The Autumn Fair Tradeshow - Fantastic Launch and Lessons Learned!

We're just back from exhibiting at the Autumn Fair at the Birmingham NEC.  It was the launch of Little Jet Setter and it was fantastic, but there are a few things I would do differently next time...

Firstly, I would NEVER plan to do a countdown to launch on a blog site.  Talk about fashioning a rod for one's own back.  In the lead up to the big show, the last thing I could manage was forced creativity in the form of "Top Ten" lists.  So I bailed on the idea and the last one on the blog was Top 11 Disaster moments with Toddlers...yep...that was 11 days before the event.  Oh well, you can only do so much. (Note to self:  use all my fun ideas for countdown days 10-1 in the coming weeks!).

Secondly, I would not order so much booze.  I know - a very un-me thing to say!  But prosecco is not as much fun when you are hauling bottles of it across the tradeshow at the end of the day.  Our launch bubbles were great fun, especially because we got to share them with the stands around us and some new customers.  In particular the fun ladies at Totseat were our buddies for the week - wouldn't have made it without them to roll our eyes at the 45th time we heard "Big girls you are beautiful..." playing from the exhibition music gods.

Thirdly, I would have planned for better footwear.  It was great having a super fantastic stand and all the planning for the details of how it was going to look.  I should have taken 10 minutes out to assess my planned shoewear.  I was coveting others' Fit Flops when I mooched around in sensible heels.  (I know...rookie mistake).  I thought a heeled croc would work...I was wrong!  On the topic of footwear, can someone please explain to me how people choose to strut around in 4 inch Christian Louboutin's at a tradeshow that covers 190000 m2?!?  Some strutting buyers even took the uniform to dance floor level - little black dresses and updo's.  Strange.

But all in all, the launch of Little Jet Setter was great fun and a rousing success.  We got great interest from some of the big name multiples and loads of great independent stores.  Next tradeshow stop Cannes for the TWAA show!

11 Baby Travel Disasters

Inspired by my favourite communications guy.

11. The baby puke-a-rama. You may have a pukey baby. You may not. This does not guarantee they won't turn into the exorcist when you're travelling. Carry multiple extra clothes…and a set for you too. A friend was in the Halifax airport in a tank top and pajama shorts in January with a carry on full of sicky clothing.  Nice look.

10. Baby runs. A friend said baby poo smells like buttermilk. When it just won't stop coming and you only have a limited number of nappies, buttermilk sucks.  You only carry on a logical number of nappies for a regular poop situation.  Solution? ...when you find out let me know.

9. Overtired immobile kids. The ones too young to run around. Instead they just cry and cry. I was on a plane from HK to London beside a mum that had already come from Sydney on her own with her 9 month old baby girl, Neve. Neve turned into a red, howling monster about 10 minutes after takeoff and kept it up pretty much solidly through to London. Nothing to be done. Try really hard not to scream at the on board team when they suggest she may want some milk. LIKE YOU HADN'T THOUGHT OF THAT ALREADY!

8. Overtired mobile kids. These are the ones that run maniacly up and down the airplane. Polite smiles turn into glares in no time when kiddo is yelling and bumping into elbows and knees on the upteenth trip. Let them run a bit, then tempt them into seats with books, videos, toys...pull out the big guns, otherwise they'll never stop.  Perhaps a shameless plug for the travel pack here??

7. Baby spikes a fever on a long haul flight. Okay, so you're panicing that it is airborne Ebola, but try to stay calm. Air stewards are great at running around and fetching you things (cloths for the baby...gin for you). If you have brought baby drugs - give them that and cuddle them and try to monitor their temperature. There isn't much you can do.

6. Your kid is bored. I realise, this may not seem like a disaster to many. However, on an airplane filled with people to annoy, this could be going in the direction of disaster. Have an emergency toy to hand. Ideally something new for the trip that should keep their attention for a while.

5. To really scare you - have a read about this nightmare with a travelling toddler. They have improved safety conditions since... http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Business/Ryanair-Says-It-Has-Toughened-Up-Safety-Rules-After-A-Child-Fell-From-Steps-While-Boarding-A-Plane/Article/201008215681940?f=rss

4. Delays to return trip takes you past the 2 year old birthday. This is a good logistical nightmare. We were trapped by the ashcloud for 8 days in India past our return date. During those 8 days, Little Jet turned 2! Happy birthday! You now need a real airplane seat! This caused no end of problems with rebooking. If you have unexpected travel changes, consider calling the airline direct to talk it through. There are no systems in place for this sort of thing, so be prepared to be on the phone a long long time.

3. Nightmare when travelling with children nearby. Your kids may be angels, but when someone is feeding THEIR kids chocolate as a bribe to get them to pipe down on a flight to Malta, it is the longest 3 hours in the air ever. Sugar and kids and long journeys just don't mix.

2. Forgetting the key item. Little Jet has a doggie she does not sleep without. What happens when you are all on the airplane and doggie is not? We found that distraction with other cuddly toys specifically for travelling helped. A bit. Best advice? Don't forget doggie.

1. Travelling on your own with a small child on no sleep on a long haul flight that gets redirected to an airport in the middle of nowhere for a 4 hour emergency stop because someone in the cabin has taken ill. And your mobile phone battery died.  Tears all around.

Top 12 Travel Toys for Kids

Without being a HUGE plug for Little Jet Setter products...Check out our stuff here:  http://www.autumnfair.com/Autumn10/website/Show_Exhdetails1.aspx?exhid=exhiReg452&id=det

Top 12 Great Travel Toys for Kids

12. Acqua Doodle - awesome reusable travel fun that allows kids to doodle with a refillable water pen. Let it dry and doodle again. Hours of entertainment!

11. Water-appear designs - these fun magic paper products are use-once as opposed to the acquadoodle items, but are everywhere with loads of designs and characters.

10. Small travel games - this is really for the older kids, but they make great, travel-sized tin holders for chequers, chess, hangman etc...

9. Reusable sticker sets keep kids happy and busy. Little Jet Setter has 4 fun travel scenes!

8. Magnet Sets - like sticker sets, but with magnets. Obviously.

7. Bucket and Spade - this is great for the beach, but you'd be surprised how much fun it can be in the bath, the hotel room etc.

6. Stackable Cups - greatest travel invention ever bar none. Easy to pack. Useful everywhere (except the restaurant...stacking means also breaking down...which can cause serious injury to waitstaff with cups underfoot!).

5. Blow up toys - (oi...mind out of the gutter please...).  These are super easy to deflate and pack, and are good in the pool, bath, ocean and on dry land!

