Air Travel with Kids and Pets – 17 Tips to Keep Your Sanity

Air travel is challenging under the best of circumstances, but when you add children and/or pets, things can get downright hairy. Not to mention smelly, messy, and noisy! While I do not make a habit of traveling with my dog or cat, I have, but I have a lot of experience with my kids—who can be equally as smelly, messy and noisy. So how do I do it? Actually it is pretty simple

1. Be Well Rested. Get enough sleep the night before. If you're like me and time always slips away from you, set your target bed time for an hour earlier than the actual time you want to get to sleep. Save the paper or National Enquirer for the plane, train or next night.

2. Go Slow. This will be repeated—often. But this piece of advice is something that cannot be emphasized enough.

3. Be Early. Allow plenty of time for unexpected mishaps. Leave your house early. Plan to arrive at the airport early. What’s the worst that can happen? You arrive with a lot of time to spare. That's ok. That will allow you to take things slow.

4. Enjoy the Day. If you are early, you may even have more time to enjoy the day. Treat your trip as a fun adventure, not a stressful event. You are on a vacations--all parts of the day are experiences to be enjoyed. Drink it all in. Look at the day with a child's sense of wonder. If you follow the first steps, this should be easy.

5. Use Curbside Check-In. Check as much of your luggage as you can with the Skycaps—make sure the right destination tag is on the bags. Make sure you have the essentials and the distractions in your carry on bags. Don't worry about waiting for luggage on the other end. Trust me, when you have kids to deal with on a plane, the last thing you want is excess luggage. And don’t forget the skycap tip. $1 per bag!

6. The stroller or baggage cart. These things are wonderful. If you have a stroller, load up the kids and some of your carry-on bags and you are set. When you board a plane, leave it at the gate and they will check it for you and it will be waiting for you when you get to your destination. If you are not traveling with a stroller, rent one of those “Smart Carts” for a few bucks. They can transport kids as easily as bags and you can just leave it at the gate when you board.

7. Navigating Security. The best advice here is to go slow. That means don't worry about the people behind you who are in a rush. They are the ones that are late—not you. But make sure you comply with all the ridiculous regulations. Let the kids know what is going on and why. There is nothing worse than forgetting that cell phone in your pocket and tripping the detector. You can ask to go through again, but the answer is “no.” A security tip—send your kids in advance of you to receive your carry-ons while you wait till your possessions are IN the scanner before you pass through the detector.

8. Car seats. You can bring these on the plane; but you will have to pay for a seat. Check your label to make sure it meets FAA regulations. Car seats are recommended for safety, but not required. Children under 2 years old can fly for almost free (you pay the taxes) on most airlines if they sit on your lap. Consider the length of the flight before taking advantage of this. Holding a baby or small child on your lap for several hours is harder than it sounds both on you and your neighbors. I was the beneficiary on a non-stop from Rome to Washington once—not fun…not at all...in the least.

9. Entertainment. Bring plenty of items that will pass the time for children (and adults too) such as books, favorite small (non-noisy) toys, music players, coloring books, etc. Inexpensive headsets are also a great investment for those planes that might have onboard entertainment and not enough airline provided sets for your family. Kids need to move. Find ways for them to safely move—a walk around the cabin after the meal service, stretching games, Simon Says, etc.

10. Snacks. Pack some healthy snacks that will also help with the dehydrating airplane environment. Fruits like apple, pears, and bananas are great. Whole grain crackers are good too. If your child is on the younger side, bring a sippy cup. The free drinks (as long as they last) are fine, but avoid those with caffeine—everyone will be happier. A note on water. Water is the best hydrator for adults and children alike. You cannot drink enough, but if you drink the airline’s water, make sure you get it from a sealed bottle.

11. Infant needs. It's always best to check the latest rules ahead of time because they seem to change on a whim. But for right now the TSA will allow you to bring baby formula or breast milk on board. You are not allowed to bring an ice pack so instead use ziplock bags with ice cubes. You can use them up until the security check where you'll need to dump the ice. When you get on the plane or when you land, you can always get more ice to put in the baggie to continue to keep formula, breast milk or other baby drinks cold.

12. The Ear Thing. If your child is an infant (or has sensitive ears) make sure they are doing some swallowing during takeoff and landing so their ears can adjust to the pressure. For infants, don’t let them start until the plan is speeding down the runway—falling asleep while nursing defeats the purpose. Older kids can drink, chew gum, or suck on a mint. If a child or baby is sleeping during the descent, you'll want to wake them up so they can eat or drink. If you don't they make wake up in mid descent with some pretty severe pain. Listen for the flight crew announcements to judge the time till landing.

