Travel Tip Additional Q&A Holiday travel We want to take a vacation during the holidays, but still want our kids to enjoy holiday traditions and decorations. Can you recommend some options? Cruises: Festively decorated ships, themed dinners and warm weather. Celebrate the holidays on the high seas. Find the itinerary and cruise line that is right for you and your family. You can’t beat the value. See holiday cruise deals

Ski resorts: Snow-covered mountains, cozy lodges and hot chocolate -- a picture perfect way to celebrate the holidays. From Aspen to Whistler, check out some great ski vacation options. Compare ski resorts

Disney: Disney goes all out during the holiday season with decorations and special events for families. Just when you thought The Happiest Place on Earth couldn’t get any happier. See Disney vacations

]]> Additional Q&A Family Reunions We need help finding a location for our family reunion, what do you suggest? These family reunion ideas rank high for convenience, deliver great value regardless of budget, and offer fun for all ages:

  • Disney: From the greatest grandma to the tiniest toddler, never worry about anyone being bored or hungry in this magic kingdom. Find a range of family-friendly accommodations and dining options at or near the theme parks. See Disney vacations
  • Cruises. Today's cruise ships offer an amazing array of entertainment and activities for the entire family, from onboard water parks and rock-climbing to comedy shows and spas. One price covers your accommodations, meals and beverages. Plus, you can depart from one of 23 U.S. ports, including Miami, New York or Los Angeles, and skip the airfare. See family cruises
  • All inclusive resorts. When you're trying to stick to a budget and cater to various ages and lifestyles, consider all-inclusive resorts. One up-front price covers lodging, meals, activities, tips, taxes and more, so there are no surprises. Among the family-friendly options: the swanky Beaches Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico's Dreams Resorts, which emphasize fun and value. See all-inclusive resorts.
  • Rent a beach or mountain house. Enjoy extra space and all the amenities of home, like kitchen and laundry, by renting a private home. Consider a beach house in the Outer Banks of North Carolina or a cabin in Lake Tahoe. Vacation rentals are great for family reunions as you can rent one large home or several small homes close together See vacation rentals
]]> Additional Q&A Big City travel You hear Vegas mentioned as an adult playground, but what does "Sin City" offer families? Excalibur’s Tournament of Kings; Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef; Planet Hollywood’s pet theater; Circus Circus’ Adventuredome indoor amusement park; The Venetian’s gondola rides; Flamingo’s free bird sanctuary ….

This partial laundry list may help put aside any doubts to the claim that Las Vegas has something to offer parents and children. Many families find adventure off the Strip too, exploring the natural beauty of the surrounding desert and the wealth of “Wild West” museums in the area.

Plus, with many hotels providing day care and nanny services, parents have the unique opportunity to spend their days participating in kid-friendly adventures, and their nights letting loose at the casinos.

Read more about all Las Vegas has to offer families

]]> Additional Q&A Educational Travel How can I arrange a tour of the White House, Capitol and Pentagon? Visiting Washington DC has almost become a rite of passage for many children in the United States. Touring the White House, Capitol or Pentagon can be a highlight, but you’ll need to make arrangements in advance:

White House tours: Submit a request for a free tour through your congressional representative. Tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday, excluding federal holidays, and can be booked to 6 months in advance.

Capitol tours: Pick up free tickets for scheduled tours at the Capitol Guide Service Kiosk, beginning at 9 a.m., Monday through Saturday. Tickets are first come, first serve. Tours are Note: The new U.S. Capitol Visitor Center is scheduled to open Dec. 2, 2008.

Pentagon tours: Contact your senator or congressional representative to arrange a free guided tour. Tours operate Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There are no tours on weekends or federal holidays.

More planning tips

]]> Additional Q&A Adventure Travel How can I experience camping with my family, without making a big investment in equipment? Instead of buying equipment, consider renting gear from an outfitter, such as REI, Eastern Mountain Sports, or Hudson Trail Outfitters.

Renting also makes it easier to go on a camping excursion farther away from home. You don’t have to worry about the hassle of hauling your gear on a plane, if you make arrangements to rent it from an outfitter at your destination.

]]> Additional Q&A Beach Vacations What ocean safety tips should I reinforce with my family? Parents and children who might be new to swimming -- or swimming in the ocean -- should really understand the differences between pool and ocean waters. Pools don’t have currents, undertows, riptides or wildlife.

Ocean swimming is for the more experienced. Beyond dipping their toes in the surf, don’t let young kids and novice ocean swimmers go deep. You don’t need to be very far into the ocean for a strong undertow or riptide to drag you deeper.

And while the blue waters of the Caribbean are beautiful, beware of its life from within, including jellyfish, stingrays or other dangerous sea life.

]]> Additional Q&A Summer Road Trips Where's a unique place I can take my family to cool off this summer? Three destinations top my list this year:

Steamboat Springs, CO – For a great Western town with low summer prices, you can’t beat Steamboat Springs. This real ranching town is probably one of the best places to teach your kids (and maybe yourself!) to ride horses. It also offers excellent mountain biking; gondola rides; and a Kids Adventure Club program for children 3-12. See more

Park City, UT – For tons of activities that will thrill grade-schoolers though high-schoolers, check out Park City. Less than an hour’s drive from Salt Lake City, Park City Mountain Resort has cornered the market on thrill attractions. Among its summer offerings: a zip-line adventure, an Alpine Slide and Alpine Coaster. See more

Acadia National Park, ME - This year, I’m taking my family to Maine, specifically Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We plan to go sailing, take a sea-kayak tour and spend lots of time hiking and riding horses along the secluded trails of Acadia. And we really can’t wait to enjoy the quaint town of Bar Harbor…and eat lobster, of course.

