TRAVEL TIPS FOR PARENTS ON A BUDGET
Renting baby gear, bringing wrapped toys among advice from globe-trotting gurus
Earlier this summer, the brilliant minds at Vogue rounded up the “secrets” (read: having lots of money) of travelling around the world with a baby.
Why not check out the children’s programs at five-star hotel chains?
Or shell out hundreds for VIP airport services? Or use a luxury rental website? All lovely ideas, of course, but if you’re travelling on a shoestring budget rather than puttering around Paris in Manolo Blahniks, some local budget-savvy parents/travel experts have some . . . slightly different advice.
Sheree Wells is a Toronto mother of one who has travelled throughout much of Canada and the U.S. with her husband Darryl Morey and little one Declan, 5. She’s also the owner of Travelbug Baby Equipment Rentals, so she knows a thing or two about renting baby gear for travelling.
Globe-trotting Toronto travel writer and mother of two Yashy Murphy brought a baby to India, Ireland, France and U.S. spots such as Los Angeles and Austin, and has been on lots of other trips with her kids Akira, 4, Apollo, 2, and husband Chris.
And Richmond Hill family travel blogger Cheryl Leung has been on five family cruises in the Caribbean and Alaska — plus lots of other road trips and getaways in the U.S. with her husband and kids, age 4 and 7.
From the packing stage to tourist time, all three have tips for ensuring your travels go smoothly with little ones in tow.
Before you go
Before you book anything, set a budget — and stick to it — says travel writer Murphy. “Crazy deals” are often posted on local travel Facebook groups, she adds.
It’s best to also choose familyfriendly accommodations, says travel blogger Leung, meaning a rental home or hotel suite with a kitchen. Or, consider an all-inclusive, so you’ll know the exact cost before you go.
In your suitcase
Be strategic when packing, says travel-savvy mom Wells. Have an extra set of clothes for baby and a top for yourself in case they’re sick on the road, and consider renting baby equipment in advance to avoid extra baggage fees if you’re flying.
Also, bring wrapped toys to enjoy on the trip, she adds.
In the air
Air travel often means time zone changes. Murphy suggests setting your watch to the time zone you’ll be landing in, and start acting like you’re there ASAP.
“Read a book, drink coffee, put on PJs,” she says, or whatever you need to do.
For long plane rides, it’s handy to have your tablet or other entertainment handy in a carry-on, Murphy says, so the kids will have something to do.
At your destination
When you’re venturing around, only bring what you need. For a newborn, just use a baby carrier, or a lightweight, compact stroller if you’ll be walking around a big city, says Murphy. And to save cash, eat in for some meals, Leung says.
“It also means less waiting for a table at a restaurant or babies getting fussy (or) cranky during a two- or three-hour dinner,” she says.