13. Pet Travel. When you book your travel, you'll need to make sure you book passage for your pet too. Most planes have a 20 pound weight limit for bringing a pet on board with you. If your pet weighs more than 20 pounds your pet will need to be in an airline approved crate and will travel in with the luggage. Always make sure your vet has cleared your pet to fly and that you are aware of any quarantine restrictions of your destination. If you ever see a service animal on a plane, remember that they are indeed working—do not assume you can pet them. Always ask the owner first. I once traveled from Seattle to Baltimore next to the nicest Golden Retriever—he was nicer than 90% of my seatmates!

14. Pet Carriers. If your pet will be flying with you and not in the cargo hold, you'll need to have an airplane approved carrier that will fit under the seat in front of you—no Fluffy does not have run of the cabin. In order to make the event go smoothly it will help to give your pet plenty of "practice" ahead of time. Have your pet travel in your car inside the carrier similar to how it will be on the airplane. You can also make their carrier into a day bed in your home so that they will be familiar with sleeping inside there. Make sure you check with your vet for any tranquilizers that may be needed.

15. Going Potty. This applies for both kids and pets: try to have them go potty as close to boarding as possible. For pets, they will obviously need to do this outside so bring the material needed to scoop the poop. You should also prepare for the worst in case your pet has an accident while on the airplane--wee-wee pads, ziplock bags, and clean up supplies are a must in case of a mess. For children that are potty trained, it never hurts to bring an extra set of underwear and pants just in case. Flight etiquette: gently wake your slumbering seatmate if you need to move across him, hold it till the service carts are away, and wipe the sink when you are done washing your hands. Best time to go? Immediately after the meal service passes your seat. Worst time, when the movie ends.

16. Wear Comfortable Shoes. When flying, people's bodies can sometimes retain water which will show up in your feet swelling a bit. If your shoes are not comfortable, it will hurt. On a long day of traveling don't underestimate the amount of energy that tight shoes can steal from you. Comfy slip-on type shoes equals a happy traveler. Unless you are absolutely sure your feet don’t stink—leave the shoes on and never, never walk around in stocking feet or worse barefoot.

17. Go Slow. Remember, I told you this was a key point! Enjoy each moment of the day. And as Bobby McFerrin might say…Don't worry. Be happy!

Vacationing out of the box

I do a good deal of generic travel. Actually, the bulk of my travel business is generic. Vacation packages to the Caribbean and cruises are routine bookings at my agency. As vacations go, these choices offer clients a great bang for their travel buck and give a great experience. But the trips I love to plan really kick it up a notch.

When it comes to travel, there are very few travel dreams that a qualified travel agent cannot arrange for you. So this week I went to some colleagues to see what they were dreaming up. Dinner in a private West End club in London? Not a problem. A night in Cinderella’s Castle? A very tough order, but possible. A day at a primary school in Beijing? Can do! Dinner with Emeril in New Orleans? Got that! Front row tickets to Hannah Montana with backstage passes? Come on, get real!

But if you are in the mood for something special, something a little off-the-wall, something your neighbors will envy, check out these four suggestions.

Follow in the footsteps of Harry Potter
Movies never do justice to books, and books never do justice to the real world. So why be content with reading about Hogwarts and Quidditch when you can experience them? This tour offers a seven-night exploration of Oxford, the Scottish Highlands, Alnwick Castle and Edinburgh through the eyes of Harry Potter. Ghosts and goblins and legends of this land have inspired writers for centuries and your own personal storyteller will thrill you with the legend of Padfoot and the true tale of the Hand of Glory, which grabs Harry in Knockturn Alley (”Chamber of Secrets”). From an unforgettable journey on the Locomotive #5972 vintage steam train, to a knock-your-socks-off exclusive “Hogwarts” banquet, to a (ground-based) game of Quidditch, Harry’s fans are sure to be enchanted with this “kingdom.”

This tour is being offered by Single Parent Travel, a great little company in which I happen to have a small financial interest. Don’t let the name fool you—there are plenty of traditional families already signed up. Prices for this once-in-a-lifetime excursion, which departs in July, are $2,980 per person for adults; less for kids.

For more information: Single Parent Travel, 888-277-8543, www.singleparenttravel.net

Travel to help homeless animals
Here’s your chance to escape your hectic schedule, take in some of the glories of the Southwest (including the Grand Canyon), and put in some time and love at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, the country’s largest no-kill refuge for abused and abandoned pets.