]]> When Drew Miller is not at the Orbitz office, he’s an attentive daddy, avid skiier, and globe-trotting traveler.]]> Additional Q&A International Travel What are some top family-friendly international destinations? Orbitz Parent Panelists looked back at their own experiences and chose these destinations:

  • London: Lots of sites to see, easy to get around with kids on the Tube, and wonderful parks.
  • Paris: Great walking city that is easy to navigate with kids, restaurants are accommodating to families, lots of parks, and EuroDisney is a quick train ride away
  • Mexico: Cancun, Cabo, Puerto Vallarta, Acapulco. Great beaches, family-friendly resorts, relatively short flights from the U.S.
  • Canada: Toronto, British Columbia, Montreal. Extremely clean and friendly cities that are easy to navigate with children. Plenty to do.
  • Scandinavia: Lots of child-focused activities. Free puppet shows in the park, free ice skating in the winter, and Hans Christen Andersen-inspired attractions.
  • Switzerland: Easy transportation system to navigate, even the cable cars are accommodating to strollers.
  • Israel: Very child-centered culture, in part, because many citizens have large families.
]]> Orbitz Parent Panel Additional Q&A Disney What are some quick healthy food options for kids in the theme parks? If you're looking to squeeze in a meal between attractions, look for healthy substitutes at the restaurants offering counter service: carrot sticks vs. fries, or milk or water vs. soda. Keep your eyes peeled for stands offering fresh fruit in the Magic Kingdom® Park. Disney doesn’t allow coolers, but you can stick a few small snacks, like granola bars and dried fruit in your bag.

]]> Orbitz Parent Panel Additional Q&A Tantrums How do you handle a tantrum in the airport on the plane? Handling tantrums can be tricky – even when you're on home turf. So stay consistent with what you do at home. Here are some techniques Orbitz parents use:

  • Distract. Point out planes taking off and landing; visit an airport "fun zone," a child's play area; walk up and down the aisles; or pull out a book, toy or "secret candy stash."
  • Soothe. Try to hold them, speak softly, and help them calm down.
  • Ignore. For some kids, the only way to cut short a tantrum is to ignore it or to remove them from the situation and let them "get it out of their systems" because soothing techniques only rile them up. If you're on an airplane with the seat belt sign on -- and distraction and soothing don't work – you're pretty much left with this option.

Beware of bribing. Not to say we're not above it, but past experience tells a few of us that you may end up paying for it again and again, as your child sees that this is a successful form of manipulation.

]]> Orbitz Parent Panel Additional Q&A Ski School What's the appropriate age to send kids to ski school? Most U.S. ski resorts have programs that start for children between ages 3 and 4. Some sessions include a short amount of time on skis with a snow-loving parent present. But most ask the 3½ to 4-year-old to jump right into a full-day clinic with other kids and lots of instructors. It's important that the child is potty trained and that s/he has an open and adventurous outlook.

My preference is the full-day group clinic. It's amazing how quickly the fearless little ones become adept at skiing terrain that I have to work hard to power through. Plus, watch the smiles and hear the laughter, and you will quickly realize that the kids are having a blast with the other children and amazing instructors. … Then again, maybe they're all laughing at my form through the moguls.

It's important to book in advance with any ski school, as many sessions do sell out. See our list of best ski resorts for families.

Also, keep in mind that it's never too early to get your children on the snow. The quicker they associate snow with fun and play, the more they will want to get out and ride!

]]> Drew Miller's work in the ski industry has led him to more than 50 resorts. Additional Q&A Hotel Ideas My family is going to Orlando with three boys ages one, seven, and nine. This is our first time in Orlando and we'd love some advice on what family-friendly beaches are closest and what areas we should stay in (preferably somewhere close to the theme parks so we can save some money on gas). The closest beaches are each about a 90-minute drive from Orlando.  Cocoa Beach is a fun, family-friendly escape located near the Kennedy Space Center.  Clearwater Beach is the opposite direction, and Busch Gardens is on the way.  If you want a beach experience without the drive, consider spending a day at either Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Sea World's Discovery Cove. There are a few ways to stretch your travel dollar with accommodations.  Walt Disney World offers budget-friendly hotels with free transportation around the resort and bonuses like Extra Magic Hours, where different theme parks are open just for guests staying at Disney Hotels.  Universal has a program with free transportation from their hotels and extras with park admission and front-of-line passes.  Many other hotels have value-added programs like free shuttles to various theme parks and complimentary breakfasts Additional Travel Tip Holiday travel If you’re looking for some products to make travel easier – or even help keep the kids entertained on the road -- here are some parent-tested options:

  • gogo Kidz Travelmate: This lightweight contraption connects to the back of a car seat and converts it into a stroller – sort of like a dolly for a car seat. I can weave around the airport easily without having to “lug” the car seat to the gate. Bringing the car seat on the plane means no extra baggage charge and provides a safe, comfortable place where my toddler can fall asleep.
  • Pac Back: The FAA recommends securing your child in a car seat approved for air travel during your flight. But the FAA has no suggestions about how to carry that car seat on the long walk to the gate, while pushing your child in a stroller. The Pac Back car seat carrier enables an me to carry the car seat like a backpack, leaving my hands free for dispensing snacks and changing diapers. Without the Pac Back, my family of four might never have reached the gate, much less our destination.
  • BabyBjorn Baby Carrier: While I had the benefit of having my hands free at the ticket counter and security line, my son kept snug, warm and comfortable next to me. My back never hurt, and I found it easy to take him in and out. The carrier easy to launder too.
  • Chicco TravelSeat: This light-weight portable high chair hooks onto the tabletop, providing a safe, convenient place to feed a child. It disassembles easily and didn’t take up much room in my suitcase. We’ve used it in hotel rooms for serving breakfast and snacks, on picnic tables for family events, and at other events, where traditional high chairs were unavailable.
  • Eagle Creek Tarmac-Plus-One: While this piece of wheeled carry-on luggage may have been designed for business travelers, my family has gotten a lot of mileage out of it. The carry-on has a detachable backpack with compartments that I’ve used for bottles and sippy cups as well as a built-in sleeve to store a laptop or DVD player. It’s spacious, wheels easily, and has a swanky color palette.
  • Leapster2: My 5-year-old son gave the Leapster2 a glowing review: "I love it!" From my perspective, I can tell the Leapster2 will be great for traveling with kids. Long, boring car and plane trips will pass quickly with this tool in a parent's arsenal. It beats some of the more parent-intensive plane activities, like reading to your child for four hours straight. Plus, the content is fantastic: Leapster2 games focus on letter and number recognition, spelling, and arithmetic.
  • Rubik’s Revolution: If you thought solving the original Rubik’s Cube could keep you occupied for great lenghts of time, check out the Rubik’s Revolution. The cube holds six games, each based on speed, strategy or both. So unlike the original cube, your strategy has to be different every time. My boys found it “fun and challenging,” especially with the constantly changing buttons.
]]> Additional Travel Tip Family Reunions
  • Plan a year in advance.The hardest part of planning a reunion is getting everyone to agree on a date. Start planning a year in advance and set the date and stick to it. Treat it like you would a wedding: Set the date, and send out a "save the date" card so that everyone has it on their calendar and can plan accordingly.
  • Create a reunion Web site. Use sites, such as Evite, Invitastic or Socializr, to consolidate travel plans, communicate updates, and build excitement about the reunion. The site can live on after the reunion, with digital photos and videos from the event.
  • Set a budget. Everyone has a different situation, so to avoid surprises over costs during the trip, set expectations up front by establishing a budget for the reunion that will include accommodations, food and activities.
  • Hire a professional photographer. After you have gone through all the trouble to get everyone together, preserve the memory by hiring a professional photographer to meet you on location and take photos of the entire group and then each individual family. The resort concierge or local chamber of commerce can help you locate a photographer.
  • Divvy up the responsibilities. Make sure that one person does not bear all the responsibility of planning the reunion. Splitting up the responsibilities will help everyone feel involved and excited. Put one person in charge of the location, another in charge of dining, and let someone else plan the activities.
  • Don’t over schedule. Remember, that a reunion is supposed to be fun and relaxing! Consider only scheduling a group breakfast or dinner every day and letting each family plan their own daily activities.
    • ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Big City travel Cheap and convenient, public transportation offers a unique way to explore a big city. Believe it or not, a $2 adventure may be the highlight of your child’s vacation, as what could be cooler to a 4-year-old than zipping through the skyscrapers of Chicago on an elevated train?

