For all these reasons, the Berkshires have been attracting family vacationers (and repatriates) for centuries as a place to escape New York and Boston’s summer heat. After all, the Berkshires are just a three-hour drive from New York to the South or Boston to the East.

And when summer’s over? Families come for the fall foliage that is the stuff of New England dreams. Can you just smell the apple cider?

The beautiful Berkshires offer year-round family-friendly activities, including cultural events, outdoor fun, and kid-friendly restaurants. The following recommendations will guide you to the best of these New England attractions — with the chance to stay at a real Gilded Age mansion and meet some local artisans.

1: Hike the Appalachian Trail

Imagine coming home from your vacation and telling your friends (or show-and-tell audience) that you hiked the Appalachian Trail. Talk about bragging rights!

The Appalachian Trail meanders up the East Coast from Georgia to Maine and is the longest single path in the world that is dedicated to hiking only. A portion goes right through the Berkshire Mountains and makes for a fantastic family hike.

The trailhead in Great Barrington has good parking facilities and is a great place to hop on the trail for an easy hike with younger kids. Or for a serious family outdoor adventure, you can head over to Mount Greylock, the highest peak in Massachusetts at almost 3,500 feet.

The full hike from the base to the top of Mount Greylock is a challenging eight miles. But its panoramic views of New England will prove well worth it.

If that’s too much for your brood, you can easily do just a small part of the climb—just stop in at the Visitor’s Station at mountain base and pick up a map of the local hiking trails.

2: Enjoy an Outdoor Symphony at Tanglewood

The Boston Symphony Orchestra has been relocating to the cooler climes of the Berkshires every summer since 1937. Their Tanglewood music season has become one of the most beloved music “festevents” in the country. In fact, it’s a bucket list item for virtually every classical music lover. And since the concerts are held in a beautiful outdoor setting and bringing a picnic is de rigueur, you will find many children among the audience.

To make it even more attractive to families, they offer 50% admission prices for children under 18 and have a host of family activities, including Watch and Play, a free interactive musical performance designed to engage children ages 3-10 in music appreciation.

3. Make Your Own Music at the Magic Fluke

Even if you don’t have a ukulele enthusiast in your family, you must visit The Magic Fluke during your stay in the Berkshires.

The artisans in this small shop have created beautiful handmade ukuleles since 1999. And they recently added a violin and an electric bass to their repertoire. Not only do they encourage customers (including children!) to try out the instruments, you will get a first-hand look at how they’re made.

The workshop sits right behind the music shop and you will see artisans at work on their latest instrument. One of my greatest joys as a parent is watching my children engaged in a conversation with someone who is passionate about what they do. These guys not only have a passion for their work, but they are clearly eager to share their passion with even the youngest visitors.

And really, is there a better souvenir than a Berkshire-made ukulele?

4: Go Jump in a Lake

The Berkshires are dotted with ponds, lakes, and swimming holes. And what better place to burn off some energy and cool off at the same time?

Lake Buel in Great Barrington stretches over a mile wide and is about 15 feet at its deepest. It has a small, easily accessible public beach where you can launch your watercraft.

Also in Great Barrington is Lake Mansfield, which has a roped-off swimming area, a small playground, and a lovely walking loop that circles the lake.

If you’re looking to rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddle board (SUP), head over to Berkshire Outfitters in Adams. The rentals come with paddles and PDFs, everything you need for a great (and safe) day on the lake. Cal site.

Recommended Resort for Families: Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort

During the Gilded Age (late 19^th century), it was very fashionable among a certain wealthy industrialists set to build a “summer cottage” in the Berkshires. And by cottage, they meant large and elaborate mansions.

Today’s Cranwell Spa and Golf Resort in Lenox is an opulent Tudor cottage built by John Sloane in 1894. This Gilded Age mansion gives you the chance to glimpse a bygone era of New England’s history, while enjoying modern amenities. Among them: an indoor and outdoor pool, a golf course, and a fabulous spa.

Many of the Cranwell’s suites have separate living rooms with sofabeds and are a great option for families.

Recommended Berkshires Restaurant for Families:

In the middle of downtown Great Barrington sits a wonderfully family-friendly pizza restaurant, Baba Louie’s.  Although you can get a classic cheese pizza for your picky ones, their menu is full of fresh combinations that will make you want to return, and soon. In lieu of a kids menu, check their daily pasta special for children.

We were particularly taken with the Puttanesca pizza, with shrimp, anchovies, capers, and green olives. They offer a gluten-free crust. Also, check for the daily pasta special, and a children’s pasta meal served with a side of broccoli.

