A Woman's Guide to Traveling with Babies

Having and raising a baby is undoubtedly both the most difficult and rewarding of women's life experiences. During the year after we give birth, women's bodies are still recuperating, our hormones are fluctuating, and our schedules - if we manage to have even a semblance of one - are topsy-turvy at best. Each of these factors is exacerbated whenever we are traveling with our babies.

Some people (likely those who have never had children or whose children are older) think we're nuts to travel with our babies. But, even though we've given birth, life marches on. There are new grandparents to visit and vacations to take and sometimes, we're even faced with taking our babies on business trips.

I had my son relatively late in life. I was 37 when he was born, so I was well established in my career as the executive director of a non-profit organization. My job entailed traveling throughout the United States, and as a single mom, I didn't have many options when it came to attending multi-day organizational conferences. When he was four months old, I flew with my baby to Los Angeles for four days, and when he was six months old, we flew to New Orleans for a week. I also took him on more than a few road trips, and learned some things along the way.

Babies on Airplanes

Pre-motherhood, we may have been annoyed by infants crying on airplanes. Now that we're mothers, we're sometimes mortified when our own baby starts wailing when we're in the air. Crying is sometimes due to air pressure that builds up in the baby's ears, so it's helpful to have something for your little one to suck on - like a pacifier or bottle - during take-off and landing. A small stuffed animal or a teething ring can also offer a welcome distraction. Beyond that, and the techniques you normally use to comfort your baby, there's not much you can do, so don't feel badly.

Most airlines offer infant fares, so if you have the means, you should reserve a seat for your baby and bring along a car seat. This is not only much safer for your baby, but it will also allow you to have some elbowroom so you can take care of him or her. Airlines generally allow you to hold children under two years old on your lap, but if it's a long flight, you'll be glad you bought the extra seat.

With tougher airline security measures, it may take you extra time to go through security, so plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time. Although bringing fluids past the security screening area is prohibited, exceptions are made for baby milk, formula, and baby food.

Babies in Cars

Needless to say, you must have an appropriate car seat for your baby when you travel by car. Beyond that, plan on frequent stops for diaper changes, feeding, and nurturing. Even if you're traveling with another adult, resist the temptation to take the baby out of the car seat in order to comfort him or her. Instead, find an off-ramp and take the time to get out and stretch your legs. In the long run, it's best for everyone.

Babies in Hotels

One of the most difficult aspects of traveling with babies is bringing all of the supplies you'll need while you're away. If you're traveling by air and will be staying in a hotel, consider shipping your supplies to the hotel prior to your arrival. Most hotels will hold packages for one to three days before a guest checks in, so take advantage of it. Shipping may seem like an unnecessary expense, but it beats having to haul everything from the airport to the hotel. Another option is to use an expeditor that specializes in shipping baby supplies to hotels in anticipation of your arrival.

When you make your hotel reservations, be sure that you request a crib. When you check in, ensure that the crib is both sturdy and meets safety standards. You may want to consider packing bedding for the crib, as hotel sheets are notoriously scratchy. Both the texture and the detergent hotels use to wash sheets can irritate your baby's skin.

Babysitting

One of the hardest things to do is to leave your baby with a stranger when you're in a strange city. Although it's a personal decision each woman needs to make, when I was traveling on business, I made sure to stay in premium hotels and called the concierge well before my visit to get recommendations on licensed child care providers. Based on his or her recommendations, I would call and interview nanny services, check their reputations, call their referrals, and check on their licensing status. I would then have a nanny come and stay in my hotel room with my baby. I would go to my conference, but check back every hour or two for updates. I was fortunate enough to have excellent childcare providers who understood both my baby's needs and my anxiety.