    Chicago: Trolleys, water taxis, buses and elevated trains make Chicago one of the easiest cities to maneuver via public transportation. A one-day visitor pass will run you $5 and provide unlimited access to public transportation. If you like to plan ahead, the CTA Trip Planner and Google Transit™ allow you to find the most efficient way to get from point A to point B.

    Boston: With 12 ways to get to and from Logan International Airport, Boston is by far one of the most compact and accessible cities on the eastern seaboard. If you can’t get to your destination by foot, it’s most likely a short “T” ride away. Like Chicago, Boston also offers water taxis, a bus service, and comprehensive train system.

    San Francisco: If your idea of a fun vacation doesn’t involve dragging your children up and down the hills of San Francisco, consider taking public transportation. Jump aboard BART and avoid the traffic and pricey cab fare from San Francisco International Airport. Once you’re in the city, a mere three dollars will get you anywhere you need to go on the historic cable cars that navigate the steep terrain at a comfortable (and safe) 7 mph. For those looking for a faster commute around the city, the MUNI will take you everywhere you need to go for only a couple of dollars per person.

    Washington DC: Leave the hand sanitizer at home! Besides being our nation’s capital, Washington D.C. is also famous for having one of the best-kept train systems in the United States. Passengers are not allowed to eat or drink on the train, which means you don’t have to worry about your children getting their hands on “leftovers.” A visitor pass runs $7.80 a day, and is a small price to pay for picture-perfect public transportation.

    ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Educational Travel We asked Orbitz Parent Panelists to nominate educational museum exhibits in North America that are "worth the trip."

    My my, what large teeth you have...
    Walking with Dinosaurs
    Fifteen life-like dinosaurs, each weighing about as much as a car, roar to life with the help of technology and a team of master puppeteers. This show, touring venues across North America, depicts the life and evolution of dinosaurs, like the Tyrannosaurus Rex, Stegosaurus and Brachiosaurus. Recommended for ages 3 and up.

    Journey with Gentle Giants
    Or, if you want to sound impressive to your friends, call it: "Swim with the 'Sharks.'" These are whale sharks, the largest fish in the world. Jump into a 6.3 million gallon exhibit with these gentle creatures, as well as zebra sharks, sawfish, leopard whiprays and bowmouth guitarfish. This exhibit is at the Georgia Aquarium for ages 12 and older.

    Open Sesame
    Jim Henson's Fantastic World
    Peer into the imagination of Jim Henson, the late brilliant creator of Kermit, Big Bird, and other childhood favorites. Witness his process of "visual thinking" through artworks, photos, puppets and video. This touring exhibition is at the Smithsonian through Oct. 5.

    One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
    Explore the sky with Big Bird, Elmo and friends in Sesame Workshop's new planetarium show. "One World, One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure" is scheduled to make its U.S. premiere at Chicago's Adler Planetarium on Oct. 15, 2008.

    Night at the museum ... or zoo
    KidSpy Overnight: Operation Secret Slumber
    Once the International Spy Museum in Washington DC locks its doors for the night on Nov. 15 at, top-secret spy training begins for kids 9-13. Pint-size secret agents disguise themselves with new identities, gather intelligence about espionage, and hunt for a mole within their ranks.

    See more recommendations

    ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Adventure Travel

    Away.com editor Alistair Wearmouth runs through the gamut of adventure lodging options, from rudimentary campsites to nature’s answer to the ritzy all-inclusive resort:

    Camping
    Camping with kids is a kick, but plan on keeping things simple, low-key, and fun. The younger your charges, the less you should care about killer views, lung-busting trails, and soulful outdoor fulfillment. Find a nice place to pitch your tent -- one that doesn’t require hours in the car -- and be sure to pack enough gear to keep you safe, warm and well-fed.
    Resource: www.recreation.gov

    Lodges and Cabins
    Many state parks, recreation areas, national forests, and national parks offer cabins and lodges. Some places, like the Skyline Lodge in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, are more like comfortable mountain motels; others, like Yosemite’s famous Ahwahnee Hotel, plop you in the lap of some serious wilderness luxury. At the more basic end of the scale, thank Roosevelt’s New Deal-era for a forest of sturdy cabins in places like Maryland’s Cunningham Falls State Park or Yosemite’s Housekeeping Camp. For something a littler more adventuresome with older kids, check out repurposed fire lookouts in national forests in the Pacific Northwest.
    Resource: www.recreation.gov

    All-Inclusive State Park “Resorts”
    While the commercial camping scene is dominated by large outfits like KOA and the uber-kid-focused Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park campgrounds, state entities have been muscling in on the scene. South Carolina’s Hickory Knob State Resort Park mixes cabins, camping, and motel accommodations in a lakeside spread that includes mountain-biking trails, fishing, boating, and an 18-hole golf course. Kentucky’s Natural Bridge State Resort Park, with cabins, camping, and a 35-room lodge, puts you on the doorstep of the state’s landmark sandstone rock formations without scrimping on modern conveniences like WiFi access.