You might also like:

Boston with Kids – Massachusetts Family Vacation Guide

Cape Cod with Kids – Massachusetts Family Vacation Guide

Review of the Lumix DMC-TS25 Waterproof Camera

Six Amazing Ireland Family Vacation Destinations

Screen-Free, Battery-Free Travel Toys and Games

Anatomy of a Great Travel Hat for Kids

Traverse City with Kids – Michigan Family Vacation Guide

Ten Unforgettable California Family Vacation Ideas

Traveling with a child under 5 years? Don’t miss “How to Travel with a Car Seat (Without Losing Your Mind)” and my ultimate index to Flying with a Baby or Toddler advice at TravelswithBaby.com.

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SaveAn earlier version of this post was published September 15, 2016. It has since been updated and revised.

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Before I had kids, I tended toward quantity over quality, often lugging an extra four or five extra pairs of shoes and a different jacket for every weather eventuality, from gale to blizzard to sandstorm, no matter what the destination. In short, it was a disaster.

In nearly eighteen years of traveling with three kids, I was forced to pare our clothes and supplies down to the bare essentials. These days, if it there’s even a chance that it will not get worn, it no longer gets packed. I’ve also learned that maybe packing skills are not genetic after all. I may never reach the packing prowess of my packing guru (have you seen this video of how she packs 100 items in a carry-on?!), but I’m getting there.

Here are ten things, in no particular order, that I never leave home without when traveling with my family.

Travel packing cubes

I resisted these for years, just as I didn’t believe that rolling your clothes when you pack them actually lets you cram way more into your suitcase (it does). But it’s true. Packing cubes work. When you’re traveling as a family, they let you separate everyone’s clothes in your large suitcase, making it much easier to unpack when you get to your destination. You can also bring extra cubes for dirty laundry, wet swimsuits, etc. Click here to see loads of packing cube options at eBags (pun intended and affiliate link–thank you for supporting this site with your clicks!).

Books set in your destination

One of our favorite things to do in preparation for a trip is to read a book set in our destination (not just the guidebook). We loved reading Gennifer Choldenko’s Al Capone Does My Shirts before our outing to Alcatraz on a recent trip to San Francisco (see The 411 on San Francisco if you’re heading that way, too).

If your travels include a long road trip, get the audio book. You can get them for free at your local library and many are available on Audible (click here for more info about the Audible Membership). Just make sure you don’t leave library CDs in your rental car!

A travel scarf or pashmina

It’s inevitable. You’re either going to freeze or broil on your airplane ride. There is no compromise and seemingly no temperature control. The best way to deal is to dress in layers (yes, mom was right—she is always right) and bring along a large travel scarf or pashmina.

This will not only keep you toasty on the plane when temperatures dip below zero but will come in handy as an extra layer or even a blanket for anyone in your party if you’re headed somewhere chilly or you need to spend time in transit in an overly air-conditioned airport. Better yet, consider a travel scarf with benefits–like this infinity scarf with a concealed pocket.

Easy-packing reusable shopping bag

Not only do folding reusable shopping bags save our oceans and wildlife from long-term damage caused by plastic bags, they come in handy when you find yourself in a local grocery stores or market stocking up on snacks to bring back to your rental or hotel room.

Many cities (San Francisco) and even states (Hawaii) along with some European countries have already banned single use plastic bags and even disposable bags so it may in fact be your only option. Look for compactly folding reusable bags that pack into their own pouch and make sure to tuck one into your travel purse or day pack to have when needed during travel.

Travel-friendly foldable raincoats

The European child in me has fond memories of my foldable K-Way navy windbreaker/rain jacket (I grew up in Belgium). You can fold it up and wear as a belt around your waist, ready for whatever the weather may bring. It was the perfect thing for vacationing on the windy and sometimes misty Belgian coast. I’ve bought them for my own children and they’ve traveled with us to Maine, Peru, and Scotland, saving us during many a sudden rain or wind storm.

The best credit and ATM cards for traveling abroad

Imagine arriving in Istanbul off a red-eye from the U.S. All you need to do to start enjoying this new city is get some local currency from the ATM and hail a taxi. Except the ATM machine won’t dispense any cash. Odd, you think, and you try the next machine. You won’t try a third because you’re afraid your card will get eaten, and so you spend the next forty-five sweaty minutes on the phone with your bank, assuring them that you are, in fact, you, and you really are in Istanbul.