Traveling with babies can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be a nightmare. When you plan ahead, you can succeed in taking care of both your baby and yourself.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Traveling with Babies or Majon's Baby Needs directory.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Robertson

Online Hotel Reservation in Singapore Hotels - Gaining Fame

Singapore, the smallest nation in South East Asia, is considered the cleanest country in the world. It would become one of the most important commercial and military centre of British Empire and the hub of British power in South East Asia. It is the mosaic of an indigenous Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Arab population, which has led to cultural diffusion or diversity in Singapore. Beside this fusion, myriad of attractions have attracted tourists from all around the world.

With regard to provision of accommodation of these visitors, Singapore hotels have contributed a lot in catering to the needs of tourists with regards to providing them comfortable accommodation and entertaining facilities in addition to their warm hospitality. Many of the tourists with the aim of avoiding any hassle and adding fun and excitement to their trip access online hotel reservation sites in advance and finalize their stay in some popular hotel or resorts.

These online hotel reservation Singapore sites offer several different sorts of packages and hot deals for the comfort of travelers and to save on their pockets. Access some true online booking sites that guarantee you safe and secure transaction and you are assured of instant confirmation as well in any of the Singapore hotels. They make their maximum endeavor to provide a lot of information regarding the availability of the rooms and the city help you in taking the right decision. Their travel guide and other information are for personal assistance of the client, which helps him in deciding their itinerary tour before the actual visit to the place.

Some of the popular hotels of Singapore offer luxury accommodation to tourists. They cater to the needs of both business and leisure travelers with their warm hospitality and immediate attendant and modern service. Some of the cheap hotels in Singapore also provide such services in such a way that they never get disappointed for unaffordable expensive hotels. Many Singapore hotels provide the added advantage in accommodation for the visitors exploring theme parks, scenic beauty, bustling markets, and modern architecture. They provide several facilities for business travelers in their well equipped conference rooms. These are highly recommended accommodations in the country as they have pleasing lodgings, commendable services and modern facilities.
One can easily come across several different types of cheap and star hotels around some famous places of interest for the ease of travelers. The well decorated rooms, cleanliness and other modern facilities and amenities are provided to make your trip memorable.

By: Nancy Eben Cheap Hotels in Singapore Please Visit :- http://www.a1singaporehotels.com/ Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nancy_E_Eben

Guide to the Standards of Hotels in Spain

This Spanish hotel guide is for people looking to book a hotel in one of the towns and cities of Spain. We have tips and hints before you make a hotel reservation in Spain.

Spain is a very popular tourist destination; this is mainly due to the attractions of its two largest cities - Madrid and Barcelona. Spain is also extremely popular because of its excellent climate - hot and sunny in summer and warm even in winter with most days enjoying clear blue skies.

There are not many international brand-name hotels in Spain so take care to read our guide on the hotel star rating system for hotels in Spain.

If you are looking for hotel accommodation in Spain in the peak summer months you may have a problem finding a hotel room so do make your reservation as early as possible. In the off-season you will have a huge choice of hotels and rooms in Spain so you should get be able to get a cheap hotel deal or last minute hotel bargain.

Consider whether your hotel has a swimming pool. Don't assume there will be one, the lower the hotel star rating the less chance of it having a pool. This is vital in the summer months when temperatures in Spain can rise above 40 degrees Celsius.

Some Spanish hotels will offer a half board or full board option. These can often be very economical options although Spain does have a great variety of good restaurants so you may not want to limit yourself into having to eat at the hotel every night - especially if the food turns out not to be so good.

Before you book and complete your hotel reservation do check the cost carefully. Some Spanish hotels include breakfast and other hotels don't - so do check what is included in your hotel cost and what isn't. Make sure all local tourist taxes are included so you don't get a shock when you check out of the hotel at the end of your holiday.

At the entrance to every hotel will be a plaque showing the hotel rating according to the Spanish tourist board. This is in the form of stars with a one star hotel being the most basic hotel standard in Spain up to a five star Spanish hotel being of the highest possible standard.