    Year-Round Ski Resorts
    Over 130 ski resorts currently operate within the bounds of U.S. National Forest Service land, among them being New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley (within White Mountain National Forest) and California’s Mammoth Mountain (within Inyo National Forest). And with the four-season concept being such big business, existing ski-base infrastructure translates to easy summer access to nearby trails, lakes, mountaintops -- not to mention, tantalizing seasonal packages that bundle a robust selection of comfortable lodging choices with complimentary access to activities like lift-served mountain biking, bobsledding runs, bungee rides, whitewater rafting, fly-fishing, and horseback riding.

    ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Beach Vacations Vero Beach, FL - Watch the loggerhead sea turtles.
    Kiawah Island, SC – Spot dolphins and bike on the beach.
    Outer Banks, NC - Visit where the Wright brothers made their historic first flight in Kitty Hawk.
    Cocoa Beach, FL – Tour the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral – maybe even watch a shuttle launch.
    Key West, FL – Visit the Dry Tortugas, a cluster of islands great for fishing, snorkeling and bird watching.
    St. John, USVI – Make it a green vacation with Maho Bay eco tents.
    Apostle Islands, WI – Kayak, canoe, camp and pick strawberries.
    San Juan Island, WA – Go whale watching, biking, boating and diving.

    ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Summer Road Trips Plan your route:

    Entertainment on the go:

    Bringing the pets?