To avoid this scenario when traveling abroad with your own family, make sure you call your bank and your credit card provider to alert them of when and where you’ll be traveling. Also, make sure you’re packing an ATM card with no foreign transaction fees (click here to see some of the best-rated credit cards with no foreign transaction fees). Then determine which ATM network your bank belongs to–PLUS, Cirrus or Maestro–so you can determine which bank ATMs at your destination won’t charge extra (or at least not outrageous) fees (more helpful info on this here).

More tips: You can also use the International Mastercard ATM Locator or the VISA Global ATM Locator to help find ATMS as you travel. And if you’ll be using credit cards in Europe, read this helpful post by Rick Steve’s on what you need to know about the European chip + PIN system.

Tide or other laundry spot cleaner

It’s hard enough to find laundry facilities when you’re traveling domestically. When you’re traveling abroad, it can be a real adventure. This is why you should never, ever leave the country (or really your home) without a good spot cleaner. Stuff it in your backpack or purse and you’ll be ready when the inevitable happens and the gelato/street taco/red wine spills on your favorite clothes. Because who knows how long it will be before your next load of laundry.

A universal adapter

A couple of years ago, I took a ten-day trip to three different countries, which, while not too far in distance, each had a different electrical outlet. Rather than fussing around with different adapters and transformers, I purchased a universal adapter which worked seamlessly in each country.

Even if it’s your first trip abroad, I would recommend the universal adapter rather than one for your specific destinations. It will save you money in the long run. Just remember that it is not also a converter, so make sure your devices you’ll be traveling with are dual voltage (most cell phones, lap tops, and even curling irons sold in the U.S. are “Dual Voltage 100-240V” these days; check labeling to be sure).

Travel lovey, travel blanket, or stuffed animal

The combination of jet-lag, unfamiliar foods, and strange new places to sleep will undoubtedly ring in a whole new level of meltdowns in your little one. One airport in particular is still referred to in our house as “the one where J had that epic meltdown.” So while it’s tempting to pare your packing down to the bare minimum, do not skimp on the comfort.

A favorite storybook, Matchbox car, stuffed animal, or blanket can really save the day. I recommend getting a new special toy/cozy a week or so before your trip and talking up the fact that they will be traveling with you on your adventure. Your child can also document the trip with photos of their special new friend on the plane, on a hike, and sitting quietly in the airport lounge visibly not having a meltdown.

Your family’s medical records

In our eighteen years of travel with three boys, we’ve never had to visit a doctor in another country—I am knocking on wood as I write this. However, if you are traveling abroad, it’s a good idea to be prepared for that eventuality. Yet if your child is over the age of six, her immunization record is probably already longer than your arm.

But I’m sure you’d be hard-pressed to tell anyone what exact shots they’ve had to date. And since immunization schedules are different in every country, you can’t assume doctors in a foreign country will know what you mean when you say they are up to date, or whether your child has a sensitivity to any specific medications or allergens.

Before your trip, ask your doctor to send over copies of your children’s records, just in case, or check if your health insurance or health care provider offers electronic health records. Having any allergies noted in the language of the destination where you’ll be visiting, along with the current weight of your children converted to kg. where appropriate, could be very helpful should someone fall ill during your trip. For simple over-the-counter medications, many pharmacists will need to know your child’s weight to help you get the appropriate medicine and dose.

You might also like:

How to Pack 1 Checked Bag for 3 Kids (Without Losing Your Mind)

Ten Ways to Live Like a Local Family During Travel

Five Travel Laundry Hacks for Families

Six Great Travel Games and Toys for Tots to Teens

Nine Amazing Vacations Abroad and Tips for When You Get There

Six Amazing Ireland Family Vacation Destinations

The best travel purse for a DSLR Camera I’ve found

Note: An earlier version of this post was published November 9, 2017. It’s since been revised and updated.

The post Ten Things You Should Always Pack for Travel with the Family appeared first on Family Travel 411.

1. Plan your (express) arrival in London.

Getting into London from the airport is relatively quick and easy. You will most likely be flying into Heathrow or Gatwick. From Gatwick, you will want to take the Gatwick Express Train into Victoria Station. While it’s a bit more expensive than the Southern Rail, it is fifteen minutes quicker and will not get as crowded. Note that the walk to the train station is a bit of a haul. Similarly, when you arrive at Heathrow, just follow the signs for the Heathrow Express, which will get you into central London in comfort in just fifteen minutes.

