Build a Better Family Vacation
Figure in Child Care
If you're not traveling with another family and you and your spouse hope to spend some time alone, plan ahead to make sure you'll have someone to watch the kids. Hotels may maintain a list of qualified babysitters, and some even include the service with the cost of the room. If the hotel refers you to an agency, call to ask for references from other travelers, and request to speak to the sitter it assigns you before you arrive. If you're staying in a condo, try calling a nearby reputable hotel for recommendations. Some resorts have full children's programs that offer supervised entertainment, like pizza and games, so you and your spouse can have dinner alone. If you feel uncomfortable leaving your kids with a stranger, consider bringing along another family member to help. Your children might prefer their grandmother (especially one who lives far away) or a teenage cousin (who may be happy to trade a few hours of child care a day for the trip) to an unknown babysitter. Another option: Hire a mother's helper to accompany you so she can play with the older kids while you give your undivided attention to your toddler (go to Craigslist.org and look under "Community/Childcare").Tip: When you arrive at your hotel, take the kids on a quick tour. Show them the front desk, and explain this is where they should go if they get lost or have a question. And point out house phones they can use if they forget how to find their way back to the room.
Most Popular Galleries
Hot Topic
“Who cares if it’s still only spring? We’re already thinking about our first summer swim—and we want our readers to be prepared.
So when you’re in and out of the pool, use these surprising tips from...”
More From
How To Protect Your Hair at the Pool
Advertisement
What's Hot
What Causes Dark Circles Under Your Eyes?
If your dark circles aren’t quite this adorable, you don’t have to grin and bear it. Try these (en)lightening strategies to minimize them.

For years and years my husband and I lived in an apartment that was fairly avera...
from The Nest Blog - Home Décor, Cooking, Money, Health & Sex News & Advice » house & home
When Wes Schlauch, of Breinigsville, PA, was 16 years old, he suffered a stroke...
from FOXNews.com
Have a few hours to spare? Consider a simple bedroom DIY. Without spending a lo...
from POPSUGAR Home
Ottolenghi is a lucky man.
Read more: Tastemakers , Ottolenghi ...
from Tastepartner on The Huffington Post
Light fixtures can be changed. Colors can be painted over. Ugly floors can be co...
from Home on Huffingtonpost
The day before my house burned down , I was thinking about flags. It was the e...
from Houzz










