Tag: Planning

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Planning an all-inclusive with a toddler and wondering how to pick the right resort? I love all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and the 3 countries I recommend are Mexico (Cancun and the Riviera Maya), the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) and Jamaica (Negril and Montego Bay). We have done resorts with a baby and with young kids, and this guide covers what to look at before booking: the kids club ages, the pools and splash areas, the room, the food, the transfer time from the airport, and the questions I ask the resort first.

Is an all-inclusive worth it with a toddler?

For us, yes. When I compare a city trip and a Caribbean trip, I say you go to the Caribbean for the setup: a beach, a pool, space for the kids and everything close by. You stay mostly in one place, meals are easier and your days are simpler to manage. With a toddler, that is a lot of the work already done for you.

Our trip to the Grand Palladium Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the one that convinced me. It was the baby’s first trip, it was a short 4 hour flight, and the all-inclusive made everything easier. We had warm weather, slow days, good food, long naps and the kids playing, and it ended up being one of the best trips I have ever taken with my kids. Somehow, I actually came back rested. And yes, I packed as if I were moving there.

It is also our vacation, not only theirs. Sometimes that looks like putting the kids in the kids club so we can go to the spa, and most moments are for all of us together. If you are still deciding between a resort and a city, here is how I choose between Europe and the Caribbean with kids, and why I think you should pick an all-inclusive resort for a family vacation.

All-inclusive kids club ages: what to check with a toddler

Check the kids club ages first, because many kids clubs start at 3, 4 or 5 years old, and a 2 year old may not be able to join. Resorts split their clubs by age, and the toddler group is the one that changes the most from one resort to the next.

• At the Palladium resorts in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, the resort lists a Baby Club for children from 1 to 3 years old, with a play area and cribs, and a Mini Club for kids from 4 to 12 (checked on the Palladium website in October 2026).
• Beaches Resorts, including Beaches Negril in Jamaica, list a Kids Camp with a nursery for babies and separate groups for toddlers and older kids. Some toddler groups ask for children to be potty trained, so check that before you count on it.
• If the club at your resort starts at 4 or 5, your toddler stays with you all day, and that can be completely fine if you know it before you book.

We tried the kids club a few times, and it is a great way for the adults to have some free time while the kids are entertained. Ask the resort what age the club starts, whether a parent has to stay with toddlers, whether there is a cost, and what the opening hours are.

Pools, splash pads and water parks for toddlers

With a toddler, the pools often matter as much as the beach. Look for a shallow kids pool, a splash pad or splash area, and shade close by.

The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, my favourite resort in the Cancun area, has 9 pools including family-friendly ones and adult-only ones. When we spent the day at Beaches Negril in Jamaica on a day pass, there were pools, a lazy river, a water park and splash areas for kids. If you are curious, here is how the Beaches Negril day pass works, and it is a good way to try a resort before you book a full stay.

In Punta Cana, the baby went in the shallow pool in a baby float with a sun canopy.

Beach or pool: which matters more with a toddler?

Both, but check the beach before you assume it works for little ones. In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico, the beach at the Grand Palladium is beautiful, but be prepared for lots of seaweed. Seaweed changes with the season, so look at recent reviews and photos for the month you are going.

Negril in Jamaica has Seven Mile Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. When you are choosing, match the beach to your family: the crowds, how safe it is, and the amenities right there.

The room: cribs, space and a fridge

A resort room with a toddler is where you nap, change, snack and sleep, so it has to work for all of us. When I look at a hotel, I want at least 2 beds, space for the kids to move around, a pool and a real breakfast buffet.

• Ask for a crib when you book, and confirm it again before you arrive.
• Look at the family rooms or suites. The Grand Palladium Kantenah in the Riviera Maya has a family section, and many resorts have connecting rooms or suites with a separate sleeping space, which helps when the toddler naps and you want to stay up.
• Check for a fridge in the room for milk and snacks.
• Ask how far the room is from the kids pool and the buffet. Some resorts are huge.

It never hurts to ask for an upgrade or a room with a better view. I usually email the hotel a few days before we arrive with my special requests. Here is more on how I choose a hotel with kids, and my 10 hotel essentials.

Resort size: big resort or small resort with a toddler?

Some hotels are small and intimate, while others are massive with 5 or more resorts in one complex. For a family trip full of activities, a larger resort with many pools and restaurants can be better, and I love large family-friendly hotels. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is made up of 5 sections, and when you stay in one you get access to all of them. It is so big that there is a train to take you around.

With a toddler, a big resort means a lot of walking, so bring a stroller. We keep ours with us for naps on the go too, and here is why I bring both a stroller and a baby carrier.