4. Electronic games - the iPhone, the iPad - these are your friends.

3. Books - there is nothing better than a favourite (or a new book) to use again and again.

2. Toy clip - this should be your travel essential. It allows you to clip toys to baby's clothes, chair, table etc. so they stay off the ground. Cleaner and so much better for parental sanity than picking up the same item a million times!

1. Toddler packs - backpacks, suitcases, handbags - little ones love to put things in and take things out. As they get older they can carry their own toys with them as well! One less thing to jam in the nappy bag...

13 Reasons to Go Glamping

I just got back from glamping in Lancashire.  It poured down with rain (not surprisingly) but we had a brilliant time anyways! 

13 Reasons to Go Glamping!

13. Most Glamping tents have separate "rooms" for kids - it is like getting a suite in a hotel (albeit with canvas walls!)

12. No TV - kids get to experience the great outdoors!

11. Fresh Air - you get it even when you're inside in these tents, so the kids will sleep like logs!

10. Loads of choices worldwide. Check out this site for inspiration! http://goglamping.net/

9. Sleep in a yurt. I didn't know what a yurt was either, until I saw this: http://www.lake-district-yurts.co.uk/info/our-yurts.html (look like a big marshmallow from the outside...)

8. Campfires. Actually, the campfire is beside the point. You can roast marshmallows on campfires, which is when it gets fun!

7. The glamourous part means that most of these sites have indoor loos which makes all the difference at 2am!

8. Easy cooking options - the featherdown farms sites allow you to book yummy food ahead you just need to heat over your pot bellied stove or a roaring fire. http://www.featherdownfarms.co.uk/

7. Access to the beach - some french glamping is right on the med, and check out this site on the beach in Cornwall - surf's up! http://www.tolcarnebeach.com/shacks.php

6. Farm glamping means all kinds of fun animal interactions even for the youngest kids. Remember to keep washing hands to combat germs, but otherwise have fun.

5. Rain rain go away...it will rain, but with an indoor stove, running water, comfy chairs and a table, kids can have fun indoors too when the inevitable downpour comes.

4. Adorable sleeping nook in the Featherdown farm tents that the kids will fight to sleep in!

3. Should I mention the money? Glamping can be cheaper than the same amount of space in the same location.

2. Eco-friendly alternative for accomodations.

1. Forced chill-out - no power, no tv, no mobile signal (often) - unplug, grab a book, play with the kids. Sounds like a great break to me!

14 Things Not To Miss When Travelling to France with Baby

This list is really what not to miss in France with OR WITHOUT baby! 

14. Watching the people watching the yachts in St. Tropez harbour.

13. Pedalboating in Lac St Croix at the entrance to the majestic Gorges de Verdon.

12. Top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris looking down at all that Meccano.

11. Eurostar itself getting to Paris is a ball.

10. Walking around the quaint Harbourfront in Honfleur with the baby carriage.

9. Provencal Villa near Lorgues - 45 minutes from Nice, 30 minutes from St Tropez in the countryside.

8. Cheese, Bread, ham - Baby heaven.

7. Cruising down the boulevard in Nice.

6. Watching the surfers while playing on the sand in Biarritz.

5. Ice Cream from Amorino on the Left Bank - totally mmmmm...

4. Ski school in Courchevel, Meribel or Val Thorens (while mummy and daddy drink vin chaud on the slopes!).

3. Gardens of Versailles are gorgeous and a great place to let the kids run themselves out.

2. The lively markets in small towns all around France - here is a good place to find them http://www.francetravelguide.com/france-markets.html

1. The relaxed pace of life - stop in a cafe, walk the boulevards or tiny medieval squares and soak up the essence of holiday!

15 Baby Foods that Travel Well

15. Raisins - personally I hate them, but little people love them.

14. Rice Cakes - the organic flavoured ones taste less like cardboard.

13. Formula - SMA do a great boxed package of premade formula for planes trains and automobiles.

12. Sippy cups with juice. You would think the small boxed juices are good, but hand it to them and I guarantee they squeeze it before it gets to their lips. It will happen just when you don't have time to change their shirts.

11. Peter Rabbit Squishy fruits - these have pure apple fruit packs for early weaners (not to be confused with wieners).

10. Clementines - nature's packaging is perfect.

9. Yogurts/petit filous in a chiller pocket of the nappy bag for the first leg of a journey only!

8. Put some crackers in a small tupperware - keeping them in the bag will result in crumbs!

7. Speaking of crackers, North America has the ultimate toddler cracker: Pepperidge Farm's Goldfish. If you're there or travelling there pick up a crateful.

6. Cheesestrings - they say they are 100% cheese. I choose to believe them. Again, easy travel packaging, but really for the first leg of the journey before they get sweaty and horrible.

5. Grapes - unlike the souless variety (raisins), these are higher maintenance, but fresher - cut in half to avoid a choking hazard and put in tupperware. Yummy.

4. Granola bars - they come in a wide variety that suits all ages.

3. Cheerios - dry, plain, in some sort of sealable cup. The European version is more sugary, so if you want sugar-free little O's bring your own if travelling from the US/Canada.

2. Bananas - again, in nature's packaging...but be careful with these - much more apt to squish into a packed bag. Carry them somewhere you won't jam some toys on top in a rush to deplane/detrain.

1. What NOT to pack - chocolate of any kind. There is nothing worse than travelling kids who are high on sugar. If you want some upon arrival, they sell chocolate the world over!

Top 16 Packing Tips for Travelling with Young Children

16. The Carry-On is your key travel item - take the time to think through what you'll need and ensure you have enough space in the bag you choose.

15. If your toddler can walk, give them a small backpack with a few of their things to carry themselves. They love it. Do not choose a wheely suitcase unless they are bigger - you will end up carrying them and it at some point.

14. Bring a few sterilised baby bottles in your carry on bag - at least 1 more than you think you'll need. They may want the comfort of another feed in a strange place.

13. Favourite books are a must to pack for pre-bedtime rituals. Don't skimp on this - they take up space but are worth their weight in gold that first night away.

12. Bring an extra single sheet - some hotels annoyingly give you a travel cot with no linens. At least you can make due until they can change it for you if you have something with you. Also useful for midnight cot changes when necessary.

11. Baby Monitor - don't forget to pack it. It is useful if your room has a balcony or if you're in a villa or larger space.

10. Cuddly toy for bed - if your little one usually sleeps with it - pack it.

9. Snacks - a hungry travelling child is a disaster. Pack lots of easily accessible snacks for travel or even for being touristy during the day.

8. Baby toiletries - it is EXTREMELY rare to get given any baby toiletries when you travel as you would expect waiting for you in the room as an adult. Baby sensitive skin may suffer if you don't plan ahead.