The five-day, four-night trip starts and ends in Las Vegas. A van shuttles you from McCarran International Airport to the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, which is located near Kanab, Utah. After an orientation and tour of the facilities, participants help Best Friends staff with the daily chores and routines that keep the shelter running and the critters happy. After two days of compassionate volunteering, participants travel to the north rim of the Grand Canyon, where they get the lowdown on the canyon’s geology, history and ecosystems, hike along the slickrock tableland, and dine at the edge of the world. Prices for this adventure begin at $909 per person.

For more information: Green Earth Travel, 888-246-8343, www.vegetariantravel.com

Another thought. If you are not interested in the trip but want to help out, why not have your pet’s portrait painted by Sandra Charlap, owner of The Illustrated Pet? With each portrait, Charlap makes a donation to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

For more information: The Illustrated Pet, 973-220-2331, www.illustratedpet.com

Backstage magic with Disney
Ever wanted to see the real Hollywood? Well, with a little help from Disney, you can. This six-day tour is perfect for multi-generational families, offering a little something for everyone. Get backstage access to “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” stroll Hollywood Boulevard, and take a special tour of the Jim Henson Company studio — Muppet out! Did you ever wonder how Disney makes the magic? Get a behind-the-scenes look at some of the creations conjured up by the architects, designers, engineers, technicians and others at Walt Disney Imagineering. The trip also includes a tour of Walt Disney Studios, a welcome reception at the Wine Cellar and Hook’s Pointe at Disneyland Park, character meals, admission to the parks, a VIP tour of Disneyland and, most impressive, a first-rate view of the fireworks over the Magic Kingdom. Prices begin at $2,079 for this fantastic Adventure By Disney.

For more information: Dream Come True Vacations, 888-MICKEY8, www.dreamcometruevacations.com

A Nefertari Adventure
This is one of my favorites. It is an 11-day immersion in the world’s most fascinating ancient civilization. Anything you’ve ever seen or read about Egypt can’t fully prepare you for the larger- than-life awe of being there and seeing it in person. The Nefertari Adventure brings you to all the major sites of Cairo, Aswan and Luxor, plus it includes a rare cruise down the fascinating man-made lake, Lake Nasser, into the territory of the ancient Nubian Kingdom, where you can see the ancient temples and tombs that were rescued and relocated during the building of the Aswan High Dam. You will travel by car, horse-drawn calesche, camel, donkey, felucca and jet aircraft, not to mention four days on a ship. The cool thing is that it will be just your group (minimum two people). As for Nefertari — well, she was the favorite wife of Ramses the Great, whose magnificent temple you will see in Abu Simbel. Prices for this journey back in time begin at $2,147.

For more information (and to find out what a calesche is): Egypt Magic, 888-575-6941, www.egyptmagic.com

Go ahead, think out of the box. Challenge your travel agent. Read the book “1,000 Places to See Before You Die” and see two or three of them if you can’t swing them all. Take your kids and show them the world. Dig deep into yourself and think of something that really matters and tie it in with some travel. Live your dreams and think outside of the travel box!

Do you have a dream trip? An insatiable desire to visit some sacred place? Send me an e-mail and I may include it in a future column.

When Travel Arrangements Go Bad

Every year, I hear more horror stories of travel arrangements gone bad. Look at any of the online blogs and you will see what I mean. Our own favorite travel ombudsman, Christopher Elliott, is busier than ever, and my colleague Anita Dunham-Potter recently told a travel horror story about a group of 73 would-be cruise vacationers who were left stranded when their so-called “travel agent” abandoned ship.

Bad travel arrangements don’t have to happen to you. Just keep these four pointers in mind as you plan your next trip.

The Internet is not God
Savvy travelers know that the Internet is nothing more than a huge brochure for travel. Before they rely on any online information, they make sure they can trust the source. Do you expect your local restaurant to divulge that cockroaches routinely scurry across the floor or that mice are snuggled up in the cutlery drawer? No? So why would you expect such information to be disclosed on a travel supplier’s Web site?

So-called “third-party” or “consumer-reviewed” sites are not necessarily any more reliable. Trip Advisor is one of the largest travel Web sites on the Internet, but unfortunately a lot of its content is now suspect. Why? Because savvy hotels have started hiring people to post positive reviews. Just look at Craigslist.org and see how many “pay for review” jobs are out there.

Lesson? Take what you find on the Internet and double-check it with several different sites, a travel agent or perhaps a neighbor or friend who has been to the part of the world that interests you. If it all jives, you are probably good to go; if not, move on. Yes, diligence is time-consuming, but negligence is more so – as you will learn when you try to fix your ill-considered trip.