    ]]>         Additional Travel Tip International Travel
  • When you're traveling with children under 18 in your party, you’ll find a unique set of requirements:
  • Check if passports and visas are necessary.
  • Check medical requirements as well as advice on traveling with infants or young children
  • And if you need help overseas, note the location of the closest U.S. Embassy in your destination in advance. This is where you go if your passport or visa is lost or stolen, or if something unforeseen occurs.
    • ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Disney Theme Parks
  • Time your trip during September and October, the least crowded months.
  • Arrive when the park opens, before crowds have time to build. Crowds thin out again after dinner.
  • Stay on property and get special guest-only access to the parks aka "Magic Hours." Each park has its own "Magic Hours" based on the day of week.
  • Head to a FASTPASS booth to make a free reservation for a popular ride. Arrive during the designated hour on your FASTPASS ticket, and you won’t have to stand in line.
  • If you get to a line that splits in two, head to the left (tends to be shorter).
  • Mondays are the busiest day in the Magic Kingdom® Park, so consider exploring another park.
  • Main Street shops in Magic Kingdom® Park are most crowded at the end of the day. Shop in the early afternoon instead or at night, on those days that park is open late.
  • Avoid Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom® Theme Park during lunch. That’s when the animals tend to eat and sleep.
    • ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Cruising with Children
  • Stay connected on the high seas: Bring a set of Walkie Talkies.
  • Bring Glow stick bracelets and necklaces to identify them on the darkened decks.
  • Find out what child-friendly amenities the cruise line provides or rents (cribs, car seats, strollers) so you only pack the necessities.
  • Fly in the night before the ship departs -- you'll feel more relaxed and settled.
  • If you are making a connection, stick to the same airline.
  • Put a special identifier on your luggage to make it easy to find when you leave the ship.
    • ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Look into pre-registering your children for activities at resorts and on cruise lines over the holidays. Family–friendly destinations tend to be full this time of year and you can save time by signing up in advance. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas I'm trying to plan a multigenerational trip for my family over the holidays–with everyone from toddlers, teens, parents, and grandparents. We want to go somewhere warm and we'd consider a cruise if not too expensive. Any recommendations on destinations? Multi-generation vacations are great over the holidays. Sandestine is a warm-weather destination in Florida that offers something for every age group. Hawaii is another place that is ideal for families with a wide variety of ages. I suggest looking into condo-type hotels like Marriott Vacation Club that allow families to spread out and have a home base. Additional Travel Tip Packing Light
  • Rent it: Order a crib, high-chair and other necessities online for delivery to your destination. These two sites can help The Traveling Baby Company and Rent Baby Equipment.com.
  • Leave it: If you're renting a car, reserve a car seat instead of lugging one along. For the plane seat, consider CARES, a new FAA-approved child aviation restraint harness that weighs a pound ($75).
  • Minimize it: Instead of bringing both a car seat and stroller, check out one of those stroller car-seat combos. If your child is small enough, forgo the stroller for a front-carrier, like the Baby Bjorn.
  • Mail it: Ship your luggage in advance of your arrival.
  • Buy it when you're there. Diapers, for example, take up a lot of space. Bring enough to get you through a few days and then plan to drop by a grocery store.
  • Trash it: Pack clothing you plan to dispose of anyway. Added bonus: Less laundry to bring back.
    • ]]>         Additional Travel Tip Air Travel Either ship your gifts ahead of time or check them in your suitcases. Carrying wrapped presents will slow you down at security and you run the risk of them being opened. Additional Travel Tip Air Travel Make technology your friend and check in online before you leave home for the airport. The lines will be long so this is a way to make your travel experience less stressful for everyone Additional Travel Tip Cruise Pre-purchase shore excursions on cruise lines. Capacity is limited and the popular activities can sell out early. Additional Travel Tip Air Travel Bring a carry-on bag with a change of clothes for each family member.  This way if there is a challenge with your luggage, at least you are set for one day. Additional Travel Tip Traveling with Children Check your stroller at the gate.  This way you have it in the terminal and it will make navigating through the airport much easier on you and your children. Additional Travel Tip Traveling with Children Discuss airport security procedures with your little ones prior to arriving at the terminal.  Explain that they will have to part with their backpacks or blankies and they will get them back right away. Additional Travel Tip General November is a perfect time for off-season travel bargains.  Consider traveling before or after Thanksgiving to maximize your savings. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas Do you have any ideas for a fun destination where we can turn Thanksgiving into a vacation, but still enjoy the tradition of Thanksgiving? The tradition of Thanksgiving can be observed anywhere from a cruise ship to a resort.  Most destinations offer a Thanksgiving dinner option.  My family and I choose to have our Thanksgiving dinner the night before and travel on Thanksgiving Day. Additional Q&A Air Travel With three small kids, we're hoping to avoid the airport crowds this Thanksgiving if possible. Is Thanksgiving Day really still a smart day to travel, as opposed to the day before?  Or has everyone caught on? My family and I went to New York City for the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade a few years ago and flew back to Los Angeles that night.  The flight was wide open!  Fares are traditionally lower on Thanksgiving Day and the airport lacks crowds. The roads are also generally empty on Thanksgiving Day. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips Look into ski resorts that offer a family mountain or family terrain park. These are usually less intense and a great place for families to play together. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips You can easily arrange your ski trip at Orbitz.com by purchasing air, hotel, and lift tickets all together. You'll save money and time by organizing all the details completed before you leave. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips When visiting a warm-weather resort in the winter, double check to make sure that the kids' club activities operate year round. Sometimes hotels offer them only during high season and others provide them throughout the year. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips Leave the lessons to the professionals. It is much easier for everyone involved to let a ski pro to teach your children. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas This year, we're looking to get away somewhere over the holiday break with our family (we have toddlers) and we want go somewhere on the beach, but not internationally. Any ideas on what where we can go in the U.S. that is kid-friendly and relatively inexpensive? It is difficult to find a true bargain over the holiday break.  If you are one that is willing to gamble, waiting until the last minute and looking for special deals is your best bet.  Hawaii and Florida are two very safe, family-friendly getaways, but it is not the time of year to save money on a vacation. Additional Q&A Ski Trips We're looking for a winter (snow) destination that's family friendly and not overly crowded. When and where should we go? Winter wonderlands become famously overcrowded starting around Christmas.  Both Martin Luther King and President's Day weekends attract large crowds as well.  If you are looking for a place that is not packed, it is all about timing.  My family and I always visit a ski area just before Christmas, when the slopes are wide open. Additional Q&A Weekend Getaway Now that school has started again, it's tougher to find time for a family getaway. Do you have any suggestions for planning an easy weekend away with elementary-age kids? This is the perfect time of year to be a tourist in your own town and explore a different area near where you live. Stay in a hotel for the weekend and visit attractions like theme parks, state fairs, museums, and sporting events. Consider attending a special performance. