Be it travelling with preschoolers or with other kids; the entire trip can turn into a nightmare when things go berserk and out of hand. The key steps need to be taken while planning the trip, requiring a communion of sorts with everyone in the home. This mindset needs to be put into action as well when you are in the actual trip, and things might not necessarily go according to plan. Some children don’t like the prospect of travel while others might be excited early but get bored pretty soon when the travelling kicks in. Taking into account all these possibilities while travelling with kids will work to your benefit in the long run.

Checklist For Parents When Travelling With Children

To make it easier for parents who are attempting to travel with their children for the first time or even all over again, we have put together a child and toddler travel checklist that has numerous tips and advice, which can help you assemble your trip with ease.

1. Do Not Rush

Let this be your mantra irrespective of the stage of the trip. While planning your trip together, make sure you take care of all contingencies and keep a good time at each place to ensure that you are not rushing to reach somewhere else. This can easily happen when you happen to be late for your flight or your train. The movie Home Alone might be fiction, but children do often get lost in the hustle-bustle of the journey. Be patient and calm wherever you are.

2. Restrict Your Luggage

Most people tend to overestimate their needs during the trip and end up packing a lot of stuff that they may not even use throughout the trip. Overpacking can easily be confounding since every single item might feel necessary. Make your choices and prioritize the essentials, while also keeping a rational outlook for disposables. A lot of stuff, such as diapers or wipes, can be bought wherever you might be, so you only need to carry a bunch of them with you.

3. Choosing Between Homes And Hotels

This is a choice where the understanding of your own family might play a vital role or even their voluntary choice. Depending on where you are taking the trip, you might be on the fence about booking a hotel or a vacation home. A hotel does have its benefits, taking care of numerous activities for you. But having a home all to yourself can give you the freedom to make it as comfortable as you want it to be, and bring a sense of absolute privacy as well. Do give this some good thought.

4. Book The Place After Examining The Location

It might be tempting to quickly see the price of the hotel rooms and book it right away. Sure, the reviews are good, and the rating might be fantastic. But the presence of the hotel on a high hill might pose problems to you around pushing your pram all the way up. You might be recovering from your pregnancy, making the entire walk a hectic one. Such random factors can play an important role in deciding the mood of your trip.

5. Mark Your Child

Some parents might find this animalistic, but it is beneficial for your child. No matter how well you plan, children are random variables that might bring unforeseen circumstances into your perfect equation. Make sure to put an identity on your child, either in the form of a locket around their neck, or a temporary tattoo of sorts, which has all the details one might require to contact you, should your child stray away.

6. The Pool With The Sea

Heading to the beach might be your choice, but your kids might prefer to spend a major portion of their time playing around in the pool. If you are taking your children to the sea for the first time, be prepared for this since they might not be on the same page as you. Book a place that has a swimming pool in its vicinity so that your children can choose to dip in whichever water they please.

7. A Pram Versus A Sling

Carrying your kid or your toddler is yet another decision to make. Having a light pram that is compact and can fit with your luggage is a great option that takes minimal space and gives you the freedom of not carrying the child. Some parents prefer having a hands-free sling around their body to hold their child as well. This usually depends on your child’s weight and your fitness level.

8. Organise Luggage Appropriately

While travelling on flights, you ought to take extra care while packing. Make sure you pack the right luggage in the right bag. This needs to be a combination of items that your kid might require on the flight versus maintaining the weight norms for carry-on and check-in luggage. Try to use fanny packs to keep some items you frequently use right in it so that it doesn’t add to your carry-on luggage.

9. Choose The Right Flights

Here’s another situation that requires a balance between ease and cost. Going for a flight that is red-eye can save you some money, but be assured that your children will be cranky and your first day of the trip after you land might not be the ideal one. Also, having your little one cry throughout the flight is disturbing for you as well as everybody else. Best to choose evening flights even if you might have to pay a little more.

10. Choose The Right Seats

While travelling through trains, try to get window seats so that your child has something to look at and not get bored. While in a plane, opt for an aisle seat in the middle area of the plane to make it easier for you to walk your child or use the loo if needed.