Food at an all-inclusive with a toddler

This is where an all-inclusive really helps. There are lots of options, from buffets to à la carte restaurants, and everyone in the family can find something to eat. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya has 14 restaurants, and the food at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana was amazing, with tons of dining options.

My tips for meals with a toddler:

• Bring reusable bottles and Tupperware or zip lock bags so you can take snacks from the buffet for the kids.
• Book the specialty restaurants as soon as you arrive. We made the mistake in Punta Cana, and it was hard to get a spot. You do not need a reservation for the buffets.
• Ask the resort about any dietary needs before you arrive.

Our kids sleep anywhere, and in Jamaica one of them fell asleep at the dinner table with a live band playing. We do not build our days around naps, so a late dinner still works for us. If you have a picky eater, here are 5 things that help with picky eaters when travelling.

Airport transfer time with a toddler

After a flight, kids are usually tired, so the drive from the airport to the resort matters.

• Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico: if you stay in Cancun, you are 20 to 30 minutes from the airport. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is about 1 hour from Cancun International Airport, longer with traffic, and Tulum and parts of the Riviera Maya are 1.5 to 2 hours away.
• Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: most resorts in the Bavaro and Cap Cana areas are about 15 to 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, depending on the hotel.
• Jamaica: resorts in Montego Bay are closer to Sangster International Airport, while Negril is about 1.5 hours away by car. If you are landing in Montego Bay, here is my guide to Montego Bay airport with kids.

Book a private transfer to the resort. It is better than a shared transfer that stops to drop passengers at every hotel. You can book a private airport transfer on Kiwitaxi, and if you need a car seat, ask for one when you book. For the flight itself, here are my airport tips for flying with kids and how I get my kids to sleep on a plane in economy.

Mexico, Dominican Republic or Jamaica with a toddler?

The Caribbean is easy to do from Canada most of the year, and I have been to resorts in all 3 countries.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico

There are more than 100 hotels in the area, so pick the area first. Cancun is close to the airport and good for nightlife and shopping, Tulum is more laid back with a focus on nature and wellness, and the Riviera Maya is a blend of the two. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is my favourite resort there. I have stayed there many times, and I got married there. It was the best place to welcome guests of all ages, from 0 to 75. Here is how to pick the best hotel in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area, and my 10 family-friendly things to do in the Cancun area.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Punta Cana was a short 4 hour flight for us, and the transfer from the airport is short, which helps with a toddler. We stayed at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana, which is very family and kid-friendly, with lots of entertainment. My Punta Cana city guide has more resorts and things to do.

Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica

I love Jamaica, especially the food. In Montego Bay, the view from the Grand Palladium Jamaica is gorgeous, and Palladium is one of my favourite hotel brands. In Negril, Beaches is a family-friendly all-inclusive right on Seven Mile Beach. You can stay in one city and still visit attractions in other areas as day trips, just be ready for some driving. Here is my Jamaica travel guide for first-time visitors.

When you are ready, you can compare all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Punta Cana and Jamaica on Booking.com or look at family resorts on Hotels.com.

Is it safe to go to Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica with kids?

Always check the Government of Canada travel advice before you book and again before you go. When I checked in October 2026, all 3 countries were at “exercise a high degree of caution”. For Mexico, the advice also lists regional advisories for some states, and Quintana Roo, where Cancun and the Riviera Maya are, was not one of them. For Jamaica, the advice points to violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas. Read the page for your destination on travel.gc.ca, and keep an eye on your belongings when you leave the resort.

Questions to ask before booking an all-inclusive with a toddler

Before I book, I check the resort’s website, the reviews and travel pages to see what amenities they have and how big the resort is. Then I ask these questions, by email or by phone:

1. At what age does the kids club start, and does a parent have to stay with toddlers?
2. Is there a shallow kids pool, a splash pad or a water park, and is there shade around it?
3. Can you put a crib in our room, and do you have family rooms or connecting rooms?
4. Is there a fridge in the room?
5. How far is our room from the kids pool and the buffet, and do you have a train or shuttle on the property?
6. Which restaurants need a reservation, and can kids eat there?
7. Can you help with dietary needs?
8. How long is the transfer from the airport, and can you arrange a private transfer with a car seat?
9. What is included, and what costs extra, like specialty dining, the spa or excursions?
10. Is there an app or a daily schedule for activities?