2. Use “Airportr” to get your luggage from the airport to London.

If you’re flying into London from the U.S., chances are you’ll be taking a red-eye. This means you may be arriving in London at the crack of dawn and may not be able to check into your hotel until the usual 3:00 or 4:00 p.m. AirPortr is a service that will grab your luggage at the airport, wrap it up in plastic wrap, and transport it to your hotel for you, leaving you free to go take a much lighter jaunt into town, grab some breakfast, and still be the first in line when the museum opens. Genius! Find out more at: www.airportr.com.

3. Use the Tube—unless you have a stroller!

The London tube is a great, convenient, and cost-effective way to get around—unless you are traveling with a little one in a stroller. In fact, elevators are so rare and hard-to-find that it makes you wonder how people in wheelchairs get around. If you’re traveling with a stroller, you’ll want to use the bus system, which can be a real treat for little ones, especially if they can sit on the top level of double-decker buses. The one drawback, of course, is the London traffic, so try to avoid rush hour if you can. Find out more: Click here for info about taking London buses and follow this link for info on the London Underground (Tube).

4. Take the Thames Clipper.

I love to mix up our transportation while on vacation. And if we can include a boat, I know it will make everyone—especially the member of the family with crowd anxiety—much, much happier. The Thames Clipper is a river bus service that caters to both commuters and tourists. You’ll get fantastic daytime or nighttime views of London’s famous sites, especially on the route between the London Eye and Greenwich (where the Maritime Museum and Royal Observatory are located). Find out more: Official site for the Thames Clippers

5. See a play or musical.

Theater (or theatre) is the thing in London. And scoring theater tickets (Hamilton aside) can be both easier and cheaper than in New York. While you’ll find many American musical productions that have skipped across the pond to the West End, I would highly recommend seeing a show you wouldn’t see at home. Horrible Histories, for example, is a series of shows geared towards children. Based on a popular book series, they have new productions every year of so.  And who knows, you may even “discover” a show before it moves to New York. Find out more: Click here for some great tips for scoring cheap theatre tickets.

6. Consider getting the London Pass.

In order to save money and maximize you time, you may be tempted to buy the London Pass. The card covers dozens of museums and attractions. But is it worth it? Keep in mind that many museums, such as the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum, are actually free, and that some of the more obscure museums included in the Pass (e.g., The Fan Museum, which is dedicated to…fans) may not be on anyone’s top ten list. So if you’re planning on doing several of the high-ticket items in one day—The Tower of London and Kensington Palace, for example—it certainly makes sense, but if you want a more leisurely itinerary, just plan to pay as you go. Find out more: Official site for the London Pass

7. Go deeper.

Even for an independent family, a good guided tour can give you insight into the history and culture of a place that you just won’t get from a guidebook or brochure. And as an added bonus, tours in popular sites often include skip-the-line tickets, saving you possible hours of whining, I mean winding, ticket lines. The Tower of London Tour, offered by Context Travel, is an example of a great historian-led tour that will take you inside the history of the Tower through the lens of both commoners and royalty. If you’re traveling with teens, check out the Rock and Roll Walking Tour offered by Viator, which explores London’s rich rock history from the Beatles to Amy Winehouse.

8. Do some advance reading and viewing to get the family excited.

A favorite way for my family to get ready for a trip is to read books and watch movies set in our destination. For a trip to London with younger kids, you really can’t do better than the charming Paddington Bear books and the recent movies.

For older children, the book series Horrible Histories is a great way to learn about British history. Check out Horrible Histories’ Gruesome Guide to London. And don’t forget to check if any of their theatrical productions are playing during your visit. Our favorite middle-school writer, David Walliams, set most of his books in London. They are hilarious and addictive.

9. Speak the language.

One of the great things about traveling to London is that everyone speaks your language. Except when they don’t. You’d be surprised at the many linguistic differences you’ll encounter. It might help you and the family to do a little prep work to avoid any spot of bother. Here are a few to get you going:

Boot – Trunk

Crisps – Chips

Chips – French Fries

Lorry – Truck

Loo – Bathroom

Queue – Line

Lift – Elevator

Flat – Apartment

Ground Floor – First Floor

Cheers – Thanks

Tip: When you’re traveling with babies or toddlers, there’s even more vocabulary to consider. Don’t miss this post at Travels with Baby for help: At Least They’ll Speak “English”: A Parent’s Guide to Babytalk Abroad.

10. Supermarkets are a great place for a quick meal (really).

Sometimes you just need to get food into your children stat and you don’t have time for messing around with tables, menus, or any of the nonsense that comes with dining out. Supermarket meals are just the thing. You’ll find smaller supermarkets sprinkled throughout London. The major chains, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, offer inexpensive quick meals, usually a sandwich with chips and a drink, for around three pounds. Prawn mayonnaise and eggs mayonnaise with watercress are popular options. These are great for taking to the park on a sunny day or just fueling up on the go.