Your travel agent may be untrained
Lately I have seen an unprecedented increase in what I call “travel-agent-in-a-box” programs. For a $500 fee, these programs offer mostly-useless credentials, promises of perks that seldom materialize, and travel discounts that rarely offset the expenses. But the real issue is that they are infesting the travel industry with untrained, unmentored and unsupervised “agents” all trying to sell you travel — or, in worst cases, the opportunity to join them in their dubious enterprise. Those 73 cruisers would not have been left high and dry had their group leader, Jerry Wilkinson, been dealing with a professional.

Travel suppliers are slowly taking notice of these quickie-agent operations, and are refusing to do business with them. Both Royal Caribbean and IATAN, the International Airlines Travel Agent Network, have terminated relationships with several such companies, including YTB, Your Travel Biz. If you are interested in reading up on these scams, I covered them in a prior column, or you can read the informative, adversarial – and controversial — blog called MLMs and Travel: A Bad Mix, which discloses all the downsides.

How do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Ask your prospective agent these questions:

* How long have you been selling travel?
* Are you bonded?
* Do you have errors and omissions insurance?
* Can you connect me to some clients who have traveled with your company in the past?
* Are you a member of ASTA, the American Society of Travel Agents?

And then verify the answers.

You would not trust your legal needs, accounting needs or financial-planning needs to an amateur. Why risk it with your travel arrangements?

Price is not the most important thing
Sure, price matters. In today’s economy we are all watching our pennies. But remember that when you purchase travel, you are purchasing an experience — not a product. You are looking to lie on the beach with the soft Aruban breezes flowing over you while a waiter refills your piña colada and adjusts your umbrella. You are not looking to just sit on a pile of sand. See the difference?

So, when comparing prices (and I recommend that you do compare prices), make sure it is apples to apples. All too often a client will insist that someone else offered the same experience at a much cheaper price. Usually that is not so. A $299 weekend in the Bahamas including airfare from Baltimore is a bargain, alright — until the bedbugs take over and you find yourself saddled with a $1,200 Bahamian hospital bill. When you see a price that seems too good to be true, be skeptical. I’ll bet there’s a reason it is so low.

Common sense will serve you well
Having a great vacation experience is not rocket science. Unfortunately, some people get so wrapped up in the planning that they let their guard down. Jerry Wilkinson let his guard down and it cost his group $21,000. Had he been skeptical of the price, used some common sense, and dealt with a professional agent, he could have avoided the whole mess.

Sure, I’m biased. I’m a professional travel agent myself, and I generally recommend booking with a qualified agent for all but the simplest travel plans. That way you are guaranteed that someone is looking out for your best interests. But if you have an easy trip in mind and you are comfortable going it alone, go ahead and book your travel online. Just make sure there is someone to personally contact if a problem surfaces. If you do book online, book direct with the airline or hotel (my first choice) or with one of the established online agencies like Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com or Expedia.com. Don’t get suckered in to any travel deal. There are too many agency scams operating today, and it can be hard to tell the good from the bad. Look before you leap.

Have you been the victim of bad travel planning? Or maybe been scammed by one of these “travel agents in a box”? Send me an e-mail and I will include your story in a future column.

Kids Love These 6 Museums

When I was a kid and traveling with my parents, they used to drag me, kicking and screaming, to museum after museum so I could get some "culture." I hated it! I hated them! My travels were filled with commands and threats like "Shhhh!" "No," "Be quiet," "Stop running," and the all-too-familiar "Just you wait till we get you back to the hotel."

Well, times have changed and now I am a parent. It always surprises me how I much I've morphed into my own parents with my kids. But things are not as bad as they were way back in the 70s, thanks to real men of genius like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs and to companies like IBM. Today, even the stuffiest museums have incorporated interactive experiences into their exhibits. My own kids actually enjoy museum-hopping now that they serve up some technology with the pictures and dinosaur bones. While most museums now embrace technology, I feel these six do it best.

Tate Modern (London)

Innovation: Hand-held PDAs, touch screens and a digital audio guide
This gallery will satisfy almost any geek - in fact, it earned an innovation award from the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Its wireless data link beams information about the exhibits to your rented PDA (about $4) as you walk around. The PDA has different programs in several languages and there is a special one of interest to the smaller kids. The museum's server can even send information to your mobile phone or e-mail address -- so you literally can take it with you.