One star hotels in Spain are of a very basic standard. This will be the cheapest hotel accommodation in Spain. Expect a dated decor and possible uncomfortable bed although the hotel room should be clean. Expect your room to not have on-suite bathroom but a bathroom in the hallway which will be shared by other hotel guests. A one star hotel will have no facilities such as telephone or internet access. Our advice is to check the room first before you commit to staying.

Two star hotels in Spain are still of a basic standard and again will offer few facilities (if any). Again, if possible we recommend checking out the room before you make your hotel booking. However two star hotels in Spain will be of a clean standard and safe so depending on your budget they are good value for money.

Three star hotels in Spain are the most popular choice as they offer clean, safe accommodation while being affordable to most people. Facilities in your hotel room will include basics such as telephone, hairdryer etc. The three star hotel may have a swimming pool for your use, a gym and internet access but do check first if these hotel facilities are essential to you.

Four star hotels in Spain are of a very high standard with many facilities available to you such as swimming pools, sauna, Jacuzzi, restaurants, breakfast should be included in the cost, parking, internet access etc.

Five star hotels in Spain are the most luxurious standard of hotel possible and of course the most expensive. Expect the highest standards of service and quality. Most five star hotels in Spain will have additional health facilities such as health and spa centres.

Mark Eastwood lives on the Costa Blanca coast of Spain and is the publisher of http://www.CostaBlancaUncovered.com - The site for tourists visiting Spain as well as residents and people considering moving to Spain.

Copyright Mark Eastwood. Feel free to use this article online and in your email newsletters as long as you leave it intact and do not alter it in anyway. The byline and biography must remain in the article.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mark_Eastwood

Online Hotel Reservations Guide

Thanks to the advancement that Internet has made, online hotel reservation has become the most favored way of reserving a hotel room. In fact, according to research, online hotel reservations is one of the most used methods of booking a room. This can be attributed to the easy and convenient booking process as you can sit at home and do a hotel reservation in another continent.

Usually when you go for a holiday to a new place, you are without a clue about all the hotel information and you end up spending more time searching for a hotel than relaxing during a holiday. However, online hotel reservation has made things so easy that by just a click of a button, you can get all the information on your computer screen. You can actually enjoy your holiday without worrying about where to stay.

Because of the Internet, there is no dearth of information. You know the kind of accommodation, service and facilities you will get. You will also get to know the price of the room well in advance so you are financially prepared for your holiday.

Even people who end up thinking about hotel reservations at the last moment can take advantage of online hotel booking to get a room, even during the peak season. However, there is one risk to this -- you will not get the room cheaply or in the hotel you want. Since you have already bought your ticket, you might have to settle for a hotel room that is not up to your standards.

When it comes to online hotel reservations, here are some tips that will help you get confirmed reservations:

• Plan your trip well in advance, if possible.
• When looking for suitable accommodation, make sure you have more than one option. If you do not get room in one hotel, you can always move on to the next.
• Make sure you check out the hotel online. Do some research so that you know more about the hotel where you intend to reserve the room.
• If you are going to an unfamiliar place, find out exactly where the hotel is located. It would definitely help to know how far the hotel is situated from the airport.
• Find out what facilities the hotel has to offer. For instance, a pool table, gym, swimming pool, private beach etc.

Following this online hotel reservation guide will help you make all the necessary arrangements so that you can enjoy and relax during your holiday instead of getting frazzled.

About Author: Pauline Go is an online leading expert in traveling industry. She also offers top quality travel tips like :
Thailand Travel Information
Discount Hotel Reservations Tips In Thailand
Hotel Reservations In Bangkok

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Pauline_Go

A Guide to Las Vegas Hotel Reservations

Las Vegas has proven to be one of the most popular vacation spots in the entire continental United States and its popularity continues to grow among gamblers and non-gamblers alike. There is much more to see and do in Las Vegas than play cards and sit at slot machines, and sometimes, those activities do not require you to leave your hotel. Also, many of the hotels on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip have many convenient ways for you to book your stay at their hotel, making your trip a little easier. There is an old Las Vegas saying that goes, "There's a winner born every minute." Let this be your guide to the selection and booking of a Las Vegas hotel that will suit your needs perfectly.