Friendly Bonus Tip: Relax and have a pint.

You’ve been sight-seeing all morning and your people are getting hungry and restless and, let’s face it, starting to drive you and your sweetie a bit bonkers. It’s time to squeeze in a little grown-up time. Lunch at a friendly pub is just the thing. Traditional pub food also happens to be very child-friendly (e.g., fish and chips, bangers and mash). Here is a list of pubs that cater to families.

For more help planning your London vacation with kids, see:

The 411 on London with Kids

How to take a London taxi cab with your stroller (and your child still in it)

Tips for visiting London’s Natural History Museum with young children

At Least They’ll Speak “English”: A Parent’s Guide to Babytalk Abroad

Pin Ten Tips for a Smoother London Vacation with Kids for later:

The post Ten Tips for a Smoother London Vacation with Kids appeared first on Family Travel 411.

If you don’t have experience with vacation rentals, it can be a bit daunting. Knowing where to look, what look for, and what to ask will help ensure your rental experience goes smoothly so you can get the most out of your trip.

1. Read the reviews carefully

If you have ever used TripAdvisor.com before making a hotel reservation, you’ll know how helpful a review can be. This is even more important with vacation rentals, since individual properties are really only reviewed on the website itself. If you notice a property that looks wonderful but isn’t reviewed, contact the owner and ask them why. I recently had that experience and the owner replied that the property had a number of reviews on another website, where they tend to get most of their business.

Likewise, if you see a negative review, make sure you read it thoroughly. Some of the complaints may not be relevant to you at all (e.g., they didn’t like the color scheme, the neighborhood was too quiet, etc.) If you’re renting from a local rental company, you will also see reviews related to the management and service, which can be useful as well.

2. Check the location, location, location

Our family has had several incidents where the vacation rental was absolutely not in the swanky neighborhood mentioned in the listing but in much less desirable area barely adjacent to the one advertised. We all know what a difference a few blocks can make, especially in a big city.

In most cases, unless you’re in a “doorman building,” you will be letting yourself in and out of your rental, possibly at all hours. Always ask for the exact address before you book, then look it up on Google Maps—including the street view. And if you can, ask a local friend to check it out for you.

Our on-the-water vacation rental in mid-coast Maine, an ideal family retreat.

3. Be friendly

If you’re renting directly from an owner, you are entering a relationship that needs to be based on trust. Just as you want to trust the description and reviews of the property, a conscientious owner needs to know that they can trust you to be respectful of their property. So be friendly!

When inquiring about the rental, introduce yourself and note what you like about the property and why you’re visiting. This will open the door to a better stay for both parties. And once the owner finds out your interests, he or she may offer bonus tips and recommendations to help you make the most of your stay.

4. Check your check-in and check-out

Coordinating your arrival time is critical with a rental, especially if you’re in an unfamiliar location and lugging suitcases. You’re not going to be able to wing it. We’ve met owners in coffee shops, at train stations, and in the home itself.

On the plus side, we’ve found owners were a little more lenient on check-in and check-out times than hotels, as long as you discuss it with them ahead of time. In some cases, you may be able to drop of your luggage ahead of the check-in time even if the property is still getting cleaned.

Tip: If you’ll be arriving jetlagged early in the morning–with nowhere to stash your bags, check with the owner if you can start your booking the day before your actual arrival. It could well be worth the extra night’s fee if you can go straight from airport to your vacation rental to freshen up and get your vacation started. And in some cases, the owner may even wave the extra night’s fee and grant you the early check in time.

5. Make sure the kitchen works for you

Meals are a big reason family travelers choose a rental over a hotel. It’s nice to eat on your own schedule, cater to your picky eater, and have a real table to eat on if you just want to get take out. If you’re planning on cooking in your rental, make sure it’s properly equipped, according to your–not the owner’s–liking. Will there be appropriate pans and utensils for the kind of cooking you are planning to do? Likewise, you’ll want to know how far you are from the closest market or grocery store, especially if you’ll be without a car.

6. Shop local (for your rental)

While we’ve done well renting from the usual suspects (Airbnb, Homeaway, etc.), for longer stays in holiday areas, we prefer local agencies. Not only will you see properties not listed on the global sites, but you’ll also have a team of people with local knowledge at your fingertips. On the Water in Maine, for instance, has great listings in mid-coast Maine and excellent customer service. At Home in France is a Franco-American company that just focuses on rentals in France.