Bankside
London SE1 9TG
Phone: 020 7887 8888
www.tate.org.uk/modern

Haus der Musik (Vienna)

Innovation: The virtual conductor
Didn't make the cut on "American Idol"? Then head over to Vienna and give it a go with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Yes, you can take the podium and conduct the orchestra virtually. There is even an "American Idol"-type panel of musicians that will tell you if you are way off key. You can compose your own Viennese waltz by playing the "Waltz Dice Game" and you can journey back in time to see biographies of some of Vienna's great composers, including Brahms, Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven.

Seilerstätte 30
A-1010 Vienna
Tel. ++43-1-516 48
www.hdm.at

Museum of Modern Art (New York)

Innovation: Wireless technology
You don't have to be a geek to see that MoMA has its finger on the pulse of technology. Even its floors are iPod white. Working in conjunction with IBM, MoMA has installed a seamless wireless network that links to flat screens on the walls and hand-held pocket PCs that can display full-motion videos. The network is so sophisticated it is able to sync with smart phones, display exhibits in 3-D, and allow you to communicate with others in silence through instant messaging. No more fuddy-duddies "shushing" you!

11 W. 53rd St.
New York, N.Y. 10019-5497
Phone: (212) 708-9400
www.moma.org

National Gallery (London)

Innovation: Touch-screen index
ArtStart is a high-tech terminal system installed throughout the museum that lets visitors examine and download information on every one of the gallery's 2,300 paintings via a high-resolution touch screen. It took more than three years to scan the works to the 100-megapixel standard (think about that for a minute the next time you take out your 10-megapixel camera). Now you can not only examine a Van Gogh painting in detail, but also zoom in to see individual brush strokes. Many of these features are also available online on the gallery's Web site.

Trafalgar Square
London WC2N 5DN
Phone: 020 7747 2885
www.nationalgallery.org.uk

The Hermitage (St. Petersburg)

Innovation: QBIC (Query by Image Content) technology
The Hermitage worked with IBM to develop a new digital collection that allows visitors to search for paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, furniture and archaeological artifacts using simple visual tools. Art lovers can access more than 8,000 masterpieces by such artists as Michelangelo, da Vinci, Raphael and Rembrandt; each piece has been scanned to be rendered in its full glory. The museum also has virtual exhibitions of ceramics and textiles, as well as 3-D animated films.

2 Dvortsovaya Square
190000, St. Petersburg
Phone: (812) 710-96-25
www.hermitagemuseum.org

Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (Springfield, Ill.)

Innovation: Ghosts
Ghosts? Yes, you read that right. A key part of the museum's mission is to preserve the legacy of Abraham Lincoln, America's 16th president. In "Ghosts in the Library," a life-size holographic image of Lincoln will appear out of thin air and interact with actors on the stage. Two permanent exhibits, "Journey One" and "Journey Two," pull you into vignettes from Lincoln's life both before and during his White House years. Don't know how this happened -- maybe a group of Disney's Imagineers got lost in Springfield one day and loaned some expertise -- but this museum is about as high-tech as you can get.

112 N. Sixth St.
Springfield, Ill. 62701
Phone: (217) 558-8844
www.alplm.org

Have you been to a museum that blew you away with technology or science? Send me an e-mail and let me know for a future column. My fave? As a single-parent traveler with kids ages 11-16, I would have to go with the Haus der Musik.

6 Sure Fire Destinations For Families

As a travel agent, I handle a ton of family travel: traditional families, extended families and, more recently, single-parent families. I'm not sure how I developed the niche, but I suspect it came as a result of being a single dad with three young kids of my own. Sure, we can all head to the amusement parks and theme parks and have a great time -- that is a given. But when you dig a bit deeper, there are some fantastic destinations just screaming for families to explore. This week, I offer the down-and-dirty scoop on six family- and kid-friendly destinations that may not have crossed your mind.

1.San Diego

There's a lot to like in San Diego. Nature, beaches, wildlife -- San Diego has it all.

* Call of the wild. The San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park is a favorite of adults and kids alike. The animals are probably some of the best-treated anywhere, and in the animal park, they are free to roam in their (manmade) natural habitats.
* Surfs up, dude. Pack your tote bag and spend a day or two on the beaches. Southern California is known for the laid-back life and the beaches at La Jolla are no exception. La Jolla Shores Beach has plenty of public grills for an impromptu barbecue, and the calm waters and warm sand are enough to make anyone happy. Not far is the smaller beach of La Jolla Cove, which offers some of the best snorkeling in Southern California.
* LegoLand. OK, so I have dissed amusement parks and theme parks before, but this one is different (how is that for some kid logic?). Located about 30 miles north of San Diego in Carlsbad, it makes a great day trip. The lines are not too bad, the kids can ride the rides, and the adults can admire the artistry of the creations. Can you imagine a city built of Legos?

