Planning a trip with children can be a daunting task, but Lonely Planet’s “Travel with Children” offers a comprehensive guide for families to make the journey a success. The book covers everything from creating a family-friendly itinerary to managing logistics and keeping kids entertained on the road. In this review, we’ll explore the strengths and weaknesses of this guide and its suitability for different types of families.
Summary:
“Travel with Children” is a practical guidebook that provides valuable advice and tips for families looking to embark on a trip with children. The book focuses on planning, providing guidance on selecting destinations, accommodations, and activities that are kid-friendly. It also covers logistical concerns such as air travel, jet lag, and navigating transportation options. Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability when traveling with children and offer suggestions for managing unexpected challenges. The book also includes a wealth of resources and recommendations, such as lists of kid-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities, as well as suggestions for books, games, and apps. The authors also provide practical advice on health and safety, based on their own experience as well as expert recommendations
Analysis:
One of the strengths of “Travel with Children” is its emphasis on planning. The authors recognize that planning ahead is key to a successful trip, and they offer valuable guidance on creating a realistic itinerary that takes into account the needs and interests of all family members. They provide practical advice on selecting destinations and accommodations that are kid-friendly, as well as tips for packing and preparing for the trip.
Another strength of the book is its focus on logistical concerns. The authors provide detailed information on navigating air travel, managing jet lag, and finding transportation options on the ground. They offer practical advice on everything from getting through security checkpoints with kids to finding stroller-friendly routes in new cities.
The authors also emphasize the importance of flexibility and adaptability when traveling with children. They recognize that unexpected challenges can arise, such as illness or inclement weather, and provide suggestions for alternative activities and destinations that can help keep kids engaged and entertained.
One of the standout features of the book is the wealth of resources and recommendations included throughout. The authors offer lists of kid-friendly destinations, accommodations, and activities around the world, as well as suggestions for books, games, and apps that can help keep kids engaged and entertained on the road. They also provide age-specific advice and recommendations for traveling with infants, toddlers, and teenagers.
Critique:
One potential downside of “Travel with Children” is that it may be overly focused on practical advice at the expense of more philosophical or reflective insights. While there are some sections on the emotional and psychological aspects of traveling with children, the book is primarily focused on providing practical guidance and resources.
Another potential weakness is that the book may not be as relevant for families with very young children. Much of the advice and recommendations are geared towards families with school-age children, and there is less information on traveling with infants and toddlers
Conclusion:
“Lonely Planet’s Travel with Children” is an invaluable resource for families looking to embark on a trip with children. The book is packed with practical advice, resources, and recommendations, and is written in a clear and accessible style. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a round-the-world adventure, this book is an essential tool for any family looking to travel with children.