7. Check the cancellation policy

Unlike hotels, vacation rentals don’t seem to follow an industry standard when it comes to cancellations. Some require a fifty percent deposit, some require full payment up front, and others ask for payment a month prior to your stay. As another example, Airbnb has different types of cancellation policies, ranging from flexible, which gives you a full refund up to twenty-four hours before your stay (minus the service fee), to super strict, which only allows a fifty percent refund thirty days prior to your stay. If you’re at risk of losing much of a deposit, make sure to get a travel insurance plan that would cover this loss just in case (remember Allianz covers kids under 17 years free).

8. Consider a family-focused vacation rental company

When you’re traveling with babies and toddlers, the accompanying paraphernalia can be a bear to lug around. Between the pack and play, the stroller, the high chair, and the must-have toys, it feels like you might as well bring a moving van and settle in forever. Enter Kid and Coe, a vacation rental company that caters specifically to families. They not only make sure that the vacation rentals are safe and in family-friendly neighborhoods, but they can also provide all the baby equipment your little one might need.

9. Don’t rule out luxury

Don’t assume rental properties cater only to those willing to forego luxury to save a little money over hotels. Dig into the luxury rental market and you’ll find spectacular properties with high-end finishes, fine linens, and outstanding service.

One Fine Stay has vetted properties in over one hundred and eighty destinations worldwide. The Virgin Limited Edition collection includes three exquisite villas in Mallorca. For swoon-worthy Italian properties, including fabulous apartments in Venice and villas on the Amalfi Coast and Tuscany, you can do no better than Excellence Villas.

For more inspiration, see the feature at our sister site, Castles Fit for a Kid: Three unforgettable family-friendly villas in Europe.

Saint-Aignan in the Loire Valley, a great home base for exploring–especially when you have a vacation rental for your home base.

10. Know what to do in case of emergency

Even in the best of properties, things can and do go wrong. Toilets get backed up. Heaters/air conditioners suddenly stop working. Before you rent, make sure you know who to contact if you have any trouble in your rental.

If you’re renting from a professional management firm, find out if they’re local and if you have twenty-four hour access. If you’re renting directly from the owner, find out from them what the procedure is in case of emergencies, big or small.

A friend of mine who runs an Airbnb recently got a call that there had been a water main break at her (local) property. She quickly arranged for her tenants to use showers at the local gym for the day until the situation was fixed, which thankfully happened quickly.

Find yours! Browse family vacation rentals around the world with VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) and  HomeAway.com.

You might also like:

Six Great Maui Vacation Rentals for a Multi-Gen Family Vacations

How to Build a Budget-Friendly Maui Family Vacation

Ten Ways to Live Like a Local During Family Travel

Five Travel Laundry Hacks for Families

California with Kids: Ten Unforgettable Family Vacation Ideas

Six Amazing Ireland Family Vacation Destinations

At TravelswithBaby.com: Castles Fit for a Kid: Three unforgettable family-friendly villas in Europe

The post Ten Things You Should Do Before Booking Family Vacation Rentals appeared first on Family Travel 411.

As a playwright, proud stage mom, playgoer, and former resident of New York, I have a few tips that will help you make the most of the famed bright lights of Broadway so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.

1. Get tickets ahead of time.

Budget travelers will tell you to go to the TKTS booth on Times Square to look for cheap last-minute tickets. But with kids, the last thing you want is to spend weeks talking up this big outing, only to find that there are no tickets to be had. Also, standing in line may sound good in 70-degree weather but is not so fun in the sweltering summer heat or a winter storm (New York excels at both).

2. Look for discounts.

Just because you’re getting your tickets ahead of time does not mean you need to pay full price. Several websites offer discount codes, which can save you tens of dollars. One of the most reliable is Broadway Box. As well, with a free membership to Playbill (yes, the very company that makes those handy programs), you’ll get weekly updates on discounts to shows with updates of what’s going on in the theater world.

3. Pick you show carefully.

Maybe I’m a theater snob. Scratch that. I am definitely a theater snob. But I do feel like if you’re going to pay the money to see a Broadway show, it should be something you wouldn’t be able to see at home. Try to keep abreast of shows that will be touring in your area so you avoid seeing a show you could have seen at home. Les Miserables, for example, toured our home town of Washington, DC, right after a Broadway run. I would have felt a little cheated if we’d traveled to New York for it.

