"One of many reasons to fly business/first"

Ya know, this "answer" for everything gets a bit tiring...not all of us CAN or WANT to pay so much for business or first class. My ticket in "regular" class is just over $800.00 versus $4,000.00...big difference. I would rather use that difference for something else!

Amen, angy400. That $4,000 means I'd never go anywhere - and we're double-income, professional, no kids travelers. Really, how many of us have that kind of cash? I don't know very many.

And if I might add a related snarky remark: People who recommend staying in 4- and 5-star hotels because they're in "safer" neighborhoods and have better service. Sure, but who can afford that all the time - especially if you have a 17-month-old to raise and send to college?

Sorry - vent off.

Ani, it sounds like you're getting this plan under control with some good advice. I think it's great that you travel with your young child.

My parents took me camping through Mexico for a month when I was that age and while I don't remember it, the stories my family tells about the trip, the pictures, etc., are part of the fabric of my life. And those "secondhand memories" made it a lot more enticing for me when we did a repeat trip when I was 10 - I was so excited to go!

Good luck to you.

Ani, I remember when you were expecting little R and how excited you and We were...I cannot believe she is now about to go on her first trip to Europe!!

Aside from the typical Fodor thing when one posts about traveling with ones child, your predicament sounds like that old adage, You plan and You plan then Life happens!
I am sorry this is causing anxiety before your trip, but I do hope it all goes smoothly for you and the flight is easier than you are now fearing.
Flying with children used to be so much easier for some reason, or is it just that I was so clueless that I never realized how hard it was ? LOL
Take care and have a great time with your family, including your darling little girl.
Scarlett

Thanks so much...I really am getting a little nervous but know it will be a wonderful trip. We do miss the UK so so much. I'll attempt to give a bit of a report when we get back-hopefully it will be helpful to others traveling with little ones.

Lo siento, I really don't know anyone who actually pays real money for business/first travel and certainly not retail fares.
M

We do, Mike. It's only money....

Ani dear, have a wonderful trip and I will look forward to a report on your return.

Ani - I'm looking forward to a trip report also. My husband is changing jobs soon, so we are going to be looking at a short-notice break between gigs. I'm hoping to convince him that it's time to take our little one to Europe for the first time, too.

Have a great time!!