7. Small bottle of sensitive detergent for washing baby's clothes. Hopefully you won't have to use it, but that all depends on the poop, sick, food mess lottery. Best to pack some insurance and hope for the best.

6. Toddler spoon/fork - you can go the whole hog and pack plates and bowls, but I find that toddlers are okay with most restaurant stuff other than the forks and spoons which are just too big.

5. Kids medicine and thermometer. You know how they can go from fine to feverish in the blink of an eye - it is better to come prepared.

4. Portable potty for the car - if it is going to be a long trip, and you have a bit of extra space, packing one of these may be your lifesaver when the desperate call comes from the backseat.

3. Nappy disposal bags - usually, I would not use these as I think there is so much plastic wasted anyways. However, when travelling, you may be stuck carrying around a soiled nappy for quite a while. I'd prefer if it was bagged, wouldn't you?

2. Full sized kids sunscreen - you will get through LOADS of it, so don't bother with the dinky travel size for this - it is going in your main luggage anyways.

1. You will have a lot of stuff. In comparison to your pre-baby days and a small weekend holdall...this will seems like an obscene amount of stuff. Check you're still under the airline weight limits if you're flying...otherwise, just deal with it. Your life has changed!

Top 17 Tips for Taking Baby to the Beach

Beaches...ahh...wish I was off there today...but alas, we are far too busy working on the Little Jet Setter launch.  Hopefully these will be useful for those of you with holidays still to come.  Perhaps over the UK bank holiday weekend?

TOP 17 TIPS FOR TAKING BABY TO THE BEACH

17. Everyone knows to use a high factor sun screen - but how do you get it on a wiggy kid? Try sunscreen sticks for faces, ears and bits that are hard to reach.

16. Sun hats need to have chin straps for the very young, otherwise they'll get pulled off in 2 seconds.

15. Sunglasses are cute, but hard to keep on. Babybanz make a good set that stay put.

14. So long as it is in the shade, napping on the beach IS doable even with a 2 year old. The surf helps lull them to sleep...

15. Many young kids don't like the feel of the sand on their feet. Bring sandals that you can get wet and dirty to keep everyone happy.

14. Speaking of sandals, buy them Crocs. Crocs Rock at the beach.

13. Swim nappies are great and can be reused so long as there hasn't been an accident.

12. Why not let them go au naturale at the beach? There are few times that babies and kids are cuter naked than playing in the sand.

11. Don't forget lots of water - push them to drink loads.

10. Water wings and floation aides are great for the pool but pretty rubbish if there are any real waves. Be extra vigilent in the sea even if your kids can swim.

9. There are some great pop-up shade tents that will do well for playing on the beach. Samsonite do a good one.

8. Pack lots of snacks - raisins, squishy fruit purees, biscuits, fruit - they will get devoured with all that exercise.

7. Don't be afraid to dunk them in the water. Sometimes it is the only way to really rinse the sand off!

6. Long sleeved rash suits are totally in for babies and toddlers - especially the ones with SPF 50 materials!

5. Spread out a towel on the sand with some toys. They can venture off or stay on depending on how messy they like it!

4. Wet sand is the only way to go for sandcastle making. It is easy to forget from your own babyhood...so just a reminder.

3. Collecting seashells is a great way to get them enjoying the sand. Save them to make crafts later or back at home.

2. For the smallest babies, clip toys, books and soothers to baby with a Travel Toy Clip. Sandy soothers...yuck.

1. Play with them - on the beach, in the surf, under the umbrellas - this is the stuff memories are made of.

ENJOY

Top 18 Tips for Happy Hotel Stays with Under-3's

In addition to checking out our Little Jet Setter-rated hotels earlier in this blog, here are a few top tips for hotel stays with babies and toddlers...

TOP 18 TIPS FOR HAPPY HOTEL STAYS WITH UNDER-3's

18. It isn't enough that there is a pool - check that it is a kid-friendly pool with shallow steps they can play on, a kiddie pool area, and shade around the pool.

17. Find out if the hotel grounds make it easy to use your buggy. You do NOT want to carry a buggy complete with sleeping baby up the steps or over a bumpy road after dinner and drinks.

16. Babysitting services - what is on offer?

15. Baby Monitor distances - if you are comfortable using your baby monitor in the hotel, how far does it reach?

14. Restaurants and food - can they make something for hungry toddlers at 5.30pm? If not, you just need to plan for picnics in the room or on the grounds.

13. Adult escape zones (AKA: balconies, suites, dividing walls etc.) - does your room have them for a bit of adult time after baby is asleep?

12. Check that the hotel offers baby cots - some still don't and you do not want to find that out at check-in.

11. Air Conditioning - if you are going somewhere hot hot hot, try to ensure your room is not, not, not when it comes time to sleep.

10. Mosquitos - if they are prevelant in the area, find out if mummy and daddy's bed has mossi nets and if they do, bring a portable one for baby's cot.

9. Especially if there is a time zone difference, sometimes it is tough to get to sleep or stay asleep. Make it easier by packing blackout blinds (ie: babablinds).

8. Pack some emergency milk/formula or buy some upon arrival. Use the stuff that doesn't need refridgeration (UHT milk or premixed formula is great). This takes the stress out of the morning milk bottle.

7. Use the refridgerator in your room for baby's essentials like milk. You can take a prepared bottle to the restaurant to heat up for you and keep the rest chilling til the next feed.

6. Pack some dish soap. You will be washing baby bottles - fact. You may as well be prepared to do that in the bathroom sink.

5. If you are in a country that does not have drinkable tap water (I err on the side of more countries than less...), be sure to have bottled water on hand for brushing teeth, bedtime drinks, and rinsing all bottles after washing.

4. Check that kids are allowed in the restaurant after a certain hour. Some hotels discourage children at a certain time. (Same goes for bar areas!).

3. Pool toys - some hotels don't allow them. Check before you bring the life-size inflatable crocodile with you.

2. Bath or shower? It may be easier to have a bath in the room to keep the little one in a bedtime routine.

1. Be prepared to do things differently with baby. That nightcap cocktail may need to be sipped quietly on your balcony, rather than at the rocking beach bar, but you'll still have a wonderful time!

Top 19 Fun Things to Do In London With a Toddler

Whew - 19 days to Little Jet Setter Launch...