What to pack for an all-inclusive with a toddler

Most of the essentials are expensive on site, so pack them. My list for a beach resort: sunscreen, UV hats, beach toys, a beach tent, a waterproof bag, water shoes, a first aid kit, reusable water bottles and any medication. Bring some cash in US dollars or local currency for tipping the staff at the pool, the restaurants and room service. The things I use are on my family beach essentials list, and if you are travelling with a baby too, here is how I prepared for a beach trip with a baby and a young kid.

Set up an eSIM or update your roaming plan before you go. You can get an Airalo eSIM for Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. And if your toddler does not have a passport yet, here is how to get a passport for a baby or child in Canada.

Going beyond the resort with a toddler

I love going out to see the local culture, and there are family-friendly day trips from each resort area that work with babies and toddlers. Pre-book family excursions or ask the hotel staff for local activity tips, and check the resort activity schedule so you do not miss the fun. Here are my excursions from Caribbean resorts for families with young kids, and you can look for family excursions on Viator. If you are planning a resort for March break, here is my March break 2027 guide from Toronto, and my 10 tips for your all-inclusive vacation work for every resort in this post.

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.

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If you are planning an all-inclusive with your toddler, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

Planning an all-inclusive with your toddler? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are going.

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 March break 2027 with kids from Toronto or anywhere in Ontario? We live in Mississauga, and March break is the week when a lot of families around us travel at the same time. Here are the dates, my ideas for sun, snow or staying close to home, when to book, and how to pick the trip that works for your family.

When is March break 2027 in Ontario?

March break 2027 runs from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March 2027 for both the Peel District School Board and the Toronto District School Board, where it is called the mid-winter break. Most kids go back to school on Monday 22 March. With the weekends on each side, that gives you 9 days, from Saturday 13 March to Sunday 21 March 2027.

Several other Ontario boards list the same week, but some schools run a different calendar. In Peel, for example, the 3 schools on the balanced calendar have a longer break. Check your own board’s calendar before you book anything.

Sun, snow or close to home: how do you choose?

When someone asks me where they should travel with their kids, these are the 5 questions I need answered first:

• Where do you live? The world is big.
• How old are your kids? Travelling with a baby is very different from travelling with a school age child.
• What do you like to do: beach, culture, snow or a bit of everything?
• What is your budget for that week?
• Do you want to fly or drive?

Once you have your answers, March break usually comes down to 3 kinds of trips. If you want a beach, a pool and easy days, go for the sun in the Caribbean, Mexico or Florida. If your kids love winter or want to try skiing, go for the snow. If you want a break with no flight, or the budget is tight that week, stay close to home and pick a city or an indoor waterpark within a few hours’ drive.

Where to go for March break with kids: Caribbean and Mexico sun

I love all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and the 3 countries I recommend are Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean is easy to do from Canada most of the year, and in March it means you get warm weather, a pool, a beach and everything close by while it is still winter at home. If you are still deciding between a resort and a city trip, here is how I choose between Europe and the Caribbean with kids, and why I think you should pick an all inclusive resort for a family vacation.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

In Punta Cana we stayed at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana, it was a short 4 hour flight, and the all inclusive made everything easier: warm weather, slow days, good food, long naps and the kids playing. It ended up being one of the best trips I have ever taken with my kids, and somehow I actually came back rested.

One mistake we made there: we did not book the specialty restaurants as soon as we arrived, and it was hard to get a spot. Book them on day 1. My Punta Cana city guide has more, and my 10 tips for your all inclusive vacation work for every resort in this post.

Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico

The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is my favourite resort in the Cancun area. I have stayed there many times, and I got married there. It is about 1 hour from Cancun International Airport (longer with traffic), it is huge with a train to take you around, and it has a kids’ club and family pools. Just be prepared for lots of seaweed on the beach.

Where you stay changes the whole trip. Cancun hotels are 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, while Tulum and parts of the Riviera Maya are 1.5 to 2 hours away, so decide if you want a quick transfer or a quieter stay further away. Here is how to pick the best hotel in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area.

Outside the resort, my list of family-friendly day trips includes Isla Mujeres, a swim in a cenote, Xcaret Park, the sea turtles at Akumal Beach and a walk on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. I visited Chichen Itza, about 2 hours from Cancun. The full list is in 10 family-friendly things to do in the Cancun area, plus my essential tips for visiting Mexico.

Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica

I will never say no to a beach trip, especially when it is winter in Canada, and Seven Mile Beach in Negril is one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. On our family trip to Negril we stayed at Skylark Negril, a boutique hotel that is not an all inclusive, and the kids had a blast. We also spent a day at Beaches Negril with a day pass, which is an easy way to get the all inclusive experience without staying overnight. They only release a limited number of spots, so on a busy week like March break, book it ahead. Here is how the Beaches Negril day pass works.

