family vacation. You can find my favourite travel products in my Amazon store.

    More on family hotels

    Here is how to choose the right hotel for family travel, my tips to score a free stay at Marriott Bonvoy hotels, and an example: where to stay in Helsinki with kids.

    My free packing list is the list I use for every trip. You can get it here.

    Not sure where to stay on your next trip? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are going.