4. Allow extra time.

If you’ve been in and around Times Square, you’ll know that navigating your group through the throngs of people can be a challenge. When you’re running late for a show, it can be downright panic-inducing. And once you get to the theater, you’ll have to stand in line and go through a bag check. Late seating is very much frowned upon and sometimes not allowed at all. So make sure you leave yourself plenty of extra time to get there.

The bustle of Broadway adds excitement to any trip to NYC with kids.

5. Beware the bathrooms.

One of the best things about Broadway shows are the theaters themselves. They are grand affairs with gilded ceilings, beautiful chandeliers, and rich, deep colors reminiscent of an earlier era, an era when, apparently, people had enormous bladders. Theater bathrooms are notoriously tiny and not available on every floor. Often, the orchestra restrooms are down a flight of stairs, next to the downstairs bar, or a flight up on the first balcony. And you’ll be amazed at how few stalls there are. So, any time you’re taking kids to a Broadway show, make sure you allow extra time for a pit stop before the show starts and plan to rush over during intermission, especially with little ones.

PSSSST! Don’t miss “The 411 on NYC with Kids” for recommendations and more tips for your family’s visit to New York City!

 

6. Plan your meals.

Five minutes navigating the throngs of people in midtown Manhattan, especially unwieldy during school vacations and holidays, and you’ll realize that wandering around looking for a place to eat with your hungry brood has the potential to turn very ugly very fast. Add to that the fact that you will face a pre-theater and/or post-theater rush in many family-friendly restaurants near the theaters and you’ll be glad you have a plan. Ellen’s Stardust Diner, which is a stone’s throw away from a number of theaters, is excellent and has a Broadway theme, a singing wait staff (!), and is a great choice for families of all ages. Expect to stand in line for this (no reservations accepted), but don’t worry, it moves very fast and worth the wait.

7. Attend Broadway Week.

If your travel dates are flexible, try to head to New York during Broadway Week and take advantage of some amazing bargains. Now in its eighth year, Broadway Week happens at the beginning of the year (January 16 to February 4 in 2018) and offers two-for-one tickets to over a dozen Broadway shows. Check www.nycandcompany.org for details and hotel deals.

8. Go see a preview show.

Before a show officially opens on Broadway, it will spend a few weeks in previews. This means the cast and crew may still be working out a few kinks and the show hasn’t been reviewed yet (it only gets reviewed after it opens). It also means you could be among the first to see a brand new show and, bonus, you will pay a lot less for your ticket (often as low as $30 a ticket). Check www.newyorktheatreguide.com for a listing of upcoming shows and preview dates.

9. Get autographs.

Oh, the thrill of a signed playbill!

What better souvenir from your Broadway outing than a playbill signed by your favorite performer? The best way to score an autograph—and maybe even a photo—is to “hang out” by the stage door waiting for the cast to exit after the show. The stage door is often just off to the side of the main theater entrance and will usually have a sign on it. If it seems to be taking a long time, feel free to ask the stage door security guard to bring your playbill inside for a signature.

10. Stay close to the action.

If you’re catching a show or two during your stay in New York, you’ll want to stay near the action, preferably without completely breaking the bank. The Kimberly Hotel is near both Rockefeller Center and the theaters, and offers large one-bedroom and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes and very comfortable sofa beds. Their one-bedroom apartments fit five people quite comfortably. Portable cribs are available free of charge and rollaway beds are an additional $30. Kids will love the enormous fish tank in the hotel lobby. Ask for a room with a balcony and a street view if you want to be part of the action. If you prefer quiet, however, you’ll want to stay in the back.

Don’t miss it! Be sure to read The 411 on NYC with Kids for more recommendations.

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The post Ten Things to Know Before Taking Kids to a Broadway Show appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Mom, remember the chicken nuggets in Rome? They were just like the ones we ate at home! Oh, and that hotel room in San Francisco? Remember how it looked exactly like our room in Tulum? … and the one in Philadelphia? …and the one in London?

Let’s face it, no wander-lusting, travel planning parent wants to hear that!

Family travel is about experiencing new destinations together and getting out of our everyday routines. The best way to do that is to build in some plans of living like a local family during your travels. Here are some tips to help you and your family live like locals wherever you roam.

1. Rent a family-friendly apartment or a house

Choosing a house or apartment rental over a hotel room will not only give you much-needed extra room, it will also let you experience a real neighborhood as you wave hello to your temporary neighbors and get to know your neighborhood.