My tip for Jamaica: you can stay in one area and still visit attractions in others as day trips, but be ready for some driving. Start with my Jamaica travel guide for first-time visitors and my guide to Montego Bay airport with kids.

Nassau, Bahamas

If you prefer a beach trip without an all inclusive, we did Nassau, Bahamas, that way. We flew Air Canada direct from Toronto, booked with Aeroplan points, and stayed at the Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach on Marriott Bonvoy points, right by Junkanoo Beach with everything walkable. We took a speedboat to Atlantis Paradise Island for a day pass with the aquarium, beach, pools and water park. Here is our full 3 day Nassau itinerary with a baby.

Excursions and transfers from Caribbean resorts

If you are heading to Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica for March break, there are great family-friendly day trips outside the resort that work with babies, toddlers and young kids, like Saona Island and Monkeyland from Punta Cana, or Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole from Ocho Rios. My full list is in excursions from Caribbean resorts for families with young kids. Book them early to secure your spot, and you can compare family tours and excursions on Viator.

Book a private transfer from the airport to the resort too. A shared transfer stops at every hotel on the way, and kids are usually tired after a flight. You can book a private airport transfer with Kiwitaxi.

Florida for March break with kids: Orlando and Miami

I lived and worked in Florida for a year. For Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, my recommendation is a hotel outside the parks, because it is much cheaper. If you want a break from the parks, visit the Kennedy Space Center, and if you have more time, the Everglades National Park, Miami Beach and the scenic drive to Key West for the original key lime pie. You can search Orlando hotels outside the parks on Hotels.com, and here is my 5 day family itinerary for Orlando.

When we were in Fort Lauderdale visiting family, we spent a day exploring Miami, Florida, on a bus city tour, and it ended up being a great option for us. Miami can get hot, so the air-conditioned bus was a lifesaver, and our Babyzen YOYO folded easily on board. Check for events before you go, because road closures and parking can take a big part of your day. Here is our Miami day trip with kids.

For any trip to the US, Mexico or the Caribbean, an eSIM gives you data as soon as you land without roaming fees, so you can use your maps as soon as you land. You can get an eSIM from Airalo before you leave.

Snow: a ski or winter March break in Ontario

I will be honest, I prefer indoor or summer activities, but if your kids love the snow, you do not have to go far. Blue Mountain, Ontario, is about 2 hours from Toronto, and in winter it means skiing, tubing and skating. The village is walkable and stroller-friendly, and once you park you can walk everywhere. Book directly on the Blue Mountain website for condo-style suites in the village, or stay in Collingwood for more space if you are a big group.

Other families go for the ski and snowboard lessons for kids, and Blue Mountain Village usually plans March break events with live entertainment and family activities, so check their March break page for the 2027 schedule. My family guide to Blue Mountain Village has the village, parking and the things to do beyond it. If you are still deciding between a snow trip and something completely different, read safari or skiing with kids.

Close to home: March break in Ontario and Quebec without a flight

Not every March break needs a passport. A drive and a couple of nights away still feel like a trip, with no airport and no flight to book.

Niagara Falls, Ontario

Niagara Falls is about a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto, and I have visited countless times. In March, the indoor attractions do the work. Clifton Hill has the Niagara SkyWheel, fun houses and interactive games, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, and the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has slides, wave pools and areas for younger kids. The SkyWheel gondolas are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, which helps on a cold day. Other families love Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, where the indoor waterpark comes with your stay.

Hotels and ticketed activities in Niagara sell out quickly over March break, so you can search Niagara Falls hotels on Booking.com now. My tips for visiting Niagara Falls have more.

Toronto, Ontario

If you live outside the city, Toronto itself makes a good March break city trip, with museums, the CN Tower and plenty to do indoors. Here is my Toronto city guide.

Montreal, Quebec

I did a quick 24 hour winter trip to Montreal to see family. It was cold and short, and still worth it. Montreal in winter is a city trip, so plan indoor stops: the Montreal Biodôme is a kids’ favourite, and the Montreal Science Centre is another indoor stop. My things to do in Montreal post is written for summer, but the indoor ideas in it work in March too.

When should you book March break 2027, and what does it cost to wait?

Travelling outside peak weeks means lower costs and fewer people, and March break is the opposite of that. Because Peel, the TDSB and several other boards all break on the same week, the same flights, hotels and activities are wanted by a lot of families at once. Here is what waiting can cost you:

• The hotel you wanted. Hotels and ticketed activities in places like Niagara sell out quickly over March break.
• Points bookings. We booked Nassau on Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy points, so if you plan to use points, check availability for the March break week now.
• Limited spots, like the Beaches Negril day pass, which I would not count on as a walk-in during a busy week.
• Passport time. A child’s Canadian passport is valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed, so check every passport in the family now rather than in February.