2. Chicago

Most parents shy away from big cities for family vacations, but hold on a sec. Chicago is a compact, easy-to-navigate city, and it has a lot to offer families, including some of the best pizza in the world (OK, the U.S.).

* Beaches. Yes, this is Chicago, not San Diego, but in the summer, you can find throngs of people (and thongs, too) on the shores of Lake Michigan. Not as warm as Southern California, but just as much fun.
* Millennium Park. This park is a tribute to all that is Chicago -- the art, the food, Wrigley Field, the music and more. It is the center of the Chicago cultural scene and one of the world's largest outdoor art venues. It even has ice skating. Of particular note is Cloud Gate, a huge polished orb that reflects the city and passers-by in a fun-house kind of way. If you are up for a little splashing, check out the Crown Fountain, a modern creation featuring video images of Chicagoans who sometimes spew water at you (remember it is a fountain).
* The L. The L (short for "elevated train") is an easy and inexpensive way to explore the city and get around. My kids love that at some points it runs so close to the adjacent apartments, you can see people brushing their teeth! Take the L out to Lincoln Park and see the Lincoln Park Zoo -- it's free.

3. Maui

Once you get over the flight time (bad from the West Coast and worse from the East), Maui is a great place and one of my favorites for both kids and adults. It has a good balance of adventure, nature and, of course, water everywhere you look.

* Swimming. The ocean, the hotel pool and the island's many roadside waterfalls offer abundant opportunities to get wet. I recommend that you rent a four-wheel drive and find a place of your own. Snorkeling? Try Makena State Park, but avoid Little Beach if you are offended by a clothing-optional experience (or would rather not explain it to the kids!).
* Whales. The whale-watching season is late December to April; outside that window, sightings are very hit or miss, and you may waste your money on a mere boat ride if you are looking for a whale of a time (sorry, couldn't resist). Humpback whales are incredible creatures; you will be amazed at their agility when you see them seemingly leap from the water. Your hotel hospitality desk can arrange a tour for you.
* Biking. Hey, even I can do this one! The trip down (key word, "down") from Haleakala Crater is a breathtaking experience. I recommend a trip that takes you to the summit (just over 10,000 feet, cold and hard to breathe) in time to see the sun rise. It feels like you are on top of the world -- and you are pretty close. Bike down the mountain at your own pace, stopping at the Kula Lodge for breakfast. The lodge is reasonably priced and offers spectacular views of the island.

4. Vancouver, British Columbia

There is a strange phenomenon that I have encountered many times when traveling outside the U.S. -- most foreigners are infatuated with children, and they are typically very accommodating and friendly to children, families and particularly single parents. Vancouver is no exception.

* The city. Vancouver is a thriving city filled with parks and activities for the kids. Stanley Park, one of the oldest urban parks in the world, has a 150-year-old forest, and the Bloedel Conservatory has tropical plants and exotic birds flying free. The city also has many interesting ethnic neighborhoods. Its Chinatown, which is slightly smaller than the one in San Francisco, offers the sights, sounds, smells and cuisine of Shanghai. The Gastown neighborhood is the one of the oldest in the city and has some of the best restaurants. The cobblestone streets are home to some great jazz and, believe it or not, some decent Spanish food -- tapas and sangria.
* The water. While not a mecca for swimming, Vancouver is surrounded by water. Cruise ships are in port regularly during the summer, and the harbor is teeming with ferries and water taxis. A fun trip is a ferry ride to Granville Island, a renovated industrial district that is now home to many very nice shops.
* The Kids Market. The Kids Market in the center of Granville Island is loaded with toy stores (hold on to your wallets, Mom and Dad) and offers plenty to entertain the kids all day. There is even a water park next door!
* Confections. Also on Granville Island is a terrific bakery called "Cupcakes." While there are plenty of other goodies, the specialty is -- you guessed it -- cupcakes. There are little bite-sized ones which are perfect for the kids, and the array of flavors puts Baskin-Robbins to shame!

5. Steamboat, Colorado

I am not a skier. I'm the guy hanging out by the fireplace with a hot toddy. This recommendation comes from my best friend, who is an enthusiastic skier.