TOP 19 FUN THINGS TO DO IN LONDON WITH A TODDLER

19. Diana memorial playground - it has a pirate ship, sand, water, outdoor music trail, lots of grass and seating and swings galore.  For adult amusement look out for the bodyguards hovering around the embassy kids.  www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington_gardens/diana_playground.cfm

18. Science Museum has a great area for toddlers to run and press buttons. Toddler nirvana. http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/

17. V&A Museum splash pool in the courtyard beside a nice cafe keeps kids cool and mums caffienated. http://www.vam.ac.uk/

16. Rainforest Café - beware of the scary rain storms and elephants and gorrillas that come alive. As to be seated by the waterfall to see the more sedate fish tank for small kids.  http://www.therainforestcafe.co.uk/

15. Children's Theatre - they are currently playing Room on the Broom at the Garrick Theatre. From the same author as the Gruffalo!  http://www.garrick-theatre.co.uk/

14. Wandsworth Common Park and Common Ground Café is a great example of cafes in the middle of lovely green areas of London - there are many more!  http://www.commongrounds.co.uk/

13. Hamleys, London's oldest toy store, is lots of fun if you are very very brave. http://www.hamleys.com/

12. Corum Fields is near the museum, and allows the kids to cut loose on some great climbing frames - pack a picnic lunch on a nice day. http://www.corumfields.org/

11. Maggie and Rose for all kinds of fun in Chelsea. http://www.maggieandrose.com/

10. Fun in the Kitchen - The Kids Cookery School in West London starts with 1 hour 15 minute classes for 3 year olds!  http://www.thekidscookeryschool.co.uk/

9. The London Duck tours - around London and IN THE THAMES. Splashy fun for all ages.  http://www.londonducktours.co.uk/

8. Legoland is a trip outside London, but it is appealing even for the smallest kids. http://www.legoland.co.uk/

7. Godstone Farm - animals and a play barn.  Yes, they've had an E.coli scare, but it IS a farm, and if you touch the animals who have done messy things and then put your hands in your mouth...well...it isn't the animal's fault if you get my drift.  http://www.godstonefarm.co.uk/

6. Kid Friendly Cafes: Crumpet on Northcote Road, Starbucks Chiswick location and Giraffe.

5. Butterfly Explorers at the Natural History Museum. www.nhm.ac.uk/visit-us/whats-on/butterfly-explorers/index.html

4. Fancy a trip further outside London? Milletts Farm in Oxfordshire is amazing.  http://www.milletsfarmcentre.com/

3. Find Nemo at the Sea Life London Aquarium.  www.sealife.co.uk/london

2. Cupcake - the kids have a wonderful creche and they have an on-site spa to pamper mummies!  http://www.cupcakemum.com/

1. Battersea Park Children's Zoo has recently added more climbing frames, sand play area and a super-cool real fire engine to explore.  Oh, and there are animals there too.  http://www.batterseaparkzoo.co.uk/

20 Top Tips for Travelling with Babies on Airplanes

Unbelievably, we are 20 days to launching our new products at Little Jet Setter.  We'll be at the Autumn Fair in Birmingham from September 5-8th, so please come visit!  To honour the momentus occasion, we are going to post some special countdown lists in the lead up to our launch date.  Here's the first one:

20 TOP TIPS FOR TRAVELLING WITH BABIES ON AIRPLANES!

20. Have lots of food on hand - milk for baby, extra raisins and rice cakes for toddlers.


19. Pack a sippy cup even if they usually use a regular cup. Nothing worse than spilled juice before takeoff.

18. Book a bassinette at the bulkhead if your airline offers it.

17. Bring an extra blanket - you won't want that flammable, thin, chemically cleaned airline blanket anywhere near baby's face...

16. Try out our Travel Friends as new toys to take on your travels - safe from birth, they are washable and super cute!

15. Bring a change of clothes for them...AND FOR YOU.

14. Make sure your carry-on bag is big enough to jam everything into and then have a bit of space.  Like a map, it is impossible to repack it in an orderly way!

13. Bring some Calpol and a thermometer- they make them in tiny travel sleeves and you will very rarely need it, but it puts your mind at rest that it is there if baby spikes a fever.

12. WIPES - bring more than you think you'll need. Then throw in a few more.

11. Travel Toy Clip - unless you are overjoyed with picking up the same item off the floor for the millionth time, attach toys to baby's clothes, seat or tray table using a travel toy clip. Parental sanity saver.

10. Triangular crayons. Think about it.

9. Steal the food they don't eat. Put it in your bag - I guarantee they will ask for it during the customs lineup. Prime examples are yogurts, cookies, fruit, crackers, buns/bread.

8. Some airlines will see if they can get your buggy into the cabin area. If this is a no-go, check if the buggy can meet you at the aircraft on arrival. Otherwise, you're off to the dreaded oversized baggage reclaim...

7. Mess-Free toys - you don't want to worry about markers on the seat back, permanent stickers on the tray table, favourite book pages getting glued together with spilled juice.

6. Crew will warm up your milk bottle for you if you ask - but be specific regarding temperature! You don't have time for an overheated bottle to cool down while your baby is screaming.

5. Make sure you put something down on the change table in the bathroom that won't slip - the baby change area is flat plastic that most change pads slip off.

4. Be aware - some airlines do not offer extension seatbelts for infants - check before you go if this is important to you.

3. Ask for help if you need it - the crew has flown with babies more times than you have!

2. Travelling alone? A sling or baby carrier like a Baby Bjorn can be your saviour!

1.. Have fun and relax - they know when you're stressed!

...come back tomorrow for number 19!

Jet Set Mum

The Grove, Hertfordshire, UK - Ooohs and Ahhs from the whole family - Little Jet Setter 5 Stars

The Grove

Chandler's Cross


Hertfordshire

WD3 4TG

UK

Date: July 2010
Overall Little Jet Setter Rating: FIVE STARS

Hotel Class (as per http://www.tripadvisor.com/): 5 stars

The Room:
Size: Varies depending on room type - we were in the new wing (and by wing I mean enormous 3 story extension with millions of rooms).  Lots of room for baby cot.
Cot: Proper Cot with full bedding supplied

Child Amenities: You can purchase a stuffed donkey called Earl Grey from your room.  Lots of kids information and things to do.
Cleanliness: Clean and functional - nothing wow about the room.
Bath v Shower: Shower over the bath.
Location of Room: Sometimes you wanted to leave a breadcrumb trail to get you back to the spa or the reception or the way out.  This place is huge, but the labyrinth did have good signage!
Noise: Very quiet even though we were overlooking the car park.

Air Conditioning: Available, but didn't need it with an open window.

The Room Score = 3/5

The Grounds:
Buggy-friendly?: Very much so - wide, easy hallways and lifts inside, lots of smooth pathways for outside around the grounds and excellent walking/biking/buggy trails for taking in the out of doors.
Safety: You are coddled in a lovely setting with lots of secure grounds around the buildings.