11. Research Your Trip Locations

Travelling to an exotic place might be on your cards, but there might be certain precautions you would discover only after landing there. These could range from the propensity for certain diseases or visa-related rules that you were initially unaware of. Educate yourself thoroughly around these.

12. A Practice Trip

Before jumping on a vacation to a far-away destination, opt for a smaller domestic one. This could give you an idea of how well you manage to stick to your plan and how comfortable your child is with the entire concept of travelling.

13. Go For Web Check-Ins

Yes, some of them might cost a bit extra, but it is worth the peace of mind when you can walk to the airport, drop your luggage, get through security and wait for your flight. This always beats standing in line for long hours and waiting for your boarding pass.

14. Keep Enough Breaks

Some children tend to find travelling a little too hectic. Constantly going from one place to other can make them fussy. Keep a few breaks between each leg of the journey so that they don’t feel like rushing to meet a deadline.

15. Hypothesize Your Mistakes

Pinpoint planning and having everything decided down to the letter could make your entire programme feel invulnerable. But keep an open mind and try to go through each item, wondering what could go wrong with it. Check if you have contingencies in place to deal with such problems.

16. Sit Your Kids Down

Once you have a vacation in place, get your children together and walk them through the entire trip. This helps them get excited about the vacation, have a better idea of what’s to come or make you known about certain issues they might have.

17. Keep Room For Improvisation

Planning is good, but over-planning isn’t. You might have decided to visit a popular museum but might encounter an even interesting place after you reach your location. Keep space for such impromptu decisions and change your plans accordingly.

18. Travel With Another Family

Having a few more hands to help you around with some things always works better. Do have an understanding of splitting the expenses before you leave for the trip so that you can focus on the journey and not worry about money.

19. Stay Calm

Things might go wrong during the trip and the worst you can have is a child that is freaking out. By keeping yourself calm, you can help the child calm himself down as well and handle the situation in a better way.

20. Enjoy The Trip

Constantly thinking about the plan and the issues and problems don’t make for a good vacation. Remember to let go of constant control and go with the flow once in a while.

Remembering a few tips for travelling with young children can help you in numerous ways to face stressful situations that might arise before or during your trip. Your trip may not necessarily be problem-free, but you will always be able to handle it better and make it a vacation everyone will remember.

Top style tips for the United Kingdom

• Like most of Western Europe there is no dress code as such and really anything is acceptable.
• Black is always a popular color, and smart casual clothes will help you fit right in.
• In the UK jeans are worn by everyone – young and old alike – and unless you are visiting more upscale restaurants they are perfectly acceptable to wear everywhere.
• But a few up-market London venues and country hotels do still have a ‘smart’ dress code which is enforced (no jeans or sneakers, jacket and tie for gents) so check if you plan to dine in these places.
• Unless you are staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or intend visiting a spa, or the beach in high summer – leave your swimsuit at home as you’re unlikely to need it.
• If you are hitting the beaches, regular swimwear / a bikini is fine for swimming on the hottest days (July and August), but in spring and Fall wetsuits are popular (short or full length) to keep out the chill. From October to March it will be just too cold to swim, except for the very hardy!
• When out in the countryside you may be some distance from shelter if the weather turns bad; at all times of year go prepared with a sweater, waterproof, snacks and drinking water. Take a mobile phone in case of emergency too.
• If you are looking for a highly versatile travel jacket to bring along we recommend the SCOTTeVEST range. Their range of jackets have been specifically designed with traveling in mind and include RFID security (to protect your passport information), 23 secure pockets and personal connectivity integration.

Shoes to pack for the United Kingdom

• The best way to see many of the sites in the UK is to walk, and good quality lightweight but smart walking shoes are recommended. For comfort and style we recommend Hotter shoes, and they have something to suit all occasions.
• Save your high heels for the evenings.