A simple plan: decide on sun, snow or close to home this fall, set price alerts for your dates, and book once the price and the hotel work for you. Once you are booked, book the excursions and the airport transfer early, email the resort a few days before you arrive with your room requests, and book the specialty restaurants as soon as you check in. For everything else before you fly, here is my checklist before every international trip with kids.

What to pack for a March break beach trip

For a beach trip with kids, I pack sunglasses (more than 1 pair in case one gets lost), sunscreen, sunburn relief, mosquito repellent, beach hats, sand toys, swim vests and a waterproof phone pouch. One tip for Canadian parents: sand toys are hard to find in stores in winter, so buy them in the summer. Most essentials are expensive at the resort, so pack what you need, and bring cash for tips.

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

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If you are planning March break 2027, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

Planning March break with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are thinking of going.

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

Getting a baby passport in Canada is the first step before any trip abroad with your little one, and it is the one step that can stop a trip if it is late. Here is how the child passport application in Canada works, step by step: the form, the baby photo, the guarantor, the documents, the fees and how long it takes. At the end, I also cover the consent letter for travelling with children from Canada when one parent stays home. Everything here comes from the Government of Canada pages as of October 2026, so check canada.ca before you apply, because fees and rules change.

One of my worst nightmares is an expired passport, so I check the passport expiry dates as soon as I book a trip. If you have older kids too, here is my post on checking your passport expiry date.

Who can apply for a child passport in Canada?

A child passport is for any Canadian citizen under 16, from a newborn up to 15 years old. The application is made by a parent, and the rules depend on your family situation:

• If the parents are not separated or divorced, 1 parent can apply.
• If the parents are separated or divorced, the parent who has custody or decision-making responsibilities applies.
• A legal guardian can apply with the legal documents that show the guardianship.

All parents or legal guardians should sign the application, and the passport program may contact the other parent. If a parent has passed away, you add the original death certificate or an official copy.

Which form do you need for a child passport application in Canada?

The form is the PPTC 155, the child passport application, and you can download it from canada.ca. Each page of the form has to be signed, and the parent who applies signs sections 2 and 5. When the passport arrives, do not sign it for your child. A parent signature makes the passport invalid. Your child signs it themselves from age 16, and they can choose to sign it from age 11.

What documents do you need for a baby passport in Canada?

This is the list from the child passport page on canada.ca, and it is the part to prepare first:

• Proof of Canadian citizenship: the long-form birth certificate from the province or territory where your child was born, or a citizenship certificate. The name on this document is the name that goes on the passport.
• Proof of parentage, or proof of legal guardianship. This is needed with every application.
• Every legal document with a clause about custody, decision-making, parenting time or mobility, including any clause about the child’s passport.
• Any valid Canadian passport or travel document already issued in your child’s name.
• 2 identical passport photos of your child.

Paper citizenship certificates issued on or before 31 January 2012 must be originals, and an e-certificate must be printed. If a document is not in English or French, you need an official translation.

How to take a passport photo of a baby in Canada

A baby does not sit still and look at the camera, so the photo can take a few tries, and the rules give some room for babies. Here is what canada.ca asks for:

• 2 identical photos taken by a commercial photographer, no more than 6 months before you apply.
• The size is 50 mm by 70 mm, with the face measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown.
• A plain white or light background, even lighting and no shadows.
• Eyes open and mouth closed is the goal, and the program says it allows some range for infant facial expressions.
• Your hands, and your child’s hands, cannot show in the photo.
• No filters, no editing and no AI tools.

For a newborn, you can take the photo with your baby sitting in a car seat, as long as a white blanket covers the seat behind their head and there are no shadows on the face, ears, shoulders or background. Book the photo when your baby is fed and rested, and ask the studio if they are used to photographing babies.

On the back of 1 photo, the photographer writes or stamps the studio name, its full address and the date the photo was taken. Stick-on labels are not accepted. Your guarantor also writes “I certify this to be a true likeness of” followed by your child’s name, and signs that same photo.

Who can be a guarantor for a child passport in Canada?

A first child passport needs a guarantor. On canada.ca, the guarantor must:

• be 18 or older and a Canadian citizen,
• have known you personally for at least 2 years, and know of your child,
• hold a Canadian passport issued for 5 or 10 years that is valid or expired for less than 1 year, which they applied for when they were 16 or older,
• be available if the passport program contacts them, in English or French.