* Ski school. Need to learn to ski? Steamboat offers both half- and full-day classes to gear you up for your trail trips. It also gives Mom and Dad some quality time to escape on their own.
* Convenience. Many hotels are what they call "ski in/ski out," which means you can literally ski up to the door. In the morning, getting to the slopes is easy. Want to head back to your hotel or resort for lunch? Ski in. Tuckered out? Ski in. Broke a leg? Sled in.
* Hot springs. Steamboat is just 45 minutes away from the therapeutic Strawberry Park Hot Springs, where 150-degree water spews from the earth and cascades down into four pools of varying temperature. Heaven.
* Mountain eating. Steamboat has a gondola that you can take up the mountain to dine at more than 15 slopeside restaurants. With varied menus and fun names like "Café Diva" and "Brunch on the Mountain," you are sure to find something to whet your appetite.

6. Cruising

The first time I took the kids on a cruise, all my friends thought I was nuts. Take the kids miles out to sea with no easy means of escape? Crazy. But they were wrong. Today's cruise ships offer so much more for kids than the ships of yesteryear.

* Kids programs. Every major cruise line has them. Some begin at age 2 and others at age 3. The kids love the age-appropriate activities, including crafts, video games, destination education and the ever-popular shipwide scavenger hunt. And while the kids are occupied, Mom and/or Dad can have some adult fun on their own. There is no charge for kids programs. The only drawback is that you will likely have a tough time getting the kids to leave.
* Amazing food. Yes, there is a lot of food on a cruise. "A lot" doesn't begin to describe it. Kids love the buffets, and even the pickiest eaters will find more than enough to enjoy.
* Cool ports. On a cruise, you get to see a lot of places in a little time. My kids think of the port calls as snapshots of the world, each from a unique perspective. Me, I think of port calls as tryouts. If the destination passes muster, it goes on my list of places to explore at some later date - when not on a cruise.
* Inclusive. Notice I don't say "all-inclusive." Cruises are not all-inclusive. Mostly inclusive, yes. Expect to pay for your booze and sodas (buy a soda card for about $45 a week if you want unlimited soda) and any activities and expenses off the ship. Tipping is additional ($10 per person, per day is a good rule of thumb), as are some specialty restaurants and any shipboard gambling or shopping you may do. When I disembark, my shipboard tab for a family of four usually runs about $1,000. We are not extravagant, but we are not misers, either.

The next time a vacation comes up with the usual suspects, why not haul out this list and consider a new destination? I guarantee that you and your kids will be pleasantly surprised.

Do you have a favorite "off-the-radar" destination for a family vacation? E-mail me and share the wealth! Or, if you want to share with a bunch of other families, check out one of the parenting forums.

When is the best time to....

When a client sits with me to plan a trip, I usually get at least one question that begins, “When is the best time to … ” Having been in the travel business for over a decade, and having traveled the world with my three kids, I have considered a lot of these clock and calendar questions. Today, I offer 13 timely tips to make your travels go more smoothly.

When is the best time to …

1. Take off in an airplane?

Answer: Between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. on a Tuesday or a Saturday. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Tuesday and Saturday have the highest percentage of on-time flights -- 82 percent on both days. Another good reason to fly on Tuesday is that you avoid crowds of vacationers, who travel on the weekend, and business travelers, who fly at the beginning and end of the work week. And the earlier the departure the better, because there is less chance of getting caught in delays caused by problems with earlier flights and weather.

2. Go to the top of the Empire State Building?

Answer: At night, in the middle of the week. The building is open until 2 a.m. on most days, and the nighttime views of Manhattan are spectacular! Crowds are smaller late at night than during the day, and midweek crowds are smaller than weekend ones. As many as 16,000 people visit the observation floors on a busy day, and each one has to stand in three separate lines: for security, tickets and elevators. The wait can range from 30 minutes to three hours -- and you thought the airports were bad! Best bet: Call ahead to check on the wait times (212-736-3100).

3. Take in the lights of Broadway?

Answer: Tuesday or Wednesday nights have the smallest crowds of theatergoers. The months of January through April are especially good bets because you miss the holiday crowds and can catch shows before the Tony nominations are announced in mid-May. For late tickets, check in directly with the theaters. They hold seats for visiting celebs (like my crush Paris Hilton) and will release them up to a week before the show, and they are usually fantastic seats. You can also get same-day tickets from TKTS; its kiosk in the middle of Times Square opens at 3 p.m. and tickets to most shows that night can be had for $40 to $50, Cash only. Remember, most theaters are “dark” on Mondays (that means “closed”!)