Shady areas: There are plenty of areas to sit in the natural shade under trees, or canopies and umbrellas around the outdoor pool.  The grounds include a walled garden with games pitches, pool, beach volleyball court (and associated beach shack for drinks and food), greenhouse with louging areas and kitchen garden.  Lovely.

The Grounds Score = 5/5

The Pool:
NOTE:  there are actually 4 pools:  1 adult-only indoor pool in the spa, 1 adult only indoor vitality pool with water therapy in the spa, 1 outdoor adult and child pool in the walled garden, 1 indoor kiddie pool beside the kids club.  Whew...I think I counted them all...this review will concentrate on the outdoor and kiddie pools.
Shallowness: steps on one side of the pool that allow for gradual entry. Lots of area around the pool both with paving stones and grass.  Right next to the beachy area so should they get bored with the pool (as if), they can move to the sand.
Cleanliness: perfect.
Water Temperature: Warm and inviting - may be a bit chilly to sit outside in the UK on many a "summer" day.
Toys: allowed and supplied - within posh reason.
Safety: Wide areas around the pool, easy to see all areas.
Location within grounds: in the walled garden with a New England seaside feel to it.

Shady areas: Seating outside with umbrellas - loungers in the next door greenhouse for serious sloths.

The Pool Score = 5/5

The Food:
Kid-friendly food: Absolutely - kids menus at the Glasshouse (buffet) restaurant and Stables (pub restaurant).  You can ask for purees and special requests.  Ice cream trolley around the walled garden.  Snacks and drinks scattered near the pools and spa.

Toddler breakfast: Buffet breakfast including chocolate milk for the little ones.
Proximity of restaurant to rooms: It could be a hike as the place is enormous.  However, it is all indoors down corridors, and rooms could be very close by.
Kids in the bar: Allowed everywhere!

High Chairs: Yes - in abundance.
Will they do purees?: Yes - they make a point of mentioning it so you don't need to guess.
Access to milk or formula: You are on a large property, so no access to outside shops, but there is an extensive kids facility and milk and formula are available.

The Food Score: 5/5

The Location:
Access to local restaurants and bars: You don't come to the Grove to leave the property.  Watford isn't far, but why would you dream of going there?  3 Restaurants on site and light fayre at the pool and spa.

Buggy routes: Have buggy will travel.

Drives: About 10 minutes from Watford where the train can take you in to central London in 25 minutes  Close to Heathrow Airport.  Gatwick would be easiest via the train versus a substantial 1.5 hour drive.
Taxis: The hotel has a car service with taxi-equivalent prices to take you where you need to go.

The Location Score = 4/5

The Baby Services:
Babysitting: Yes - minimum 3 hours
Kids Club: Yes - Anouska's Kids Club is an amazing size for a hotel-only creche.  It is OFSTED registered, so conforms to all kinds of rules and safety.  They have baby rooms and toddler rooms with dedicated staff.

Laundry: Yes

Fridge: In room
Amenities: The White Company Products for Mum and Dad.
For Mum and Dad: The spa.  Oooohhh the spa.  It is lovely and complete with everything you could think of.  Very relaxing and quiet and lots of options from massage, beauty, steam room, sauna, water therapy, pool...the list goes on.  Bikes are also available to hit the trails.  18 Hole golf course (when we were there Colin Montgomerie was playing...can't be that bad a course then!).  Fancy dining at Colettes allows children...but perhaps this should be a special place for you instead?

The Baby Services Score: 5/5

General Comments:
The Grove is a lovely place for family fun.  It is NOT a boutique hotel.  If you prefer a more intimate experience, this is not it.  However, they do have a wonderful setting, ammenities, and style that makes it a world away from a big chain hotel.  It is very well kitted out for events - from weddings to corporate retreats - so you can imagine that there is an enormous amount of space, staff and rooms.  The chilled out chic style still seems to seep through.  It isn't cheap - but they do some deals to cater to various interests.

Funky plexiglass cases are dotted around the corridors - check out the two pics below - if you go - try to find them!

This may also be one for a Mum's getaway or a Dad's golf break.  The Grove caters well to the whole family...but you may feel like you want to keep it all to yourself. 
Overall Score = 27/30

The Peninsula Hong Kong - Writing the book on luxury baby concierge - Little Jet Setter 5 Stars

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Salisbury Road, Hong Kong, 2920 2888

Date: November 2008

Overall Little Jet Setter Rating: FIVE STARS

Hotel Class (as per http://www.tripadvisor.com/): 5 stars

The Room:
Size: Varies depending on room type - we had the smallest (read: cheapest) level, and still loads of room for a baby cot.

Cot: Proper Cot with full bedding supplied
Child Amenities: Unbeleivable Welcome Pack with nappies, creme, bibs, special soap, teether, stuffed toy, towel, toiletries case - all with the Peninsula Bear on it!
Cleanliness: Cleaner than Clean
Bath v Shower: Both
Location of Room: We were looking out the back onto Kowloon - not much of a view, but the rooms facing the harbour have stunning views. All rooms easy to access services and elevators

Noise: Peaceful quiet in a buzzy city.
Air Conditioning: Excellent and necessary.

The Room Score = 5/5

The Grounds:
Buggy-friendly?: This is a city hotel, so buggy access throughout and to recommended restaurants nearby very easy. Of course, there is no garden!
Safety: Wonderful doormen all around. I love their little hats.

Shady areas: Pool is inside on the upper floor with to-die-for views. Shade and sun apenty.

The Grounds Score = 4/5

The Pool:
Shallowness: steps on one side of the pool that allow for gradual entry. Geared to adults and serenity, so less appealing for toddlers.
Cleanliness: perfect.
Water Temperature: Appropriately warm - baby loved it.
Toys: allowed - within posh reason.
Safety: Wide areas around the pool, easy to see all areas.
Location within grounds: on the 10th floor with a fantastic view of Hong Kong.

Shady areas: Seating outside with umbrellas - lounging inside near pool is covered.

The Pool Score = 4/5

The Food:
Kid-friendly food: A la carte restaurants and room service is easy for kids to access. However, the liklihood is that you'll venture further outside as you are in Hong Kong! Lots of restaurants within striking distance.

Toddler breakfast: Breakfast rarely included in packages - a la carte.

Proximity of restaurant to rooms: an Elevator away.

Kids in the bar: Allowed in lobby bar, but not in ubercool Felix Bar.
High Chairs: Yes
Will they do purees?: Yes - needs to be requested but room service can do anything.
Access to milk or formula: You are well placed for a number of grocery and convenience stores.

