A: You can file a claim with the airline, but it’s a rare case when it’s found and returned. The lesson? Don’t’ rush off the plane; double-check that you have everything before you leave, and don’t bring anything you can’t replace. You should also carry important document in one bag and copy of those record in another. Mom’s purse shouldn’t be the be-all; end-all destination. Put a copy in your suitcase or in Dad’s wallet. That way, if you’ve lost a passport or important medicine, a duplicate of those records are somewhere easily accessible, making the replacement that much easier. This is also where travel insurance can come in handy. Check your homeowner’s policy; many often include coverage for losses away from home.
Q: What if your child gets sick two hours before the flight leaves?
A: How sick your child feels will determine your course of action. If you’re flying domestically you may want to catch a later flight and try seeing your pediatrician before you leave. Another option is to call your doctor’s office and have him/her call in a prescription to your pharmacy, which you can pick up en route, or have medicine called in to a drugstore near your final destination. Ear infections can be among the most serious deterrents to an airplane trip, as the Eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure in the middle ear, may be blocked, causing more pain than usual during descent. It can also cause possible damage to the eardrum. Ask your pediatrician about a decongestant to be taken two hours before descent and make sure your child drinks plenty of liquids onboard.
Q: What if your child hates the Kid’s Club?
A: It's not realistic to expect your kids to go straight into a new environment and separate from you. And though many resorts boast excellent children's activities, you need to slowly ease your child into an organized program before you run off to play tennis. You know kid best; some warm up quickly; others need mom and dad to sit with them. For young children, you should introduce the child to the counselor he'll be with. Only leave the child for a short period of time the first day and call in about an hour after drop-off to check in. Don't sneak off without saying good-bye, either. Give him a hug and tell him you'll see them in an hour or two. You may be able to strike a deal with an older child, saying you’ll give them two hours if they give you two hours.
Sometimes, however, negotiations break down and it's just not worth it, as I found out first-hand with my youngest, Sydney, when she was three. She hated the Kids club at a resort in Turks and Caicos (though my older one loved it) and so, she was happy to just spend time with us. Of course it meant more time at the kiddy pool than I ideally would have liked but my husband and I switched off in our activities so we each eventually got a break.
