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Travelling with a kid and an infant to England, Scotland and Paris, Any Advice?

Travelling with a kid and an infant to England, Scotland and Paris, Any Advice?

Old Jul 3rd, 1997, 09:14 AM
  #1  
Libby
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Travelling with a kid and an infant to England, Scotland and Paris, Any Advice?

My husband and me is planning for a holiday with our 5 years old son and 11 mths old daughter in Mid Sept for about 18 days. We plan to spend two weeks in England & Scotland and couple of days in Paris. As this is our first trip and we are travelling on tight budget, we hope to get advice from anyone on practically anything like budget Motels/Hotels, car rentals, weather, things to bring along, advice on handling kids and infants on long trips (in airplane and in Car), food, interesting places not to be missed, places of interest for kids etc. Friends are advising us against the idea of bringing my daughter cause she is too young. Please advice. THANKS A LOT IN ADVANCE. Libby (Singapore).
 
Old Jul 4th, 1997, 05:13 AM
  #2  
Lanny Morry
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I'm with your friends. Leave the baby girl at home. And in fact, are you really sure you want to bring a 5 year old? I took my son when he was 7 for a grand tour of Great Britain and I regretted it from the time they sealed the door on the plane even before we actually took off. Whine, whine, snivel, squirm, complain, bitch, I'm bored, I don't want to do this, I do want to do that etc. etc. for two weeks. Constant travel and moving from one place to another is an awful stress on youngsters. If you have a relative or someone else where you live who can provide appropriate care I would park the kids and plan on taking them when they are old enough to appreciate it -- I recommend early teens when they are semi sensible and likely to appreciate the places you find so appealing and insist on visiting.
 
Old Jul 4th, 1997, 06:13 AM
  #3  
ROCKEY BOB
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Leave the kids home and enjoy your trip!!
 
Old Jul 4th, 1997, 12:33 PM
  #4  
Tricia
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We have been dreaming of a trip to Europe for years and are doing it now that the kids are 13 and 17 and our bank account a little fatter. Put aside your dreams for a few more years and plan something the kids will love. We took our kids to Walt Disney World when they were 5 and 9 and what fun we had. Caribbean Beach Resort was $80 a night and right on a white sand beach with lots of fun for children. Then there is breakfast with Mickey and the gang. You'll have memories for years to come. On the other hand, museums, castles, and shopping bore children. I did read an article in the travel section of the L.A. times about a woman who works abroad and has children (older than yours though). They rent a house and stay in one place. She says it works out much cheaper. Just remember a long plane trip can test your childrens patience and the patience of passengers around them.
 
Old Jul 5th, 1997, 08:54 AM
  #5  
Libby
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To :Ms Lanny Morry, Mr Rockey Bob, Ms Tricia
Thank you so much for all the kind advices, we will definitely take all your advice into consideration. THANKS AGAIN. Libby.
 
Old Jul 11th, 1997, 08:03 PM
  #6  
Karen Harris
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Take the plunge, and take the kids! Just make sure you're up for it.
I took two toddlers on a 14 day trip through Great Britain and we definitely
had our ups and downs. Don't try to do to much and gear the trip for the youngest
member of the family (consider feeding and nap times) Take lots of portable activities
for your 5yr old and plan on picking up things along the way and be willing to leave some
behind if you have to. Having your son give some of his toys away to a local child in a park
is a great way of striking up new friendships. Keep a journal, short and sweet but noting the
the fun things as well as the difficulties. Don't a photo or video camera so the kids can relive
their trip when they're older. Children are great ice breakers and open doors to exciting opportunities.
While visiting the London Transport Museum in Covent Garden my 5yr old son started talking to
a docent and the next thing we new we were being led around the museum by our very own guide. Be open
minded and flexible. A trip without the kids will probably be more relaxing but I will never forget listening
as my 5yr old son trying to order hot chocolate in French at a small cafe in Paris, or the startling sight of my 4yr old
daughter hailing a cab in London because she was tired of walking. Bon Vacance!
 

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