Pack for the weather

• The weather can be changeable in the UK, from day to day and even hour to hour – it’s not unknown to experience all four seasons in one day. Pack a lightweight raincoat and travel umbrella whatever time of year you visit, even in the summer.
• In the cooler months of November, December, January, February and March a warm coat, gloves, warm hat and a scarf are essential – and layer up.
• Dressing in layers will help you cope with the temperature changes all year round.
• We love the Weather+ app – it gives an accurate 6 day forecast for day and night, which when you’re planning from home is really helpful. You can keep all the places you’ve been to too – a nice way to remember your trip 🙂

Clothing tips for women

• Jeans are always popular and will serve as a versatile base to your wardrobe. Wear them with cool layers such as camisoles and t-shirts for the summer, or warmer ones e.g. a long-sleeved shirt and sweater in the winter.
• A few well-chosen pieces of costume jewelry will transform any outfit.
• A pashmina is also a versatile piece that will dress up any outfit too.
• The leather RedDog BagPod is a really versatile and stylish bag that can be used from day to evening. Wear it over the shoulder or convert it to a clutch, or use it to keep your belongings and travel documents tidy and easy to find.

Clothing tips for men

• There are no specific things to bring to your attention, check out our packing list for our suggested capsule wardrobe.

Regions of the United Kingdom

• If walking along the coastal paths or in the hills or mountains, make sure you have appropriate footwear with good ankle support, as the terrain can be steep and uneven underfoot. Sturdy sneakers or walking shoes are fine in dry periods, but opt for boots with good grips in wet or muddy conditions. Don’t try challenging walks in casual shoes, and certainly don’t wear flip-flops – you’ll be at risk of injury if you do.

Other things to pack

• To use electrical gadgets you may need a travel adapter plug, and also a step down voltage converter if your devices are not designed for European voltage (230V).
• Also take a comfy shoulder bag or day pack to carry your sightseeing essentials and keep your hands free.
• If you tend to buy bottled water, consider carrying a LifeStraw Filtration Water Bottle – fill up from any source and get clean, safe drinking water without wasting plastic bottles.
• Avoid paying unexpected baggage fees – use an accurate luggage scale to ensure you keep within the weight allowance. Don’t forget to leave room for souvenirs on the way home!
• Save on packing and buy your toiletries there. You’ll find all the major brands and they are inexpensive.

GOA – The mere mention of the name conjures up images of beaches, crowds, and parties that last all night. These elements and more is what adds to your experience in one of the world’s most popular beach city, GOA. But if you are thinking of making Goa your home, you will need to wander away from the touristy spots and discover a land rich in culture and traditions. A land where history and the modern co-exist in perfect harmony. And that takes us to the less crowded South Goa, for a truly Goan experience.

What to experience in Goa?

Beaches: Away from the party zone, yet not so quiet, the beaches in South Goa are fringed with coconut trees. Palolem Beach and Agonda are definitely the more popular beaches, but a trip to Arossim, Mobor, and Bogmalo will give you the perfect laid-back vibe that is typical of the local people. While at Palolem, do check out ‘Silent Noise’, to experience a different party vibe. Plug in the wireless headsets that you will be handed on entry and groove to the music late into the nights.

Treks, wildlife, and waterfalls: The proximity to the Western Ghats and the forests open up a wide range of adventure tourism option. The Netravali Wildlife sanctuary, the Cotigao Wildlife Sanctuary allows you take in the charms of the forests. A trek to Tambdi Surla is something you should not miss. Located inside the Bhagwan Mahavir National Park, Tambdi Surla is home to one of the oldest Siva temples in Goa. And just beyond is one of the most mesmeric waterfalls. Dudhsagar, the fifth tallest waterfall in India, is also one of the most popular waterfalls in the region.

Monument: Are you a history buff? Don’t miss out Cabo De Rama, one of the oldest forts near Canacona, the view from the fort is mesmerising. For taking in the ancient Portuguese architecture a visit to the old mansions at Chandor and Quepem is a must. Loutolim is like a picture postcard that jumps out of a history book. The Se Cathedral, one of the most popular destinations in South Goa, also takes you back to Goa’s Portuguese past.

