The Orbitz Family Travel Guide
Meet the new Orbitz Parent Panel, a group of Orbitz moms and dads coming together to share experiences and advice to help you plan the ultimate family vacation. Combine those insights with our special discounts at family-friendly hotels, and you’ll find everything you need to take an affordable, stress-free family trip.
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What’s new this month:
- Two Orbitz moms serve up their unique experiences and advice on cruising with children.
- The debate heats up over babysitting services on a family vacation.
- Ski vacations: What’s the appropriate age to send kids to ski school? Our expert answers.
- See the latest hotel offers in family-friendly destinations. Plus, see which resorts earned top scores in parent hotel reviews.
We went looking for travel experts who were also doting parents and found them right under our nose. These Orbitz parents have plenty of experience traveling to a variety of destinations with children of all ages. Join them as they share their vacation adventures, mistakes and successes -- as well as personal strategies, tips, and opinions.
I’m a full-time working Mom to 3 boys, ages 18, 16 and 12. They’re hockey players, so we spend our weekends traveling the Northeast for their games. Our favorite destinations include Killington, Vermont, the Adirondacks, Florida’s Gulf coast and Quebec City, a great city for culture and activities.
We planned a 4-night cruise from Boston to Nova Scotia when my boys were 14, 12 and 8. They were so thrilled and excited when they realized the ship was a floating resort hotel, fully equipped with miniature golf, game room, water slides and unlimited ice cream sundaes whenever they wanted. More
posted by Parent Panel | January 2008
Shar Rogers. I am part of the OrbitzTLC team and a single mother of two children, ages 9 and 4. I spent 7 years as a leisure travel agent specializing in family travel. As a result, I have planned many great family vacations -- both for my clients and my own family.
I recently went on a 7-night Royal Caribbean Cruise on Rhapsody of the Seas. Although this trip was without my kids, I couldn’t help looking at the ship and experience through the eyes of a mother. More
posted by Parent Panel | January 2008
- 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 line.
- Put a special identifier on your luggage to make it easy to find when you leave the ship.
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!
"A parent's batteries have to be recharged from time to time."
Whenever it’s an option, I prefer leaving my 4-year-old at a center with other kids and multiple adults present. My comfort level increases when there are more kids of varying ages and a bonded business behind the hourly rate. Whether it’s an in-room or facility-based care, these are the questions I ask:
- Are the care givers certified in CPR and First Aid?
- Have they undergone criminal background checks?
- What experience do they have with children?
-- Drew Miller
See more of Drew’s recommendations
Vacation time = Family time
I never get babysitters while on vacation. As a full-time working mother, I feel like my vacation time with my family is when I can spend some relaxing time to enjoy each other’s company.
Of course, my daughter is still a toddler, so I have time to get a massage or read a book while she naps -- I may feel differently when she is older!
-- Marie LaPlante
Orbitz parents rated these family-friendly hotels hotels on a scale of 1 to 5, based on:
- Service
- Amenities
- Comfort
- Location
- Value
Read their reviews to get first-hand observations, as well as practical tips on what to do, where to eat and how to get around.
Family getaways and reunions
With lots of onboard activities, tons of shore excursions and plenty of meal options to choose from, cruising is a fun and affordable family vacation.
Explore Europe, Alaska, the Caribbean, Hawaii or Mexico. You and your family will see it all, and unpack only once!