When booking a hotel with a baby, one of the first things you'll probably request is a baby cot. You add it to your reservation, perhaps confirm it with the hotel, and assume everything will be ready when you arrive. But can you really count on it? After a couple of experiences, I've learned that even when a hotel confirms your request, it's worth having a backup plan. And these weren't small, independent hotels. They were large international hotel chains. When the Baby Cot Wasn't There On one trip, I specifically requested a baby cot in the comments when booking our hotel. I even called the day before our arrival to confirm, and the staff assured me everything was taken care of. When we checked in, reception told us the crib was already waiting in our room. But when we got upstairs, there was nothing there. We went back to the front desk to ask about it. We were traveling with our 10-month-old baby, and a cot wasn't just a nice extra —it's a ...

Traveling around Germany with kids just got a little more affordable! During summer 2026, Deutsche Bahn introduced a special Familienticket , and we used it for our family trip to Munich. For a long-distance journey like Düsseldorf to Munich, it was a fantastic deal. The best part? Deutsche Bahn has confirmed that the offer is becoming permanent , with bookings opening October 26, 2026, for trips starting November 1. What Is the Deutsche Bahn Family Ticket? The Familienticket lets families travel on eligible long-distance trains across Germany for one fixed price: €99.99 for a round trip €59.99 for a one-way trip Up to five people: one or two adults aged 15 or older, plus children under 15 Seat reservations for everyone are included! It applies to ICE, IC, and EC trains in second class. Local transport can be added for a higher fare. Check the official Deutsche Bahn Familienticket page for booking details and conditions. Why It's Such a Good Dea...

When you're flying solo with a toddler on your lap, the small things decide whether a flight is manageable or miserable. On this two-hour daytime flight with Avianca, they got most of them right: a gate agent moved me to a row with an empty middle seat before I even asked, and the crew was kind from start to finish. The fees, though, can sneak up on you. Here's my honest review, from booking to landing. Booking & Baggage Costs Avianca operates like a traditional airline, but its fees can add up like a low-cost carrier's. Base fares were reasonable, yet change fees and baggage costs added after booking can be significant if you're not careful. Pay for baggage when you book. In my experience, prices were fairly standard at the time of the initial ticket purchase, while baggage fees at the airport counter were ridiculously high. Paying in advance helps you avoid hefty last-minute charges. The good news: like most airlines, Avianca lets you check a strol...

Deutsche Bahn has a bad reputation: delays, cancellations, last-minute platform changes. If you know German trains, you know the drill. But here's what I didn't appreciate until I became a parent: the Deutsche Bahn is surprisingly family-friendly. You just need to know how to use it. Before my son, I walked on, found a seat and sat down. With a stroller, luggage, a diaper bag and a baby, two moments suddenly mattered: how do I get ON this train, and how do I get OFF it? After a few stressful trips, I worked out a system. Here it is. In a hurry? Grab the condensed checklist here. The short version Reserve a seat in the Kleinkindabteil or Familienbereich , never the Ruhebereich Check where the stroller space, luggage racks, doors and bathroom are Find your wagon on the platform before the train arrives Board through the door closest to your seat Ask for help with the steps Arrive early, even if the train is late Step 1: Re...

Want the full story? Read my complete guide. 1. Reserve Family Seats Look for the Familienbereich or Kleinkindabteil. Avoid the Ruhebereich when traveling with young children. 2. Plan Your Setup Check stroller storage, luggage storage, bathroom, and proximity to the doors. Know where everything will go before you board. 3. Arrive Early Give yourself time to find the platform, wagon section, and boarding position without rushing. 4. Find Your Wagon Check the platform display and train formation. Match your wagon number to the correct platform section. 5. Find the Right Door Look at your seat number and use the door closest to your seats. This avoids pushing a stroller and luggage through the entire carriage. 6. Plan for the Steps ICE trains can have two or three steps up into the train. If you're traveling with another adult, divide the load. If you're alone, don't be afraid to ask for help. ...