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas I have two teenagers and love the idea of an educational and experiential vacation, but am worried that they won't be interested. What are your recommendations for a trip that will hold my teens' interest, be educational, and still be fun? Educational vacations come in many different forms. They can be hands-on learning experiences, classes to try something new, or simply visiting an interesting place. To engage teenagers, choose something that they are already passionate about and involve them in locating an activity or event that appeals to them. Additional Q&A Active Vacations My family is adventurous and we want to go somewhere that offer a lot of physical activities. Would you suggest any place in particular? Soft-adventure vacations with activities such as biking, hiking, and kayaking are very popular with families and most destinations offer a wide selection of these. One of my favorite destinations-the Hawaiian Islands-has so much to do, from mountain biking in a volcano to surfing lessons. Orbitz offers prepaid activities so you can plan before you even leave home, saving you time on your trip. Additional Q&A Air Travel Is it rude for children to talk and play on a plane ride? My son was quite excited about his first plane trip, but I was feeling guilty about all the noise he was making, as people on the plane were obviously trying to work and sleep! What is a mom to do? Children are going to be children wherever they are, whether on a plane or at the playground. As a parent, you can bring quiet toys and other items to keep them occupied, which makes them less likely to distract other passengers. Portable DVD players with headphones; small, self-contained craft projects; hand-held games; and books on tape are all great options. Remember that there really is nothing on board an airplane to entertain your child (outside of the inflight movies on longer trips), so it is up to you to bring along snacks and activities for him or her. Additional Q&A Air Travel What types of identification do children need to board an airplane? And what if my child is held by the Transportation Security Administration for screening - can I be present for the examination? Children do not require any type of identification to board a plane unless they are traveling internationally; then they need a passport. If the TSA does hold children for screening, parents are always allowed to be present. Additional Q&A Air Travel What is a good checklist of items to bring on a long plane trip? It is important to bring everything that you anticipate needing for a 24-hour period when traveling with your children. This includes medication, snacks, activities, diapers, and a change of clothes for the little ones. Portable DVD players with headphones are a great option, or you can allow your children to watch movies or play games on a laptop computer. Additional Q&A Air Travel I will be traveling with three children, one of whom is an infant. What are the seating rules for her on an airplane? Will she need her own ticket? Will she be required to have her own seat? You're not required to purchase a seat for an infant. However, depending on the length of the flight and the ticket price, it may be worthwhile. If you're carrying your baby on your lap, make certain you contact the airline ahead of time and let them know. Some seats on the aircraft might not have an extra oxygen mask for an infant in the overhead compartment, so the airline will want to give you a proper seat assignment. Additional Q&A Air Travel I have an upcoming trip planned with my 3-year-old. I'd like to bring a stroller to avoid having my child hike the distance in the airport, but I'm worried about transporting the stroller. Do airports rent strollers? If I bring one on the flight, does it count as a carry-on item? Can I bring it to the gate and then have an attendant store it in the cargo hold? Some airports have rental strollers available while others may not. Likewise, some airlines count strollers as extra baggage while others don't. Check with your airport and airline ahead of time to determine the best course of action for you. Most airlines do allow you to "gate-check" strollers and car seats. One option that could make your trip more convenient is a stroller that allows a car seat to be inserted on its wheels. Graco Children's Products has some terrific items like this that make travel less stressful for families. Additional Q&A Car Travel Are there any cab or limo companies that stock car seats so I don't have to bring one with me? Do all car rental companies offer car seats? Whenever you travel with a car company, make sure you tell them ahead of time that you need a car seat. Most rental car companies do provide car seats. Additional Q&A Cruise I want to take my kids on a cruise this summer. Do you have any information about which cruise lines are the most kid-friendly? Most cruise lines now provide structured programming for children and teenagers. Royal Caribbean offers the widest array of activities from which to choose, and Disney Cruise Lines has the best-run kids' clubs at sea. Carnival also features terrific clubs for kids. Norwegian Cruise Lines is home to freestyle cruising, which caters to families that do not want to follow a traditional dining routine. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas I have two teenagers and love the idea of an educational and experiential vacation, but am worried that they won't be interested. What are your recommendations for a trip that will hold my teens' interest, be educational, and still be fun? Educational vacations come in many different forms. They can be hands-on learning experiences, classes to try something new, or simply visiting an interesting place. To engage teenagers, choose something that they are already passionate about and involve them in locating an activity or event that appeals to them. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas I'm planning a trip in the end of June with my 15-year-old son and I'm not sure where to begin. An all-inclusive island vacation with activities and one or two excursions would be great. Any other ideas? When my son was 15, I took an amazing trip with him. We cruised on NCL's Pride of Aloha ship through the islands of Hawaii. We got off at each port and took adventurous excursions like zip-lining on Kauai and tubing through the irrigation channels on the Big Island. Cruises offer a great option for this age group-between the action on the ship and the various ports of call, it's the perfect trip to take with a teenager Additional Q&A Destination Ideas I'm trying to plan a vacation for my extended family of 32 (including 21 kids). As I start researching, do you have any ideas? For a group that large I would suggest the following: Hilton Hawaiian Village offers a variety of room types, sizes, and price points in Waikiki; or try Sanibel Island, Florida (one of the premier beach destinations for shell collecting). Another option would be a cruise, with Royal Caribbean, Disney, or Carnival all providing great family-friendly options. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas My husband and I go away every year for our anniversary on March 1st. Our dates are flexible around this time and we want to bring our 14-month-old daughter with us. I will also be six months pregnant at the time. We live in Boston and don't want to travel too far. Florida, or somewhere within a three-hour flight, would be the furthest we want to go. Do you have any ideas for a good vacation spot for two adults and a 14-month-old child? The following destinations are a three- to three-and-a-half-hour plane ride away (which would make travel easier considering your pregnancy and 14-month-old daughter): Tampa, South Florida, or Bermuda. While Bermuda traditionally has temperatures in the high 60s in early March, the temperatures on Florida's Gulf and Atlantic coasts range in the mid to high 70s-perfect for some oceanside rest and relaxation. Additional Q&A Destination Ideas My extended family and I get together every winter break and we always go to the same place. I would like to try something new. How do I pick a destination that will make everyone happy? Pleasing all of the people in a group all of the time can be quite a challenge. Determine the type of vacation you want to experience and go from there. Make sure to choose a location that offers a wide variety of activities, and to ask yourself, "Does my group want to sightsee and stick together or are we looking for a lot of separate things to do? Do we want to relax quietly at the beach or run around trying new activities?" Once you answer these questions, you can pick a place that meets those needs. Additional Q&A Hotel Ideas How can I find a hotel located near the areas my family and I want to explore on our vacation? Orbitz makes it very easy to pick a hotel based on its proximity to the places where you want to spend time. If you identify the specific activities of interest, Orbitz will show you nearby hotels, including their star rating and price. Additional Q&A Hotel Services My concern regards the safety of my three children (ages two, four, and five) during the ride from the Montego Bay airport to Runaway Bay via shuttle. I'm told that the shuttle buses "may or may not" have seat belts, rendering child car seats useless. I'm shocked that Beaches and many other family destinations don't seem to offer anything resembling the safety restrictions that U.S. residents readily expect. Please advise me on safer alternatives, if any exist. I agree with your concern about safety in the car. That road is a bit intimidating and the car ride is an adventure. I checked with Beaches and they assured me that safety is incredibly important to them and claim that every shuttle is equipped with seat belts. Additional Q&A Hotel Services I traveled frequently with my child when he was under 4 years old, staying in hotels across the United States and overseas. Many hotels offer baby-sitting services - and we've had many positive and negative experiences with them throughout the years. Now that I have a 4-month old, how can I check out the credibility and safety