The parent who is applying cannot also sign as guarantor. The other parent can, if they meet all the requirements. The guarantor signs the form, signs the back of 1 photo, and you write the date they signed in section 6 of the form.

The references page on canada.ca also says a passport application needs 2 references who are at least 18, have known you for at least 2 years, and are not family. Read the references section of the PPTC 155 before you fill it in, and ask your guarantor and references early so their signatures are ready when your photos are.

How much does a child passport cost in Canada?

Fees went up on 31 March 2026 and they now adjust every year. As of October 2026, canada.ca lists:

• Child passport (5 years) applied for in Canada: $58.50.
• Child passport (5 years) applied for outside Canada: $102.50.
• Urgent pickup, by the end of the next business day: $125.75 on top of the passport fee.

Express pickup has its own extra fee, so check the fee list on canada.ca for the current amount. In person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, certified cheque or money order. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted. If the application is refused or cancelled, the service fees are not refunded.

How long does a child passport take in Canada?

The processing times on canada.ca are the same for children and adults, and they do not include mail time:

• 10 business days in person at a passport office, or at a Service Canada Centre that offers 10-day processing.
• 20 business days at a regular Service Canada Centre or by mail.
• Express pickup: 2 to 9 business days, at a passport office.
• Urgent pickup: by the end of the next business day, at a passport office, walk-in only and with proof of travel or an emergency.

Mail usually adds about 5 business days. If you are booking Christmas or March break, apply as soon as you have the documents and the photos, so the passport is home well before you book flights.

Where to apply for a child passport

You can apply in person at a passport office or a Service Canada Centre, with an appointment you book online or as a walk-in. Wait times can be long at some passport offices, so an appointment saves time with a baby. You can also mail the application. Mail goes to Gatineau or Mississauga depending on your province, and canada.ca recommends a courier or traceable mail. If you live in the United States or somewhere else outside Canada, there is a separate page on canada.ca for applying from abroad.

Can you renew a child passport in Canada?

No. A child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years and it cannot be renewed. When it expires, you apply for a new child passport with the full application again, including the photos, the guarantor and the documents. The passport stays valid until its expiry date, even after your child turns 16, and from 16 your child applies for an adult passport.

Checking passport expiry dates is one of the steps in my checklist for before every international trip with kids, so it is a good place to note when each child passport needs a new application.

Common mistakes on a child passport application

• Signing the child’s passport when it arrives, which makes it invalid.
• A photo without the studio name, address and date on the back, or with a stick-on label.
• Only 1 parent signing when all parents or guardians should sign.
• Leaving out the custody or parenting documents when the parents are separated.
• A guarantor whose own passport has been expired for more than 1 year.
• Paying with cash or a personal cheque at the counter.
• Waiting too long, then needing urgent pickup at a higher price.

Do you need a consent letter for travelling with children from Canada?

A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but the Government of Canada recommends one, and not having it when you are asked can cause delays or a refusal to enter or leave a country. Immigration officers, airline agents and Canadian border officers can all ask for it.

The letter is recommended when a child under 19 travels without both parents: alone, with only 1 parent, with friends or family, or with a school or sports group. It is signed by every parent who is not travelling, and that includes married, common-law, separated and divorced parents.

The Government of Canada has a recommended consent letter on travel.gc.ca that you can fill in on your computer or print and complete by hand. It asks for:

• your child’s name,
• the names and contact details of the parents,
• the full name, address and contact details of the adult travelling with your child, and their relationship to your child,
• the destination and the travel dates.

Any adult can witness the signature, and the government strongly recommends a notary public. Bring the original signed letter, because border officers may not accept a photocopy or a digital version. If there is a court order or parenting arrangement, bring a copy of it too.

What I carry when I travel alone with the kids

I travel alone with the kids, and I have a travel consent letter from my husband ready to go. Here is what I carry every trip:

• my child’s passport,
• the signed travel consent letter from the other parent,
• a copy of my child’s birth certificate,
• a copy of the other parent’s passport or ID.

Have I been asked for all of it? No, most countries do not ask. But I carry everything anyway. Nobody has ever questioned our different last names. What border officers care about is whether you have permission to travel without the other parent. The places where I had more questions were Côte d’Ivoire and the UK. Here is more on how to travel alone with your kids.

The passports and the consent letter stay on me, in my crossbody, and never go in the overhead bin. After the gate agent scans a passport, it goes straight back into my bag, because I once left my passport in the seat pocket on a plane. You can see how I organize everything in what is in our carry-ons for an overnight flight.

