Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
New Children's Museum and let tweens and teens clamber aboard the USS Midway Mu-
seum.
Orange County
Bring budding lab geeks to the Discovery Science Center and get a pint-
sized dose of arts and culture at the Kidseum at the Bowers Museum, all near Disneyland.
Planning
A word of advice: don't pack your schedule too tightly. Traveling with kids can take
longer than expected, especially in metro areas like LA, San Diego and San Francisco,
where you'll want to allow extra time for traffic jams and parking.
Accommodations
Rule one: if you're traveling with kids, always mention it when making reservations. At a
few places, such as B&Bs, children may not be allowed. Also be sure to request the specif-
ic room type you want, although this is often not guaranteed.
Motels and hotels typically have rooms with two beds or an extra sofabed. They also
may have roll-away beds or cots, usually available for a surcharge (request these when
making reservations). Some offer 'kids stay free' promotions, which may apply only if no
extra bedding is required.
Resorts may offer daytime activity programs for kids and child-care services. At other
hotels, front desk staff or a concierge might be able to help you make babysitting arrange-
ments. Ask whether babysitters are licensed and bonded, what they charge per hour per
child, whether there's a minimum fee, and if they charge extra for transportation and
meals.
Transportation
Airlines usually allow infants (up to age two) to fly for free - bring proof of age - while
older children require a seat of their own and don't usually qualify for reduced fares. Chil-
dren receive substantial discounts on most trains and buses.
In cars, any child under age six or weighing less than 60lb must be buckled up in the
back seat in a child or infant safety seat. Most car-rental agencies rent these for about $10
per day, but you must specifically book them in advance.