Gambling, gambling and more gambling

One of the first questions visitors ask when they come to Vegas is "Where's the nearest casino?" to which most Las Vegans reply "Right outside your front door!" And no wonder- it seems like a casino is on every block of Las Vegas's brightly-lit streets. More than 80 percent of people coming to Las Vegas come to gamble, and each one spends in excess of 600 dollars on the average. The gambling industry alone is worth over $20 billion.

If you want to come to Las Vegas to gamble, perhaps a casino hotel is the place for you. Additionally, these casino hotels offer more than just gambling. Shows, spas, video arcades, and five-star restaurants are all standard fare. Naturally, the rooms themselves are luxurious.

Most casino hotels offer booking with the assistance of a travel agent or over the Internet. In some cases, reservations can also be made through phone or e-mail. Ask your local travel guide for more details.

Non-casino resorts and hotels

For non-gamblers, Las Vegas has many other options regarding accommodations. All the typical Las Vegas fare is included at these hotels--that means shows, swimming pools, and high-class food. Some hotels even have theme parks and malls inside them. If these kinds of hotels are more to your taste, they can easily be contacted by phone or e-mail.

Las Vegas Hotel Reservations provides detailed information on Las Vegas Hotel Reservations, Las Vegas Hotel Reservation Discounts, Cheap Las Vegas Hotel Reservations, Online Las Vegas Hotel Reservations and more. Las Vegas Hotel Reservations is affiliated with Las Vegas Hotel Reservations.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ross_Bainbridge

Hotel Reservation Ideas for Business and Leisure Travelers

Are you making a hotel reservation in the near future? If you are, chances are that you will be making the hotel reservation online. Internet reservations are easy to make and you can compare a number of different hotels at the same time so that you can make a decision based on price, amenities and location. However, there are some things that you may want to consider if you are making a hotel reservation, especially if you are traveling with a group, or you want to have a business conference in conjunction with the stay, or even if you are traveling with children.

Although your first thought when making a hotel reservation is probably to jump on the internet, you may want to call the hotel as well. If you are hosting or organizing a business conference it can be extremely helpful to talk to the hotel management in person so that you can get a clear picture of what is available. If it is local, you should plan on making an in-person visit before you make the hotel reservation.

Another reason that you might want to call is if you have special needs. If you have a large family or group and you want adjoining rooms or a discounted rate, it may be helpful to call the hotel and see what the possibilities are. If you are an individual with disabilities, you should make sure that the hotel can accommodate those special needs when you make your hotel reservation as well.

Deciding where to make the hotel reservation is important. If you need to be in a specific location, you should look for a hotel which is central to activities that your group would be interested in. If you are simply traveling for pleasure, and the location does not matter so much, you may want to go to an all-inclusive travel website and see if there are any package deals that appeal to you. If you will be staying long term (more than a week or two) you should find out if there are hotels which have kitchenettes or laundry service.

When you are making the reservation you should make sure that you find out what the cancellation policies are as well as the arrival and check out times. If you are with a group, are there penalties for using less rooms than you originally requested, or can you get more rooms if you need them?

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Travel and Leisure. If you would like more information about hotel reservations visit ftihotels.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eriani_Doyel

Hong Kong Hotel Reservations

Hong Kong is one of the premier tourist destinations today. The country has hundreds of hotels that cater to all kinds of visitors for business as well as tourism.

Hong Kong hotels require reservations, especially during peak season. Reservations can be done either directly at the hotel or through an agent. These agents have a few member hotels where they would provide accommodation.