You might also experience some interesting architectural and home design differences, like a Japanese toilet or a solar home. Just try to avoid “vacation villages” that are so ubiquitous in many coastal areas. Bonus: searching for an out-of-town pied-a-terre will make you feel like you’re on House Hunters.

Browse through VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner) to find family-friendly vacation rental homes and apartments around the world.

2. Case out the neighborhood playgrounds

Now that you have a good home base in your adopted town, you’ll need to meet some local families. And what better place to start than the local playground?

If you don’t know where they are, just ask anyone you see with kids and they’ll point you to their favorite play to frolic. We have found some truly beautiful parks that way. Check out this great playground in Paris for example!

3. Shop locally

Although not cooking on vacation sounds great in theory, after one-too-many spilled glasses of juice, side glances from touchy waiters, jet-lagged tantrums, and long waits for tables, restaurant eating starts to take its toll. Plan to eat at least one meal a day at home and you’ll save money and stress.

And here’s the fun part—you’ll get to shop like a local. Visiting local grocery stores is always a favorite family activity when we travel. It’s a fun place to explore and taste new things. When we travel to England, we are always looking for the latest “crisps” or chips.

4. Stretch it out

While it’s tempting to go full Griswold and take in as many places as you can on your vacation, try to limit your trip to one or two places. Slowing down will give you a much better feel for the place and you’ll have a better chance of meeting local folks.

And keep in mind that in many places (I’m looking at you, Western Europe), attractions are only open certain days a week so extending your stay will help ensure you don’t miss some of the sights you came to see.

5. Seek out children’s programs

Most museums have hands-on children’s programs that cater to different age ranges. And you’ll find that most of the attendants are local families.

Take a look at the museum websites and plan to spend a morning or afternoon learning about art, history, or science. The National Gallery of Art in Washington DC, for example, has wonderful hands-on arts programs for different age groups, NGA Kids.

6. Learn the lingo

If you’re traveling abroad to a non-English speaking country, it’s a good idea to get some of the basics down. It’s also a fun family activity that will get everyone excited about the trip. And let’s face it, it’s never a bad idea for everyone in the family to learn some basic phrases you can use in an emergency.

The Mango online language series is a great resource and is available for free via many public libraries: www.mangolanguages.com. And if you’ll be traveling with babies or toddlers, you might like today’s post for Travels with Baby, At Least They’ll Speak “English”: A Parent’s Guide to Babytalk Abroad.

7. Take a day trip

Do you have a go-to weekend day trip? An off-the-beaten track gem you recommend to all your visitors? Everyone does, and chances are you won’t find it in a guidebook. This is where your new local playground friends will come in handy.

Ask around. You will get tons of recommendations for great places to go to get off the tourist track and be surrounded by local families. We’ve discovered so many treasures this way, from pottery classes in Taos New Mexico to remote hiking spots in Scotland.

You can also get a great overview of available tours and day trips by searching for your destination here.

8. Get a calendar of events

Before you leave, do a little online sleuthing and find a good source of information about family events in your destination . Will you be there during a children’s film festival? Carnival? An annual parade?

Make a schedule of can’t-miss local events and try to plan around it. You will undoubtedly get more out of it than trudging through yet another museum and you’ll learn so much about the local culture.

Time Out has lists of children’s events and activities in a number of U.S. and international cities. Also check out Tiny Beans if you’re headed to Washington, DC, New York, Atlanta, San Francisco, Portland, Seattle, or Chicago.

9. Mix up your rides

If you’re like many of us, you and your kids spend a lot of your day in your car. Unless you’re actually going on a road trip, don’t let that happen on your vacation! Take the metro, the ferry, the funicular, and the moto-taxi. It’s often the cheapest way to travel and your kids will see something beyond the back seat of the car.

10. Take a cooking class

It’s no secret that one of the best ways to get to know a culture is through its food. Taking a local cooking class is a great family activity and it just might nudge the picky eater in your group to try something new.

And what better souvenir to bring home than a recipe you can make yourself, that will evoke the scent and taste of that long-ago vacation?  Search TripAdvisor for cooking classes in your next destination.

So let’s flash forward… You’ve just finished a wonderful meal of home-made pasta prepared by your eldest child—the “famous” recipe he learned in a kid-friendly cooking class in Rome.

Your youngest is regaling you with memories of the waterfall you stumbled upon on your hike in Vermont that was recommended to you by those lovely neighbors who lived next to your farmhouse rental all those years ago. The ones who just sent you a holiday card–because for those few precious days you were really living there. You were a local.

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The post Ten Ways to Live Like a Local Family During Travel appeared first on Family Travel 411.