The Food Score: 4/5

The Location:
Access to local restaurants and bars: Innumerable international and local eateries at your doorstep and a short Star Ferry ride away on the Hong Kong Island side.

Buggy routes: Have buggy will travel.
Drives: Why would you drive? Taxis are affordable and always on tap. Airport 40 mins taxi.
Taxis: Everywhere. Hotel will hail for you anytime.

The Location Score = 5/5

The Baby Services:
Babysitting: Yes
Kids Club: No.

Laundry: Yes
Fridge: In room
Amenities: Fantastic ammenities for kids bathing, eating and playing.
For Mum and Dad: Lovely award winning spa, luxury service, views to die for, excellent location, concierge that should be sainted.

The Baby Services Score: 4/5

General Comments:
The Peninsula was actually the place where the plans for Little Jet Setter was born, so it holds a special place in my heart. However, it is hard to imagine it not holding a special place in most peoples' hearts. The history is palpable - from the moment a capped and gloved doorman opens the grand front doors you step into something formidible. The foyer is grand, the rooms lovely, the staff excellent. If you happen to step through those doors with a baby or toddler in tow, the welcome is no less warm, the ambiance no less special.

The position in Kowloon, for me who always made a point of staying on the Hong Kong side, was a pleasant surprise - it is easier to get to great food, some fantastic sites, and the harbourfront than when buried deep in a Hong Kong bolthole. You are also already on the right side of the Star Ferry when baby wakes up from their nap and the light show begins!

Overall Score = 26/30

Changing over to Blogger

As some of you will have noticed...Jetsetmum has been quiet for some time. This is because of the overwhelming need to make the blog, well, prettier. More happy. A place where you may want to come. Frankly, a place where I WANT TO COME! As much as I tinkered with the other not-to-be-named-and-frankly-painful-to-work-with blog posting site...I just didn't feel the love.

Therefore, we have relocated to Blogger - the de facto standard. As an entrepreneur, I do like to give the underdog a chance. As a successful entrepreneur, I know when to move to the market leader and stop putzing around.

So, this is our new home, and we've got a lot of reposting and new posting to do. Housewarming gifts in the form of advice, comments and subscriptions are happily accepted!

Jet Set Mum

Leela Kempinski Goa - Ritzy Kid friendliness - Little Jet Setter 5 Stars

Leela Kempinski Goa
Mobor, Cavelossim.Goa, 403731, India
Google Maps Reference: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_enGB241GB243&q=Mobor%2c+Cavelossim.%0d%0aGoa%2c+403731%2c+India

Date: April 2010

Overall Little Jet Setter Rating: FIVE STARS

Hotel Class (as per http://www.tripadvisor.com/): 5 stars

The Room:
Size: Varies depending on room type - Conservatory Premier offers a full conservatory room excellent for baby cot/baby room
Cot: Travel Cot with full bedding supplied
Child Amenities: Fridge in the room including juice boxes.
Cleanliness: Immaculate
Bath v Shower: Both
Location of Room: The grounds are immense, and the rooms are spread out, however, there is a buggy service at your beck and call to take you anywhere you want to go - and Little Jet LOVED the buggy rides!
Noise: none
Air Conditioning: Blissful.

The Room Score = 4/5

The Grounds:
Buggy-friendly?: Yes - paved paths to all areas - motorised buggies also on call should you not wish to walk. They even have a vegetable and fruit garden and a spice area you can walk around in and visit some of their animal enclosures with bunnies, birdies and parrots!
Safety: Patrolled gates at front of resort and security at the beach and perimeters. You need to walk across a small road to the Italian restaurant, but all other facilities are on site.
Shady areas: Pool area has plenty of umbrellas and the Kids pool is in a shady area. They should have had some shade over the kids playground area - the plastic and metal climbing area, slides and swing were just too hot to touch!

The Grounds Score = 5/5

The Pool:
Shallowness: steps on one side of the pool that allow for gradual entry. Kids pool very close to main pool and activity center and has an interesting layout with a tree in the center.
Cleanliness: Very clean.
Water Temperature: very warm – heated by the scorching sun!
Toys: allowed
Safety: Wide areas around the pool, Main pool has a feature of a waterfall over some manmade caves - children could be out of sight under these caves.
Location within grounds: central to the grounds. Close to the beach - nice view of the beach/ocean from the pool area.
Shady areas: Lots of umbrellas and the kids pool has umbrellas, loungers and natural shade.

The Pool Score = 5/5

The Food:
Kid-friendly food: Extensive buffets ranging many genres of food.
Toddler breakfast: Included with parents - we were always offered juice, chocolate or water for Little Jet.
Proximity of restaurant to rooms: Rooms can be quite a distance from the main restaurant which is in the central building. There is an Italian restaurant very close to the rooms in the 700-800 block.
Kids in the bar: Allowed - at both the lobby bar and the lovely beach bar.
High Chairs: Yes
Will they do purees?: Yes - needs to be requested and takes some explaining.
Access to milk or formula: You have to get in a taxi to get your own milk or formula from a nearby grocery (10 minute drive).

The Food Score: 4/5

The Location:
Access to local restaurants and bars: There are 3 beach shacks within a few minutes walk along the beach. Betty's is particularly yummy and serves the kids food quickly if asked. Restaurant out of the resort along the adjacent river area for a different view (Fisherman's Wharf - with a kids play area!). Other restaurants at the nearby hotels are walkable.
Buggy routes: A number of restaurants outside the gates are buggy friendly. Beach shacks are very close, but still painful to drag a buggy to!
Drives: Palolem Beach 40 minutes, Anjuna Flea Market 2 hours, Spice Plantations 1.5 hours, Panjim and Old Goa 1.5 hours, Airport 1.25 hours
Taxis: arranged by the hotel or negotiated yourself by walking just outside the gates.

The Location Score = 5/5

The Baby Services:
Babysitting: Yes
Kids Club: Yes - Children under 5 need supervision but are welcome to join in the activities and use the well stocked airconditioned kids club.
Laundry: Yes
Fridge: In room
Amenities: no kids amenities in rooms
For Mum and Dad: Lovely award winning spa, airport transfers included, bar service to your lounger on the beach, shopping at a few local touristy shops within a 5 minute walk.

The Baby Services Score: 4/5

General Comments:
Lovely resort on a lovely stretch of beach. It excelled at providing a very luxurous stay when on the property and still allowed for some offsite adventures for food and fun. We were there in the heat of the Indian summer, so the kids pool, kids club, and very chilled out beach area were all amazing. The luxury could make you feel like you were anywhere (ie: not a cultural trip), however, to get some local flavour venturing to the beach shacks or some adventures inland solves that.

