Note: Some of these travel recommendations are affiliate links. Should you order something through our site, we get a bit of a kickback.

Flying

We don’t really have a preferred airline. Normally we look at the best deal and which airline we have the most points/miles. Because Detroit is a Delta hub, we tend to fly Skyteam airlines quite a bit (Delta, KLM/Air France). We also like the Royal Jordanian flight back Saudi Arabia.

While discount airlines occasionally have fantastic deals, as our trek to Georgia showed, they are sometimes not worth the headache!

With our Chase Sapphire Reserve credit card, we have free membership to Priority Pass. This allows us access to 1200 different airline lounges throughout the world. Even if you buy a Priority Pass membership, we think it is well worth it.

First, we are able to leave the crowded airport terminal for comfortable seats and a relaxing atmosphere. Second, we receive free food and drinks while we are in the lounge. No more paying for over-priced food again!

Traveling with a child

When our son was younger, and he had his own seat on the plane, we used the CARES harness system. It is FAA approved and really helps wiggle-worms stay in their place!

When traveling with a toddler, having as little baggage as possible is important. Usually, when you are walking, it is important to have some kind of stroller with you. The biggest problem is that you often have to gate-check the stroller and that might mean not having it at the airport when you arrive. That is why we like the Baby Jogger City Tour. It folds up into a backpack that can be stored as overhead luggage but is also tough enough to take on the cobblestones of European streets!

As Simon has gotten older, we have found that the Shrunks Toddler Travel Bed has been a lifesaver when we stay in a standard hotel room. We find it easier and more comfortable than a roll away bed, and we can still get a King room instead of two doubles!

Accommodation

We are Silver Elite members for SPG/Marriott and Platinum members for IHG (Holiday Inn) through their credit card rewards programs. These membership levels have some benefits that we use. If we are accumulating/using points then we like to use those hotels.

The best recommendation for saving money when traveling is to use Airbnb. Airbnb has a number of benefits. First, you usually have much more room than a standard hotel room. Second, Airbnbs usually end up being cheaper than a hotel room. Finally, you can usually have a full kitchen so that you can save on eating out. While many prefer less hassle by eating out all of the time when vacationing, we actually like to cook as a family and it has the added benefit of saving money!

New to Airbnb?

Click the link below and receive $40 in travel credit when you sign up.

(for new customers only)

I want $40!

Travel Insurance

Many don’t realize that their health insurance may not work when you are overseas. There are other benefits to travel insurance (like trip cancellation, lost baggage, and personal liability). It is better to have insurance and not use it than to be stuck without it!

Check out World Nomads for a quote!

25 Comments

Devid on December 16, 2019 at 6:21 am

Very helpful article. All the tips are very helpful to me. Thanks
Reply
- Kevin on December 18, 2019 at 5:13 am
  
  Many thanks for reading the blog and taking the time to write!
  Reply
Tabi low on January 8, 2020 at 1:12 pm

My concern is how to Recover my Rakuten Password
Once you lost the password to your account, it becomes a heck. thanks for this article
Tabi low recently posted…Rakuten Login – How to Login on Rakuten – How to Recover Password
Reply
- Kevin on January 9, 2020 at 2:38 am
  
  Yeah I usually just sign up with google or facebook in some cases
  Reply
vliegtuig radar on January 13, 2020 at 4:10 am

By seeing and experiencing other cultures and ways of life, travel opens my eyes and makes me question life (in a good way). It inspires me to aspire for more from life.
vliegtuig radar recently posted…In de Verenigde Staten gevestigde luchtvaartmaatschappijen pushen diensten naar Europa en Azië
Reply
Republic Airways on February 8, 2020 at 6:48 am

Great post idea and really well organized! The collection wisdom of the travel blogging community is overwhelming.
Reply
- Kevin on February 8, 2020 at 9:14 am
  
  Thanks!
  Reply
arrivals schiphol on February 18, 2020 at 10:30 am

Thanks for a great post! It’s refreshing to hear from someone they don’t have the answers (and yet still be pointed in the right direction to find a good resource — and listen to your advice when you DO have the answers!). I appreciate your advice as you actually have some great tips.
Reply
- Kevin on February 18, 2020 at 10:41 am
  
  Thanks! We mostly blunder through the dark at times!
  Reply
lisa on June 16, 2020 at 2:03 pm

I like your blog, thanks for sharing. I love this information you shared with us. I am waiting for your next post. Keep it up.Pegasus uçak bileti
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- Kevin on June 16, 2020 at 3:38 pm
  
  Thanks!
  Reply
Rita C. on July 9, 2020 at 12:10 pm

Great article very knowledgeable! I could see the dedication that you put in to tell your articles on writing to them!
Thank you for this article and please continue to share!
Rita C. recently posted…7 Best Bar Stools for Kitchen Island Reviewed and Buying Tips
Reply
- Kevin on July 9, 2020 at 12:28 pm
  
  Thanks!
  Reply
  - Jenifer Wola on January 6, 2021 at 7:58 am
    
    Thanks for such a descriptive and informative topic. i am a traveller and this article is help full. Travelling really removes our monotony and freshens our minds. Enjoyed reading the article above, really explains everything in detail, the article is very interesting and effective. Thank you and good luck with the upcoming articles.
    Reply
    - Kevin on January 10, 2021 at 7:37 am
      
      Thanks!
      Reply
Edward brown on July 11, 2020 at 12:27 am

Yeah, traveling is not an easy task… thanks for some tips 🙂
Reply
- Kevin on July 11, 2020 at 2:57 am
  
  You’re welcome!
  Reply
John Spear on July 19, 2020 at 3:20 am

Things every new travel needs to know, thanks for sharing 🙂
Reply
- Kevin on July 19, 2020 at 4:18 am
  
  Thank you very much! Traveling with kids takes extra planning for sure!
  Reply
Rashed Siam on August 7, 2020 at 3:08 pm

Hi Kevin. Thanks for such a descriptive and informative topic. Travelling really removes our monotony and freshens our mind.
Reply
Susan Reed on October 26, 2020 at 6:42 am

Great Article!! Your article is really helpful for traveling and I am glad to read this great article! Thanks for sharing such a helpful article.
Reply
Jade Robson on November 20, 2020 at 11:31 am

Traveling with kids is hectic and I need to calm the mind and relax a bit for that if a glass of red wine is perfect if the airline serves it. comfy seats, vegan food must be taken care of most important the ticket must be cheap. Your tips are also very good and sound very effective because my kids are very clumsy and energetic. keep up the nice work.
Reply
lisa on November 25, 2020 at 2:41 pm

We’ve shared some of your entries with young people in our church as a means of encouragement when they were struggling. You’ve been a faithful servant. May the Lord give you strength and peace as you finish the race.Excursion Punta Cana
Reply
Mihir on February 5, 2021 at 10:05 am

Hi, it is really good. and very important. so it is popular and combination.
Mihir recently posted…How To Transport A Fish When It Leaves The Aquarium
Reply
- Kevin on February 6, 2021 at 4:08 pm
  
  Thanks!
  Reply