Traveling by one’s self and traveling with children are two completely different things. When alone, you might not feel compelled to book a room in advance, but with kids in tow a full review of Lisbon, Rome or Barcelona apartments is in your best interest. Now, I mention those cities in no particular order, and I mean to make a point. No matter what the destination, when youths are involved advance planning is the only way to undertake travel.

Now, I recognize there are exceptions; sometimes you must take a trip that was unexpected. Maybe you are returning to an area you are very familiar with. Or have been given a guarantee of what will be awaiting you when you arrive in a certain place. But beyond that, leave spontaneity to other times, or mark my words you will wish you had.

Do you think from my tone that you can tell that I must have recently gone on a trip with my kids? Actually, I did not. I know all too well not to leave things to chance. Some things you need only go through once, and then you know never to leave yourself, or your family open to the same dreadful experience.

Nope, I am writing about this because I was reminded of this truth by a call from my younger sister. She could not even get through the first minute of the tale of woe before the tears began to flow. It took every fiber of my being not to snicker, not because she and her family didn’t have a rough time and I wasn’t empathetic, but because it sounded all too familiar. Though I must have educated her on this matter, I suppose it was just one of those things you have to be a participant in, especially if you are being instructed by your older sibling.

Those who are not related to me however can glean wisdom from those of us who have been there and done that. I am telling you as clearly as I can, line up your accommodations in advance if you are bringing children along. There I put it in writing, what you do with it is up to you.