We were stuck here during the ash cloud invasion of the spring of 2010 - it was very hard to complain about our delayed return date with a straight face when stuck here!

See Photos under India.

Overall Score = 27/30

Casa Colvale Goa - Stunning views but not for toddlers - Little Jet Setter 2 Star

Casa Colvale Boutique Hotel
Taliwado, Chiklim
Colvale, Goa
India

Google Maps Reference: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_enGB241GB243&q=Varca+Beach%2c+Benaulim+403716%2c+India+

Date: April 2010

Overall Little Jet Setter Rating: TWO STARS

Hotel Class (as per http://www.tripadvisor.com/): 3.5 stars

The Room:
Size: Very Large
Cot: Travel Cot - no sheets provided - dirty mattress
Child Amenities: The staff were very kind a put a small fridge in our room after we requested they keep some milk for us in the kitchen fridge - much more convenient!
Cleanliness: hit and miss - blankets and towels looked very worn. Shower broke twice in 2 days.
Bath v Shower: shower only in most rooms
Location of Room: there is a main house where you drive in and another building a staircase down the hill which leads to the river. Both buildings were a significant walk to the restaurant area down steps, however it is very convenient for the pool and rooms 1-4 were all bordering the upper pool.
Noise: none
Air Conditioning: Unreliable - we were in 2 different rooms and both conked out on us in 35 degree weather in the middle of the night. When it was on, the air conditioning was not strong enough.

The Room Score = 3/5

The Grounds:
Buggy-friendly?: Not at all - the hotel is on a hill which allows for lovely views, but lots of steps to the river, restaurant and between pools.
Safety: Steps have no handrails and are very steep - young children would struggle. Room locks do not have bolts or significant security. The restaurant in the evenings and night is a mosquito playground (it is built on the river above the muddy tidal banks). Strong repellant a must!
Shady areas: Lovely terrace area to sit out near the pool with gorgeous views over backwaters.

The Grounds Score = 1/5

The Pool:
Shallowness: steps on one side of the pool that allow for gradual entry. No kids pool, but there are 2 pools on site to use.
Cleanliness: due to overhanging trees there is a lot of leaves in the pool, but they work hard to keep it skimmed.
Water Temperature: very warm – heated by the scorching sun!
Toys: allowed
Safety: infinity pool on one edge with a ledge - keep an eye on the more adventurous kids as there is a sheer drop on the other side.
Location within grounds: upper pool very near to upper house rooms and lower pool very near to lower house rooms - well positioned, but both pools are quite small.
Shady areas: the terrace is near to the pool for some shade, and depending on time of day some of the pool is in the shade.

The Pool Score = 4/5

The Food:
Kid-friendly food: Menu is limited and expensive.
Toddler breakfast: we had to ask for food for her after ours arrived, (3 days running!), but they did bring her something without charge.
Proximity of restaurant to rooms: restaurant is down steep stairs on the river.
Kids in the bar: There is no bar.
High Chairs: No
Will they do purees?: No - but they did heat up some baby food I brought with me.
Access to milk or formula: You have to get in a taxi to get your own milk or formula from a nearby grocery (10 minute drive). Remember most stores are shut between about 2pm-5pm!

The Food Score: 2/5

The Location:
Access to local restaurants and bars: There are no other hotels, restaurants or bars walking distance from the hotel. Nearest restaurant recommended at the North Goa Beaches (25 minutes approximately).
Buggy routes: Nothing buggy friendly!
Drives: North Goa Beaches 25 minutes, Anjuna Flea Market 25 minutes, Spice Plantations 1.5 hours, Panjim and Old Goa 1 hour, Airport 1 hour
Taxis: arranged by the hotel and can be negotiated for 1/2 day, full day etc. Recommend that you get the taxi driver to wait for you if you are going to a restaurant or sightseeing as it is difficult to find Casa Colvale if you don't know it! There is motor boat for hire for a lovely tour of the backwater rivers.

The Location Score = 2/5

The Baby Services:
Babysitting: No
Kids Club: No
Laundry: No
Fridge: After asking for help they put a small fridge in our room - excellent service!
Amenities: no kids amenities in rooms
For Mum and Dad: Service was friendly, but very slow on all accounts (food, drinks, help with housekeeping etc.). There seemed to be a spa there, but having checked it out and found people sleeping on the massage table, I guess it is not too in demand! However, why would you want a spa with those amazing views. This is a very chilled out place for reading a book by the pool or lazing on the terrace. Room 1, 2, 3, 4 open up onto a variety of private and semi private terraces for evening drinks once baby is asleep!

The Baby Services Score: 1/5

General Comments:
The furnishings and ambience of Casa Colvale is captivating and the views are lovely. The pools are very relaxed and it has a feel of being at a friend's villa. A great escape for an easygoing couple/older family/friends trip destination. However, for babies and toddlers, this is not a recommended place to go. Goa is a hot place and without reliable air conditioning it is tough to keep everyone happy (and asleep!). They could do a lot for families if they could ensure they had clean and comfortable baby cots, reliable showers, safer stairways down to the restaurant and have the restaurant cater more for young children.

Nothing to do about the buggy issues as it is on a hill, and the views are what make this place special! So if you are relying on pushing a buggy with your sleeping baby out to dinner, this is not the place.

This place has a lot going for it, but it isn't for young children.

See Photos under India - Casa Colvale.

Overall Score = 13/30

Taj Exotica - Luxury in Goa - Little Jet Setter 5 Stars

Taj Exotica
Benaulim
Goa
India

Google Maps Reference: http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?sourceid=navclient&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1T4GGIC_enGB241GB243&q=Varca+Beach%2c+Benaulim+403716%2c+India2c+Benaulim+403716%2c+India+

Date: April 2010

Overall Little Jet Setter Rating: FIVE STARS

Hotel Class (as per http://www.tripadvisor.com/): 5 stars

The Room:
Size: Very Large
Cot: Proper cot – not a travel one
Child Amenities: Fridge in room
Cleanliness: immaculate
Bath v Shower: both!
Location of Room: spread across the resort in the main building or villa style buildings, some with private pools – however, they made a point of giving us the room in our category closest to the main building and restaurants and pools as we had a young child
Noise: none
Air Conditioning: blissfully reliable and quiet

The Room Score = 5/5

The Grounds:
Buggy-friendly?: Very – paths to pool, beach, kids club, yoga area etc.
Safety: Very – large resort with plenty of subtle security, child friendly main areas
Shady areas: many trees and areas with sun shades

