KIDS ARE PEOPLE TOO

Posted on 09/07/2016

We always considered travel an important part of our children’s education so we took them with us whenever we could. Sure, there were plenty of times when we wished we’d left them at home with Grandma, but we struggled through, and they say they’re better for it.

Of course they both loved travel so much, they’re now in Australia.
This all came to mind recently, when I spent an entire flight, from pre-boarding through to luggage collection, watching parents and their four-year-old.
It became more entertaining than my book, when I realized this little boy had been part of the planning procedure from beginning to end.
For openers, he had a map so he could keep track of where the plane was flying. He also had books on the states the plane was flying over. He was wearing a watch that had sticky tape and arrows that showed him how long the trip was going to take. Although I overheard him telling his Mom that “sometimes the trip takes longer, ’cause things happen, just like when we’re walking the dog.”
He knew he couldn’t play in the aisles, “cause it wasn’t safe, just like in the car.” He also had pictures of exercises he could do, for when he got wiggly.
He’d packed his own lunch, in case he didn’t like the food, and he had a whole bag of goodies to eat.
Every now and then he would announce that it was boring, just like Daddy said it would be, so he’d take a nap.
His shoes were off, just in case he couldn’t resist kicking the seat ahead of him, but it didn’t happen.
The plane loved this little guy. The flight attendants were so charmed they found excuses to visit him. Everybody around him wanted to chat; we were all fascinated with his lovely manners.
He was going to an all-inclusive resort and he told me he helped pick the best one for kids.
Obviously, his parents already knew finding the right kids club could be a real challenge; they aren’t all alike. Some just provide a sitter and stick the kids in front of videos; others go all out to provide excellent programmes for kids and teens.
My little pal on the plane told me, that it sometimes rains and so, “I won’t be boring, my Mom and Dad brought a raincoat so we can try the rain in a new country. And we brought some new games we’re going to learn.”
His little backpack was filled with all kinds of things to keep him interested. He had tapes to listen to his favourite stories, and intended to tape his own about his wonderful trip. He also had his own disposable camera, and his allowance to buy postcards to send home to Grandma.
Air Canada Vacations is offering an exclusive programme for kids. The Play vacation includes pre-boarding for families, free seat selection and kids eat, play and stay free at certain resorts.
Some resorts offer, double, triple or quadruple adjoining rooms, and even rooms for families of five. No more does your client have to adopt out the third kid. The family friendly resorts have kids’ menu and dining options, kid-friendly entertainment and activities and water parks and play areas. For instance one of their offerings Sandos Caracol Eco Resort offers the Play Programme, kids stay free, a family of five can stay in one room and it has a water park.
All-inclusive Resorts that welcome families, offer more and more for families every year. Some resorts have evening kid’s clubs that feed and entertain the child so Mom and Dad can have a peaceful romantic dinner. Dreams resorts have an overnight camping on the beach (ends at 11pm.) Generations Resorts have the Little Eko Chefs programme where children 4-12 can learn about food, nutrition and basic cooking skills. The kitchen is quite wonderful.
Karisma Resorts have a gym programme, hugely popular with the kids. Azul Beach Hotel and Azul Sensatori by Karisma have the Nickelodeon Experience. Kids checking in get a smoothie while their parents sip a glass of champagne. Next are Character Breakfasts, meet and greets and even inviting SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer or the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles for birthdays or special events.
Beaches Resorts of course are all about kids, babies and teens. Their programmes are state of the art. Just ask any kid that has been there. My niece Katie spent her time on the surf simulator but always took time to have an ice cream from the ice cream wagon that drives around the property.
The Moon Palace Golf & Spa Resort in the Sunrise and Nizuc sections is complete with different game rooms such as a fashion room and beauty salon, a dollhouse area, arcade, a theatre with plush seating and lots of other things that fascinate kids.
Resorts have come a long way from the days when a bored staffer would “ babysit.”
My little friend would approve.