Once the passport arrives

Take a photo of the passport page and email it to yourself, so you have a copy if anything gets lost on the trip. Then you can book. You can search family hotels on Booking.com, and before you fly, an Airalo eSIM gives you data when you land, so your maps and messages work from the airport. For the airport itself, here are my airport tips for flying with 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.

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My pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and checking passport expiry dates is on it, so you can use it to see when each child passport needs a new application. It is free. You can get it here.

Applying for your baby’s first passport? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are going first.

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

• Phone data: an Airalo eSIM, set up before you fly.
• Hotels: Booking.com, and check the location first.
• Tickets for the big attractions, booked ahead: Viator.
• Packing cubes and travel gear: my packing essentials list on Amazon.

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

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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

When planning a family trip, many parents put a lot of pressure on finding the perfect hotel.

The biggest resort.
The fanciest lobby.
The hotel with every possible amenity.

But after traveling with kids many times, I’ve learned something simple:

The best family hotel is not always the fanciest one.

Especially for shorter trips, the best hotel is usually the one that makes the trip easier for everyone.

Because kids are often happy with much simpler things than we think.

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What Kids Actually Care About

Most kids are not judging your hotel by the marble lobby or the designer bathroom.

They care about comfort, fun, and routine.

Here are the three things that usually matter most.

1. The Pool

Raise your hand if the pool somehow became your child’s favorite memory of the entire trip.

It happens all the time.

Sometimes the pool becomes the main activity, even when you spent hours planning museums, tours, and sightseeing.

A pool gives kids a fun way to burn energy and gives parents an easy activity without needing to plan more.

Sometimes that afternoon swim saves the whole trip.

2. Breakfast Included

Kids are always hungry. Especially on vacation.

Having breakfast included can make mornings much easier.

You save time.
You avoid the daily “where should we eat?” discussion.
And you start the day with one less thing to organize.

Most kids are perfectly happy with pancakes, fruit, eggs, or toast.

They are not asking for a luxury brunch experience.

Parents usually appreciate this even more than the kids.

3. A Comfortable Room

Kids do not care about luxury decor.

They care about space.

A comfortable bed.
Room to move around.
A place to relax after a long day.

Sometimes they just want to jump on the bed, watch cartoons, and reset before dinner.

That matters more than expensive furniture.

What Parents Should Look For

Parents need comfort too.

This is not about choosing the cheapest hotel or ignoring quality.

It is about choosing what actually supports your trip.

For short family trips, ask yourself:

Will we actually spend much time in the hotel?
Do we need a full resort experience?
Or do we simply need comfort, convenience, and easy mornings?

Sometimes location matters more than luxury.

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. And my free pre-travel checklist is the list I use before every trip: you can get it here.

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It’s about balance

I love beautiful hotels too.

A nice hotel can absolutely be part of the experience, especially for longer vacations, resort stays, or special trips.

But for short family trips, where you’re out all day exploring, practical usually wins.

Family travel should work for both parents and kids.

Not every trip needs the biggest hotel.

Sometimes the right hotel is simply the one that makes the trip easier.

And honestly, that is usually the best choice.

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

Trying to decide between Europe or the Caribbean with kids this summer?

Both can be amazing. But they don’t feel the same at all — especially with young kids.

This guide will help you understand:

• what each trip actually looks like day-to-day
• what works (and what doesn’t) with kids
• and where to go if you’re not sure

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⭐Europe with kids: what it actually feels like

Europe trips are about the experience, again I am generalizing from a North American stand point. I know that Europe is big and has everything from mountains, to beaches, to small and big towns.

You’re going out to see things — landmarks, neighborhoods, food, and sometimes even different cities or countries in one trip.

👉 What helps:

• Public transportation is good (trains, metro, buses)
• You don’t need a car in most cities
• Easy to add short train trips from one city

👉 What to plan for:

• Walking, stairs, cobblestones
• Smaller spaces (rooms, elevators, restaurants)
• Not always stroller-friendly everywhere

👉 Practical tip:

• Use a light stroller or baby carrier
• Plan your days by area to avoid too much back and forth

👉Check out my Europe itinerary guide, multi countries Southern and Northern

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⭐ Where to go in Europe

Paris, France

What to do:

• Eiffel Tower + Trocadéro
• Seine river cruise
• Louvre (short visit)
• Luxembourg Gardens (playground + space to run)

Easy train trips from Paris:

• Versailles (palace + gardens)
• Disneyland Paris (very easy with kids)
• London (~2 hours by train if you want to combine cities)

Why it works:

• Great first Europe trip
• A lot to see without long travel days

Watch out for:

• Trying to do too much in one day

My take:

👉 Browse hotels in Paris
👉 See top family activities in Paris

👉 Read my 5 Days Paris itinerary
👉 Read my Paris transportation guide

👉Read my Disneyland paris guide

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London, United Kingdom

What to do:

• Buckingham Palace (changing of the guard)
• Double-decker bus ride, sharing my favorite route the bus 159
• Hyde Park playgrounds
• Museums (many are free)

Extra experiences:

• Afternoon tea
• River boat ride

Short trips from London:

• Windsor Castle
• Oxford or Cambridge

Why it works:

• Lots of variety for kids
• Easy to adjust your day

Watch out for:

• Busy city
• Not all stations have elevators

My take:
👉 Read my favorite free activities to do in London

👉 Browse hotels in London
👉 See top family activities in London
👉 Read my London transport guide

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Barcelona, Spain

What to do:

• Sagrada Familia
• Park Güell
• Beach time
• Markets + casual food

Easy trips from Barcelona:

• Sitges (beach day)
• Montserrat (nature + views)

Why it works:

• City + beach in one trip
• Easy to slow down when needed

Watch out for:

• Crowds in peak season

My take:

👉 Browse hotels in Barcelona
👉 See top family activities in Barcelona

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Lisbon, Portugal

What to do:

• Tram rides
• Miradouros (viewpoints)
• Belém area (pastries + open space)

Easy trips from Lisbon:

• Sintra (palaces , very popular)
• Cascais (beach + relaxed vibe)

Why it works:

• Beautiful, different pace

Watch out for:

• Hills + cobblestones

My take:
👉 Better with a carrier or older kids

👉 Browse hotels in Lisbon
👉 See top family activities in Lisbon

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Rome, Italy

What to do:

• Colosseum (my favorite tips are here)
• Roman Forum
• Trevi Fountain
• Gelato stops (part of the plan)

Easy trips from Rome:

• Vatican City
• Ostia Antica (less crowded ruins)

Why it works:

• Very memorable experience
• Food is easy with kids, everyone loves pizza, pasta and gelato!

Watch out for:

• Heat + crowds
• Long walking days

My take:
👉 See my Rome guide

👉 Browse hotels in Rome
👉 See top family activities in Rome

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🌴 Caribbean with kids: what it actually feels like

Caribbean trips are about simplicity.

You stay mostly in one place, your days are easier, and you don’t have to plan every step.

👉 What helps:

• Less movement
• Easier meals
• More downtime

👉 What to plan for:

• Choosing the right area
• Less variety if you don’t leave your hotel

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⭐ Where to go in the Caribbean

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

What to do:

• Beach, pool, kids club
• Resort activities

Why it works:

• Everything in one place
• Very easy first trip

Watch out for:

• Can feel repetitive

My take:
👉See my Punta Cana guide

👉 Browse resorts in Punta Cana
👉 See activities outside of the resort like Saona Island

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Riviera Maya, Mexico

What to do:

• Beach + pool
• Cenotes
• Tulum ruins, Playa Del Carmen, Isla Mujeres

Best areas:

• Playa del Carmen
• Akumal

Why it works:

• Mix of easy + activities

Watch out for:

• Need to plan excursions

My take:
👉 Best balance between relaxing and exploring

👉 Browse resorts, my favorite one is the Grand Palladium White Sands
👉 See activities

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Negril, Jamaica

What to do:

• Seven Mile Beach
• Sunset views
• Local food

Extras:

• Waterfalls, boat trips

Why it works:

• Slower pace
• Great beach setup

Watch out for:

• Choose your area carefully

My take:

👉 Browse hotels, my favorite one is Skylark Negril or a bit further the Grand Palladium Jamaica
👉 See activities

👉See my guide on how to navigate Montego Bay airport

👉My Jamaica travel guide

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San Jose, Costa Rica

What to do:

• Wildlife
• Beaches
• Nature activities

Why it works:

• More adventurous

Watch out for:

• More planning required

My take:
👉 Not a “do nothing” trip

👉 Browse hotels
👉 See activities

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Nassau, Bahamas

What to do:

• Beaches
• Atlantis water park
• Boat excursions

Why it works:

• Easy access
• Good for short trips

Watch out for:

• Limited variety over time

My take:
👉 Best for shorter stays

👉 Browse hotels
👉 See activities

What I pack for trips like this

The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my family beach essentials list and my packing essentials list. And my free pre-travel checklist is the list I use before every trip: you can get it here.

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How to choose

Before you book, think about:

• How much energy you have
• How much you want to plan
• How your days will actually look

👉 Europe = more structure, more movement
👉 Caribbean = easier, slower