4. Haggle with a street or market vendor?

Answer: At the end of the day. Shopping right before vendors pack up their wares and tally the day's profits can profit you; in fact, you can probably name your price. The less they have to haul away, the better. And here’s a useful tip: The wares change often, so if you see something you like, get it. It might not be there when you come back later.

5. Score a reservation at the hottest restaurant in town?

Answer: Three to six months ahead of time will pretty much guarantee you a table. Some restaurants take reservations only one or two months in advance; call to find out, and then mark your calendar accordingly. If you are having trouble, ask for the maitre d’ and calmly and confidently explain that you are calling on behalf of Paris Hilton … No, no no, explain that it is a special occasion and you would like to experience all the great things you have heard. Usually, the restaurant will accommodate you. Get the reservations agent’s name and be sure to give a tip and hearty “Thank you!” when you arrive. Your travel agent will often have the connections to make this happen for you, as well. Just ask!

6. Land a standby seat?

Answer: Planes are less crowded on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Check with your travel agent, or log on to the airline's Web site before heading to the airport and check the availability. If there are empty seats, most airlines will accommodate you. Caution, some airlines will charge a standby fee (but no increase in the fare) -- greedy airlines!

7. Visit Disney World or Disneyland?

Answer: When school is in session. The busiest times, by far, at Disney theme parks are during school vacations, especially over Christmas and during spring breaks. If you can go when school is in full swing, you'll find significantly shorter lines. One of my most memorable trips to Disney World was the week following Thanksgiving. The park was decorated for the holidays, the temperature was great, and the crowds were nonexistent.

8. Visit popular tourist destinations?

Answer: It depends. Every destination has a high season and a low one. High season tends to be harmful to your wallet, and low ones tend not to offer the experience you had in mind. So determine the destination’s “shoulder season” (not sure where this term comes from, but that’s what the in-between of “on” and “off” season is called) Typical shoulder seasons offer lower prices, fewer tourists, just OK weather … you get the picture. Here are the shoulder seasons of some popular destinations.

• Las Vegas: May and September
• Florida: Late April, May, Late August, October
• New York City: April, September, October
• Los Angeles: January, April, May
• Caribbean: July, August, November
• Colorado: June
• Hawaii: September, October, November, January
• Canada: April, May, September, October
• Mexico: February, Early December
• Europe: April, Early May, September, January

9. Visit a museum?

Answer: After 1 p.m. on a school day. Tour groups visit in the morning, so by early afternoon they're gone and you'll pretty much have the run of the place. Keep an eye on the weather; museums tend to be people magnets on rainy days. And if you don’t have holiday plans and the museum is open, head on out; chances are it will be empty.

10. Buy a new suitcase?

Answer: April, May or June. Suitcases are like clothes: They have seasons -- though, sadly, their shows are nothing like the Victoria’s Secret show. Early spring and summer are good times for deals on last year’s models (the luggage models not the Victoria’s Secret models). If you travel a lot, or plan to, good luggage (I recommend Briggs & Riley) is a good investment. It will cost a bit more, but it will pay dividends in the long run as it will last forever and possibly offer a lifetime guarantee.

11. Take that perfect snapshot?

Answer: Early morning or late afternoon. The first and last hours of daylight offer the most flattering light. Professional photographer Ned S. Levi, of Philadelphia, calls these the “magic hours.” “During early morning and late afternoon hours, when the sun is low on the horizon, the light is orange and gold, and gives photographs the warmth and glow we see in front a fireplace during a romantic evening rendezvous,” Levi says. The worst time to shoot: between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun casts shadows from above (although, according to Levi, these times can be excellent for monuments and buildings).

12. Visit the Grand Canyon?

Answer: Since we are looking for perfect photos. The last two weeks of August. A lot of families go back to school in the middle of August, and the foreign visitors are often told not to come until after Labor Day, so the end of August is perfect. Temperatures are also cooler than during the brutal part of the summer, and it rains more often, which also helps keep things cool. The ideal time is two to three hours before sunset. The final moments of the sun dropping below the horizon are great, but the hours leading up to it, when the setting sun is bouncing off the walls of the canyon, are truly spectacular. See tip 11!

13. Renew your passport?

Answer: If you had asked me this question this time last year, I would have said 1980, but the State Department seems to have gotten its act together after months of vacation-ruining delays. According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, which issues passports, the best time to renew is November. Passports usually take six weeks to process; if you need yours sooner, pay for the expedited service and have it in “about” two weeks. Most passport applications can be processed at most post offices. If you don’t have a passport, just apply for one now. You will need one at some point and it is a universal identification -- and at $10 a year, it is a cheap one at that!