Food: You normally associate Pork Vindaloo, Chicken Cafreal, and Feni when you think about food in Goa. Goa is home to some unique food, thanks to its long tryst with the Colonial rulers in the past. Do not leave Goa without trying out poi, pao, kakon, and katro at a traditional Goan bakery. While poi is wheat bread, pao is the simple white bread with a traditional twist. Kakon and Katro are made in a designer mould.

Goa is not just a destination. It is a feeling that grows on you.

What’s a better way to show that special someone that you want them to be your Valentine than to whisk them away from everything for a romantic weekend? Time spent doing something (or nothing) together, combining good food with good company… That’s just about the best way to say, “I want to spend all my days with you.”

Whether it’s hitting the slopes, hanging out in a cabin in the woods, lounging on the beach, or exploring a quaint little village, nothing prepares you for being together forever like traveling together.

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite places to relax, unwind and let the romance between you two blossom. Here are 11 of the most romantic U.S. cities for a Valentine’s Day getaway.

1. New Orleans, LA

New Orleans draws you effortlessly into its mystery, romance, and history. From the jazz clubs to the gourmet restaurants to the home of voodoo queens and murderous mavens, something is sure to spark the slow-burning embers of romance, or even the white hot passions of desire, when you visit NOLA.

Take a harbor jazz cruise to get in the mood, then hop off to sip café au lait and have a beignet at Café Du Monde. Make sure to grab dinner at one of the city’s French Quarter courtyard restaurants before strolling down Bourbon Street. Veering off the path to get your fortune told in Jackson Square, and take a tour of the city from one of the walking tour companies — whether it’s a history tour, a ghost tour, or a New Orleans After Dark tour, you’re sure to find an excuse to hold your lover’s hand.

2. Laguna Beach, CA

What could be more romantic than a trip to the state where dreams come true? Laguna Beach, located between Los Angeles and San Diego, is known for its picturesque beaches and relaxing ambiance. After checking into one of the city’s historic inns, take in a morning yoga session on the beach, visit some renowned art galleries, and grab lunch for two at a bistro near the shore. For your afternoon, there are museums to wander through, and plenty of shops to visit. And your evening wouldn’t be complete without a candlelit dinner and a play at the nearly century-old Laguna Playhouse. And make sure to add surging and whale watching to your agenda before you leave.

3. Lanai, Hawaii

One of the most secluded spots in the Hawaii islands, visiting Lanai can feel like you’ve got an entire island to yourself. According to local lore, Pehe, the wife of a great warrior, died near Lanai. Her heartbroken husband buried her near on one of the mountains and then jumped to his death in the surf below, unable to face life without her.

Romance is sure to take hold with such spirits of love floating around. Whether you stay at the Four Seasons Lanai or any number of other resorts, you’ll feel like you’re living in a tropical wonderland if you take a trip with your sweetheart to Lanai. You can enjoy horseback rides through Cook pines or a picnic on the beach before sailing away for the day and returning for a dinner under the stars on a secluded stretch of oceanfront. Later, you and your lover can fantasize about returning to the island for your honeymoon — or to renew your vows!

4. Sedona, AZ

Sedona’s breathtaking scenery alone is enough to make it one of the most romantic spots to visit for Valentine’s Day, but its wide variety of activities for couples put it over the top. At L’Auberge du Sedona, couples can relax together during a spa date before dining at a four-star restaurant in the resort and later enjoying a rose petal turn-down service complete with champagne and strawberries awaiting you when you return from dinner. Have breakfast Creekside at L’Auberge on Oak Creek before heading out for a Jeep adventure on the red rocks, or visiting a local winery.

5. Charleston, SC

One of the oldest cities in the U.S., Charleston feels like walking back in time. Cobblestone streets, historic churches, and harbor views couple with gourmet dining, one-of-a-kind hotels, and Caribbean-themed architecture all lend to the unique charm of the town. Charleston is known for its amazing restaurants, as well as its boutique hotels, and has plenty of spaces where you can stroll and take in the sites.

