Typically the most expensive part of any trip we book is the flight. And, while we will never fly for ‘free,’ (and neither will you…don’t buy into the hype), we do have a few tips that help us spend as little as possible on airfare. As a debt free family, the most important point I can share with you: Remember economics 101 while booking. There is no such thing as a free lunch! If any website tells you that you can fly first class to Tahiti for $3 plus points, close the website and don’t dare give them your personal…

Blessedly for all parents, airlines as a rule allow for babies and toddlers to travel with their strollers for free (Hallelujah!). We have yet to fly with any company that this isn’t the case. Even Norwegian Airlines – the people that charge 3 Euros for a cup of water – allow a car seat and stroller to be checked for free. As you read below, bear in mind that I am the type of person that thoroughly enjoys having a stroller around. If I could get away with flying with one once my children were in their teens, I absolutely…

First: I will not tell you here how much of a language you need relative to the area you’re traveling to. Generally (VERY generally) speaking, the more urban an destination is (ex: Paris, Mexico City), the more English the general public will know, and conversely, if you’re traveling to the countryside, you are less likely to run into someone who speaks fluent English. Yes, Americans, even in those countries where “everyone learns English.” You can still carry on a conversation with people who don’t speak your language! Even if you are at a rural gas station in the middle of…

Having a sick baby at home is bad enough. Having a sick baby while you’re traveling can ruin a trip. But if you pack well, you don’t have to let a fever or a cough derail your itinerary. But…what to pack? [Bear in mind: This post contains product affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you any extra, but we may receive a percentage of the sale if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.] First: Your Mobile Medicine Cabinet Ours includes: Tylenol (because Motrin does nothing for Sophie), Motrin (because Tylenol does nothing for Luka), 6 Culturelle…

I describe myself as an “energetic type-A” traveler. If I was taking a solo trip to a new location, I would research ahead and pack my days full, full, full. And if while walking from Item 32 to Item 33 on my list, I saw something that looked interesting, I would take the detour and dive into that experience too. I want to do it all. ALL. If that means literally running from one place to another, that’s okay. If that means I only get to spend 15 minutes enjoying each location, that’s not ideal, but also okay. Pedro and…

[Bear in mind: This post contains product affiliate links. It doesn’t cost you any extra, but we may receive a percentage of the sale if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.] Plastic Straws I love nature, but I emphatically do NOT love paper straws. Despite the cost to the environment (which I believe to be highly over exaggerated), I will always pack plastic straws for my kids to use. Basic math: I buy 1 juice for my son that is inexplicably in a non-recyclable container but has a paper straw. He is an average toddler,…

I see a new trend of travelers recommending that parents bring their carseat on the plane with them, and I’m here to tell you with all sincerity: I can’t imagine a faster way to make you never want to travel with your kids again until they are at least 8…maybe 12. We unload our carseats from the car, load them onto the luggage cart, and count the seconds until the ticket agent takes them. It’s the longest 100 feet of most trips. Setting the carseat on the luggage scale gives me the same relief as taking my bra off at…