The Grounds Score = 5/5

The Pool:
Shallowness: dedicated kids pool adjoining main pool (including waterslide and plenty of pool toys), main pool with shallow, wide steps at entry
Cleanliness: very clean
Water Temperature: very warm – heated by the scorching sun!
Toys: allowed
Safety: wide tiled areas around pool, no sudden drops
Location within grounds: near main building, a short walk from beach, unfortunately minimal sea view from pool
Shady areas: they bring over parasols to wherever you would like to sit or lie out – little shade over the main pool, some over kiddie pool

The Pool Score = 5/5

The Food:
Kid-friendly food: buffets featured all types of cuisine and even had a small area dedicated to kids cookies. We asked for something off menu for Little Jet and had no problem.
Toddler breakfast: included with parent(s)
Proximity of restaurant to rooms: if you’re in a main resort room, restaurants are very close, except for Lobster Shack which is by the beach which is a 5 minute walk. Villa rooms are farther away from dining options (Note there are 5 restaurants at the resort plus the pool bar and indoor bar areas).
Kids in the bar: Yes
High Chairs: Yes
Will they do purees?: Yes
Access to milk or formula: You have to get in a taxi to get your own milk or formula from a nearby grocery (5 minute drive). Remember most stores are shut between about 2pm-5pm!

The Food Score: 4/5

The Location:
Access to local restaurants and bars: Immediately outside front gates are a few restaurants, other hotels, shops. Along the beach there are 2 beach shacks – more during high season, not walkable to a town
Buggy routes: to beach, to shops etc. all accessible
Drives: Benaulim only 5 minutes drive, Colva 10 minutes drive, Spice Plantations 1 hour, Anjuna Flea Market 1.5-2 hours, Palolem Beach 1 hour, Airport 45 minutes
Taxis: arranged by hotel or you can arrange yourself by walking out the front gates to taxi stand on your left hand side.

The Location Score = 4/5

The Baby Services:
Babysitting: Yes
Kids Club: Yes – under supervision for any kids under 5 years old, but all ages are welcome to join kids activities. No creche. No set kids dinner times.
Laundry: available
Fridge: in rooms
Amenities: no kids amenities in rooms
For Mum and Dad: Service was wonderful and very happy to have small children in the hotel. All staff very friendly to the kids and Little Jet loved to wave to her "new friends" during our stay. Lots of interesting activities planned in the day including archery, dancing, cooking demonstrations, golf tips, yoga

The Baby Services Score: 4/5

General Comments:
We had great service at the Taj Exotica which makes it very easy to travel with babies and children. Little things like having airport transfers included, being greeted with cool towels and juices and having baskets of fruit in the lobby you can help yourself to (great for snacking kids during the day!) make all the difference. They really seem to care about the whole family here – when we checked in Little Jet had a number of mosquito bites (scratched to bits already), and they sent the hotel doctor around to check on her and give us some lotion as we unpacked. Above and beyond the call of duty! We are all about the local food when travelling, but we ended up eating at the Italian in the resort one night so that the little one would have something familiar – it was fantastic and really special. The Lobster Shack was great with the entire family (we had a toddler running like crazy in the lawns and dancing to the, albeit cheesy, musician). It was even better when we got a babysitter and were able to gaze out on the ocean with a nice bottle of Indian wine (well…it was refreshing in any case).

It is a popular resort for families and we saw a few small children when we were there - very much a mixture of European, North American and Indian clientele.

Highly recommended. Enjoy.

See Photos under India - Taj Exotica.

Overall Score = 27/30

Baby Travel Friendly Hotels Resorts Destinations and Restaurants - the LJS Rating

I've always been a big fan of Trip Advisor - in fact, I don't stay in any hotel I haven't checked out on TA. However, now that I have my own little jet setter along for the ride (to be called henceforth as Little Jet), my criteria has changed a bit. Actually - to be more accurate, the criteria I have for a great hotel hasn't changed at all. Instead my list of must have/nice to have has grown to include things like "easy to push a buggy around the grounds", "have rooms in close enough proximity to the bar to allow a baby monitor to work", "include bed linen when they deliver a travel cot to the room"...

Unfortunately, TA doesn't really tell me these things. It is great to hear that a honeymooning couple loved a particular hotel, or that a retirement party couldn't get enough of a certain resort. However, what I need to know at this point in my travel life what is my risk of Little Jet screaming her little head off for most of the trip? Unhappy Little Jet = unhappy me.

I've come up with the key things that I think make travelling with Little Jet easier and more fun for me (and for her) and I'll be rating a number of hotels and resorts against this list. I'm rating these hotels on how well they cater to really young children (ages 0-4) as a primary goal. I'd be happy to get your feedback on other areas that you think would be beneficial to rate as well!

The Room:

- Size of Room, Type of baby cot, amenities for babies and kids, cleanliness, bath vs. shower, location of room in the hotel/resort, noisiness, air conditioning

The Grounds:
- buggy friendliness, safety on steps etc., security, shady areas

The Pool (if there is one!):
- shallowness, area around pool, cleanliness, water temperature, toys allowed?, safety, location within the grounds, shady areas

The Food:
- kid-friendly food, toddler breakfast included?, proximity of restaurant to rooms, are kids allowed in the bar?, high chairs, do they do purees?

The Location:

- access to local restaurants and bars, buggy route to beach/restaurants/towns etc., drive time to areas of interest, ease to get taxis or transport

The Baby Services:
- babysitting, kids club, kiddie pool, activities, laundry, fridge in rooms or ability to use hotel fridge.

We have recently been on a trip to India and I'll use these criteria in my next posting to start sharing!

After 2 years of dragging my daughter around the globe since she was born, I thought it was about time to share the ups and downs of travelling with a baby. When I say "around the globe" I feel pretty confident that I've got some key destinations already covered - Hong Kong, London, New York, Carribean, Toronto, Thailand, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Malaysia, India, Austria...she's got more stamps in her passport than my grandfather (Opa) has ever had. Yes, that makes me proud. It also makes me battlescarred.

Travel with babies and toddlers is great fun. It is also rather different than travelling alone. While my little jet setter was in utero, she bounced around 10 countries in 6 months. It was a bit easier to pack for her for those trips, as it usually entailed a large milkshake and a suitcase of Reese's peanut butter cups.

Since she's entered this big crazy world, packing for her has been more challenging than packing for myself! Even more importantly - where could we go? Where should we not go? Should we (...gasp...shock...horror...) go on a package holiday? Should we give up the way we usually do things which marries the spontaneous with the luxurious? Was my life as a business and personal jet setter...sigh..over?

Dear God no. Anyone who tells you you can't travel with small children is wrong. There. I said it. They are just scared and there is no need to be.

Follow me: I'll help you remain a jet setter and retain your sanity.

Jet Set Mum