From the harbor side, you can walk past pastel southern mansions facing the ocean, or catch a glimpse of Fort Sumter and the place where Blackbeard and his men held the city hostage in the late 1700s. After dinner, you can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the old part of the city before stopping at Kaminsky’s to indulge in one of their house-made desserts, coffees, or spirited cocktails.

6. Jackson Hole, WY

If outdoor adventure is your kind of romance, you’ll love some of the ski-in, ski-out resorts at Jackson Hole. Whether it’s swishing down the slopes or enjoying an après-ski hot chocolate in front of a fire, there’s a plethora of ways to spend some quiet — or not-so-quiet — time together.

At Spring Creek Ranch, you can lounge in luxurious surroundings in your hotel room, or indulge in hot tub time outdoors surrounded by snow. Their Valentine’s Day packages include a room with a fireplace, breakfast, dinner, a couple’s massage, and a strawberry and champagne welcome package. Stunning views, snow saucers, or sled and evening turn-down service are included free.

7. New York, NY

What could be more fun than spending a weekend together in the city that never sleeps? You can take a trip to the Hayden Planetarium, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, the Diamond District, or Central Park and still have a million things left to do to round out your weekend together. Indulging in a show on Broadway and dinner at one of the city’s stunning gourmet restaurants is a must.

If you’re looking for a restaurant recommendation… Travel experts say Zenkichi, with its private dining booths and mysterious air, rivals One if by Land, Two if By Sea, an eatery located in an 18th century carriage house and known for its 7-course tasting menu, as the most romantic restaurant in the city.

8. Kennebunkport, ME

Can there be anything more thrilling than staying in the city used as a resort by the most powerful men in the world? Okay, outside of bungee jumping over the Grand Canyon, that is. Kennebunkport has been long known as a vacation spot for presidents. But you can turn it into a winter wonderland escape for you and your lover. A draft-horse sleigh ride through the snow followed by hot chocolate or some time on the slopes starts off your snuggly adventure, followed by a chance to design your own piece of jewelry for your love, featuring Maine’s own watermelon tourmaline. Staying at the 150-year-old White Barn Inn not only means luxury accommodation, but also gourmet dining in the area’s only 5-star restaurant. If you’re up for the adventure and feel sure-footed, climb the rocks on the jetty to reach where countless lovers have popped the question that altered their futures forever.

9. Bald Head Island, NC

Located off the coast of southern North Carolina, Bald Head Island is home to fewer than 200 residents and even fewer cars. Residents get around in golf carts and are careful not to disturb the delicate natural balance of the island, which is known for birding and sea turtle nests. At VRBO, you can rent out complete homes, like Bald Head Island Jewel, completely renovated in 2013 and ready for your weekend getaway. Complete with the use of a new golf cart, you can tool around the island, view the scenery, or stay in and just relax in your little island escape.

10. Gatlinburg, TN

While Gatlinburg is probably best known for its family-friendly atmosphere, it’s a great place for couples to get away from it all too. Cabins in the mountains overlooking vast spans of wooded views, many with deckside hot tubs, offer a unique way to escape the hustle and bustle of real life. Make sure to check out whether or not your cabin gets cell phone reception though. If you’re depending on your Spotify playlist to set the mood, you’ll want to be able to ensure you get a signal. Conversely, if you’re planning a vacation away from office e-mail, social media posts, and annoying phone calls, you can book a spot that’s a little more off the grid.

11. Savannah, GA

There’s an air about Savannah that just makes it feel special. Serving as the backdrop of the best-selling book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Savannah is steeped in history and mystery. Walk along the Spanish moss draped trains in Forsyth Park with a picnic lunch (courtesy of Smith Brother Butcher Shop) before taking in a meal at one of the restaurants overlooking the park. After a spa date together, you can relax at one of the city’s rooftop bars and watch the lights and stars sparkle on the water while you sip craft cocktails. And in the morning, get up to watch the sunrise on Tybee Island, just a short drive away from the city.