Crafts & Fun

We’ve all heard about families who tackle exotic pursuits like trekking across India with toddlers. For Samantha Hicks, an all-inclusive in the Caribbean was as adventurous as she wanted to get on her first vacation with her husband, Monte, and seven-month-old son, George. The Toronto mom says she “wasn’t altogether confident” about travelling with a baby, so she hit the Internet to find a resort that would make things as easy and comfortable as possible. “George had just started eating solids, so I wanted a place where he could be messy, he could be loud, and that would be totally OK.”

While travel advisers say there’s almost no trip they’d consider a complete no-no for families with young children, they also say it’s important to stick with what feels manageable to you.

“Don’t push your limits,” advises Erik Budde, a globe-trotting father of one who runs the website travelwithyourkids.com. “Kids are remarkably adaptable; it’s about what the parents are up for.”

So whether you’re looking for an adventure around every corner or prefer a pleasantly predictable resort getaway, these tips will help maximize the fun and minimize the stress on your next family vacation.

Originally published in Today's Parent, November 2008