Today, Hong Kong hotel reservations can be easily made over the Internet. Many of the hotels have online reservation forms that can be readily filled. These forms contain basic information such as the number of rooms, number of guests, check-in date, check-out date, and any promotion codes. The availability can be checked at the click of a button. The customer would get an immediate confirmation if the rooms are available. Some online forms also have the option to check out different kinds of rooms (one bed/two beds/suite/smoking/disability), and different prices, before making a reservation. Modification or cancellation can also be done online. However, most hotels require cancellation to be done at least 1 day before the check-in date. They also charge some cancellation fees. Reservations can also be made via e-mail. Another way to make a reservation is by phone. Many hotels have toll-free numbers from many major countries.

Corporate and group bookings can also be done online. These online forms also accommodate different reservation options such as entertainment cards, AAA memberships, club memberships, government /military rates, reward nights, etc. Some online forms also contain different optional amenities required such as an indoor pool, beach access, pets allowed, breakfast included, high speed internet access, laundry facilities, airport shuttle, kids suites, kids eat free and others. Depending on these requirements, the room in a particular hotel can be reserved.

Other modes of reservation are by WAP devices, browser-based phones with support for XHTML, CHTML and WML 1.1 or 2.0, pocket PC devices, palm devices, Treo, Blackberry and other forms of wireless technology.

Hong Kong Hotels provides detailed information on Hong Kong Hotels, Luxury Hong Kong Hotels, Discount Hong Kong Hotels, Hong Kong Hotel Reservations and more. Hong Kong Hotels is affiliated with Cheap Singapore Hotels.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

Best Practices For Hotel Reservation

When a hotel, motel or a similar type of business establishment is participating in the Guaranteed Reservations service for cardholders, the hotel must have a room available when the cardholder arrives (until checkout time the next day). The cardholder, for his or her part, must cancel a confirmed reservation before 18:00 at the hotel (merchant's local time). Failure to do this will allow the hotel to charge the cardholder a no-show charge equal to one night's lodging. The following procedures will be in force:

1. If a cardholder calls a hotel and wants to book a room using a credit or debit card, the reservation representative must explain the terms of the Guaranteed Reservations service, and specifically include the fact that an authorization check will be made at the time of arrival and the cancellation procedure the cardholder must follow to avoid being charged a no-show charge equal to one night's lodging.
2. The representative takes the cardholder's account information and confirms the room rate and location. Then the cardholder is issued a reservation confirmation number. It is recommended that the hotel also confirm the reservation in writing, advising the cardholder of his or her confirmation number and cancellation procedures.
3. If a cardholder who has booked his or her reservation using his or her card calls the hotel to cancel the reservation within the agreed upon period, the hotel must cancel the reservation and issue the cardholder a cancellation number that is verification that the reservation has been canceled. It is also recommended that the hotel confirm the cancellation in writing advising the cardholder of the cancellation number.
4. If a cardholder who has booked a reservation by using his or her card arrives within the specified period (until checkout time the next day), the hotel must provide a room. If the hotel is unable to provide a room, the hotel must provide at no additional charge a comparable room for one night, transportation to the other lodging and a three-minute domestic or long distance phone call, whichever the cardholder deems necessary to advise of a change of location.
5. Before the cardholder's expected arrival, the hotel must prepare a registration card and assign a room number on that card.
6. If the cardholder does not cancel and does not stay at the hotel, the hotel may bill the cardholder for one night's room rate. The following procedures should be followed:
   1. The hotel completes a transaction filling in the cardholder's name and card account information, date of no-show, assigned room number and merchant identification, and writes the words "guaranteed reservation/no-show" in place of the cardholder's signature.
   2. Follow your usual authorization procedures.
   3. Providing the account is under the floor limit, or authorization has been given, the merchant deposits the no-show charge in the usual manner.
   4. The actual no-show registration card, reflecting the assigned room number, must be retained six months from the date the sales ticket is deposited.
7. If the account number used to guarantee the transaction that results in a no-show was unidentifiable as to a specific card issuer or was fictitious, the bearer of the liability will be the acquiring bank. The acquiring bank also bears the liability if the transaction is identifiable to a specific card issuer but is not identifiable to a specific account number within the card issuer.

Merchant Services Card Payment Services Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Cole