records of some of these services? The best way to research a baby-sitting service is to contact the hotel concierge. He or she will be happy to provide you with contact information for the baby-sitting companies they work with. Most agencies are licensed and bonded and have done thorough background checks on the sitters who work for them. Additional Q&A International Travel My husband and I, along with our son (age 21), niece (age 15), and a family friend (age 21) would love to go on a trip, by plane, from Kansas City, Missouri, for a long weekend getaway. We have never done this before. We prefer a trip outside the U.S., if possible in such a small amount of time. Can you suggest something that would be historical, adventurous, and monumental for all for of us? If you are looking for an international experience without international hassle, check out a visit to Montreal. Your family is composed of the right ages to shop, dine, and explore this fascinating city. Additional Q&A International Travel What is the most child-friendly city or country, and why? What is the recommended age to take your children to a foreign country and ensure they will fully appreciate the experience? The most important thing to manage in travel is your own expectations as a parent. Kids are not necessarily going to understand or appreciate the beauty and history of a destination, so make sure you are realistic about what the purpose is for a big trip. There are so many wonderful family vacation spots to visit that it is too difficult to name just one. It's usually worthwhile to check ahead of time for child-friendly activities, however, such as beaches, children's museums, and theme parks. To a child, fun is the best vacation of all. Additional Q&A Passport rules for Children How frequently do children's passports expire? For children under 16, passports expire every five years. For ages 16 and older, requirements are the same as for adults-every ten years. Additional Q&A Passport rules for Children At what age does a child require a passport? ALL children require a passport, regardless of age. Additional Q&A Passport rules for Children If traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands, do the new passport rules apply? No, the new rules do not apply. Any U.S. territory (i.e. Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam) are exempt from the new passport restrictions. Additional Q&A Passport rules for Children Do both parents need to be present for the passport application process for their children? If your children are under the age of 14, both parents' presence is required. If they are 14 or older, only one parent is required. Additional Q&A Passport rules for Children If I'm a single parent and traveling abroad with my child, do I need documentation from the father/mother who is not traveling, to grant permission? While not required, the State Department suggests that it's a good idea. Additional Q&A Spring Break I am worried about the partying college kids that travel at this time of year. How can I find out if the place I want to take my family to over spring break is a college get-away spot? My motto is - "when in doubt, check it out." Call the front desk of the hotel and ask them what kind of clientele they commonly expect during this time of year. Additional Q&A Summer Travel My husband and our three boys (ages six, nine, and 11) want to see the Grand Canyon. Any tips on where to fly in/out of, best hotels, and favorite kids' sites? Should we include a drive to Vegas, the Hoover Dam, etc? We want to take a week off, tops. My suggestion is to fly into Las Vegas, about a four-and-a-half hour drive to the Grand Canyon. This way, you can see Las Vegas, visit the Hoover Dam, make a stop in Flagstaff, and see the Canyon. The Grand Canyon Railway is a perfect way for families to explore the canyon. Plus, the new Grand Canyon Skywalk, recently unveiled, allows visitors to walk out over the canyon and peer down into it through a thick glass floor. Additional Q&A Theme Parks When visiting a theme park do you suggest staying at one of the hotels in the park? They seem to be more expensive and I am wondering if it is worth the added cost. There are many reasons to stay on property when visiting a theme park with your family. Most hotels offer special incentives for guests going to the parks, such as early admission, character breakfasts, and the convenience of free transportation between the park and the hotel. Staying at park-owned hotels offers advantages when visiting with little ones, too, as it's easy to go back to the room and rest before nighttime activities begin at the park. Additional Q&A Toddler destinations My husband and I would love to go to Los Angeles for vacation this summer and we've vowed never to leave our children behind. We have two-year-old twins and a six-month-old infant. How do we handle air travel, car seats, car rental, etc? Or are we destined to stay in the Midwest until the children are older? Long airplane travel with three little ones is challenging, but it can be done. I know it is pricey, but I always suggest purchasing seats for babies and placing them in their car seats. That means you'll also have your car seats available to you once you land. Gate check your stroller as you are about to board the plane and it will be returned to you upon landing Additional Q&A Toddler destinations I have a 21-month-old child and wanted to take him away around the end of May or beginning of June this year. Do you have some suggestions for places that would be suitable to take him on vacation? By that time he will be two and he is very, very, very active and curious. Beaches Resort in both Turks and Caicos and Jamaica have partnerships with Sesame Street, making it the perfect destination for a curious two-year-old. All of the programs and workshops are included in the price and it is a great way to vacation with your child's favorite Sesame Street friends. Additional Q&A Traveling with Children I'm divorced and traveling alone with my 6-year-old to Mexico. I've heard that some countries have grown very vigilant about watching their borders for people abducting children, including non-custodial parents. Do I need to have any special paperwork to prove that I have permission from my ex-husband to take my child with me? Some countries require parents who are traveling alone with a minor child to have a notarized letter of consent from the absent parent. Others require even more paperwork. Before your trip, contact the consulate of the country you're visiting and find out what type of documentation the country requires. Additional Q&A Traveling with Children What do you recommend doing with kids in airports or on a plane when there are flight delays? What are some good travel games for parents to take along? Preparation is the key to any successful family travel experience. Many airports have fun activities for kids, and you can learn about them at Airport Girl on this website. Plan for delays with snacks, toys, hand-held games, books on tape, and all the supplies you'll need for a 24-hour period. Additional Q&A Traveling with Children While there are so many vacation options to choose from, we don't have the normal week or ten days to go somewhere. We love the beach but we also like to ski. We all have passports and lots of energy to get up and go somewhere fun. Any new, different ideas? My kids are ages six, eight, and ten and my husband and I make a total of five. A great option might be Atlantis in the Bahamas. They offer an array of kid-friendly (and parent-friendly) activities in a one-of-a-kind environment. For a ski trip, The Canyons in Park City, Utah is a great choice. Located close to Salt Lake City, it is reachable via non-stop flights from over 70 U.S. cities. Nickelodeon sponsors The Canyons, which means a lot of kid-friendly activities close at hand. If you can't decide between snow and sand, consider hitting Mammoth Mountain, driving distance from Los Angeles, and then spend a few days near the Santa Monica beaches before heading home. Additional Q&A Weekend Getaway Now that school has started again, it's tougher to find time for a family getaway. Do you have any suggestions for planning an easy weekend away with elementary-age kids? This is the perfect time of year to be a tourist in your own town and explore a different area near where you live. Stay in a hotel for the weekend and visit attractions like theme parks, state fairs, museums, and sporting events. Consider attending a special performance. Additional Travel Tip General Be realistic about your big city vacation expectations. Little ones are not ready to walk all day, so make sure that your trip is age-appropriate. Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Ask the concierge or front desk at your hotel if they have any discounted admission coupons to area attractions. Additional Travel Tip Planned Activities Avoid being disappointed by a sold-out event or venue by pre-purchasing tickets at orbitz.com before you head on your trip. Additional Travel Tip General Most major cities boast amazing, hands-on children's museums that are great places to spend a morning or afternoon. Additional Travel Tip Air Travel The day before Thanksgiving is traditionally the busiest travel day of the year, so pack some extra patience in your carry-on. But don't pack any liquids over three ounces. Place any liquids-including cosmetics, lotion and medication-in clear plastic bags so that they can be easily inspected. Be prepared to take your baby out of the stroller and place everything through the x-ray machine. Additional Travel Tip Air Travel Allow extra time when checking baggage. Once you go through the line and check in, you will be asked to take your suitcases to a separate machine where they will be inspected. Make sure that the bags are not locked. Additional Travel Tip Beach When selecting a beach vacation, make certain the environment is well suited for your family. For example, look for beaches with long stretches of sand for shell collecting, inviting water that kids can play in and lifeguard supervision. Additional Travel Tip Beach Pace yourself with the sun time. Many beachfront hotels offer kid's clubs with indoor activities so you and your children do not get too over-exposed to the rays. Additional Travel Tip Beach Resorts drop their prices after Labor Day and many destinations are still a hit for warm weather. Consider taking advantage of lower rates for a weekend getaway in the fall. Additional Travel Tip Beach Remember the basics – loads of sunscreen reapplied after getting wet, drink a lot of water, read lifeguard warning signs and establish rules of what is expected when the kids are in the water. Additional Travel Tip Cruise There is so much excitement on board a ship that it is easy to lose track of time. Keep your routines, such as meal and nap times, consistent with little ones to ensure a more successful and enjoyable trip. Additional Travel Tip Cruise Consider bringing walkie-talkies on a ship to stay in touch, as ships are large and it's easy to lose track of family members. Remember that your cell phone may not have service out at sea. Additional Travel Tip Cruise Space is limited in a stateroom, so bring luggage that can be stored inside one another and placed under the bed. Additional Travel Tip Cruise When traveling with a large family, consider booking connecting staterooms to allow easy access between cabins. Additional Travel Tip Cruise Bring all the items your family needs, such as sunscreen, bottled water, and film. These tend to cost significantly more on board. Additional Travel Tip Educational Vacations Try and select an educational vacation that already appeals to something your children are passionate about. For example, if they love animals, look for hands-on animal experiences. If they enjoy science, pick kid-friendly museums that let children participate in experiments. Additional Travel Tip Educational Vacations Check out zoos and marine life parks. Many of them offer programs where kids can participate in camps and either sleep in the park or act as an animal trainer for the day. Additional Travel Tip Educational Vacations You don't always have to look so far. Many big cities have ethnic neighborhoods that provide an opportunity to experience a different culture without traveling to the other side of the world. Spend an afternoon walking around one of these areas and stop to dine in a local restaurant. Additional Travel Tip Educational Vacations Kids love living history—whether it is a renaissance fair or a tour of a historic site. Look for places where employees dress in character and allow your family to experience the destination from a historic standpoint. Additional Travel Tip General Be realistic about your big city vacation expectations. Little ones are not ready to walk all day, so make sure that your trip is age-appropriate. Additional Travel Tip General Most major cities boast amazing, hands-on children's museums that are great places to spend a morning or afternoon. Additional Travel Tip General When traveling with little ones, no matter the time zone, it is important to adhere to routines. Remember that they may not know what time it is, and that they understand what is happening due to the actions of the familiar faces around them. Follow rituals and habits around meals, naps, and bedtime no matter the location Additional Travel Tip General Try and incorporate some adult time into your family vacation plans this summer by scheduling a date night with your spouse. Many resorts offer "dive-in movies" for kids so mom and dad can enjoy a leisurely dinner on the property, while the kids spend time hanging out in the pool or doing other supervised activities. Additional Travel Tip General Start your day with breakfast together and review each family member's schedule. Additional Travel Tip General Make technology your friend. If your older children want to explore on their own, stay in touch with walkie-talkies or cell phones. Always have a plan for them to check in and let you know where they are located on a regular basis. Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Since everything costs more in a big city, look for a hotel with value-added offers. Take advantage of extras, like complimentary breakfast on property, free Internet, and discounts on museum or event tickets. Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Ask the concierge or front desk at your hotel if they have any discounted admission coupons to area attractions. Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Look for partnerships with your favorite sports activities. For example, Best Western partners with NASCAR to create promotions where their guests can earn points for merchandise, plus many of their properties offer special amenities during race season. Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Find packages that include accommodations, tickets, and transportation. The Omni San Diego Hotel is located adjacent to the ballpark and offers three different baseball packages for Padres fans. Additional Travel Tip Hotel Stays Do your homework on a kids' club before sending your children. Ask about the ratio of adults to participants and make certain that the kids' activities are separated into age-appropriate groups. Additional Travel Tip International Travel Make certain you understand the requirements for entry into your destination, as they may vary, and have the necessary documentation, such as passports or birth certificates. Additional Travel Tip International Travel Check to make certain that your hotel meets your expectations. Hotels around the world vary with their amenities, and reading their description on Orbitz is a great way to make sure you are getting what your family needs Additional Travel Tip International Travel Encourage your children to be open-minded and try new foods on the trip instead of ordering their usual fare. Additional Travel Tip International Travel Consider taking a structured tour, on a bus or with a guide, to familiarize yourself with the lay of the land. Return on your own later to explore at your own pace. Additional Travel Tip Planned Activities Avoid being disappointed by a sold-out event or venue by pre-purchasing tickets at orbitz.com before you head on your trip. Additional Travel Tip Rental Cars If you are reserving a rental car and traveling with children, make sure to request a car seat if you are not bringing your own. Check with each rental company before you book, as some may charge a small additional fee to rent a car seat. Additional Travel Tip Road Trips For road trips, prepare a "boredom bag" that hangs from the seat back in front of where your child is sitting. Fill it with age appropriate games, activities, and snacks. Additional Travel Tip Road Trips Be realistic when taking a road trip and do not leave at the crack of dawn. Most accidents happen when drivers are overly tired. Instead, include the travel day as a part of your trip. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips Leave the lessons to the professionals. It is much easier for everyone involved to let a ski pro to teach your children. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips When visiting a warm-weather resort in the winter, double check to make sure that the kids' club activities operate year round. Sometimes hotels offer them only during high season and others provide them throughout the year. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips You can easily arrange your ski trip at Orbitz.com by purchasing air, hotel, and lift tickets all together. You'll save money and time by organizing all the details completed before you leave. Additional Travel Tip Ski Trips Look into ski resorts that offer a family mountain or family terrain park. These are usually less intense and a great place for families to play together. Additional Travel Tip Summer Travel This is the time of year to explore your options and get the best possible deals. Search alternate airports and be flexible with your summer travel dates to find the real bargains. Additional Travel Tip Theme Parks When visiting a theme park, bring a zippered baggie to hold your cell phone and cameras during the water rides. Additional Travel Tip Theme Parks If possible, book your family rentals on the same property as the theme park you're visiting. You can take advantage of free transportation, easily go back to the hotel room for a rest, and return to the park for evening festivities. Additional Q&A Hotel Ideas Our family plans to vacation in Washington, D.C. from June 2 to 9. We need accommodations for two seniors (65 plus), two adults (40 plus), one child (age 14), and three small dogs.  We're looking for a hotel or condo that allows pets, with a returnable deposit (if a deposit is necessary).  We'd prefer two bedrooms with a pullout sofa and we'd like to stay within 15 miles of D.C.  Any suggestions? A number of Residence Inn properties by Marriott are located in the Washington, D.C., area.  They are pet-friendly and offer accommodations that include two bedrooms and a sofa sleeper