Crossing the Pond with Twins: Why Direct Flights and "Positioning" are Life-Savers
Flying to Rome with Twins: A JFK-ITA Airways Review Navigating a first transatlantic flight with young twins requires strategy, especially when traveling from Nashville. By swapping an expensive connecting flight for a budget-friendly direct from New York, we saved money and reduced travel stress. From utilizing the VIP ONE Lounge at JFK to bypass long security lines to managing motion sickness and red-eye sleep schedules on ITA Airways, this post breaks down our best tips for surviving an 8-hour flight with little ones. Discover why we recommend "breaking up" your journey and why extra sickness bags are a must-have for your carry-on!
From Paris to Newark in Style: A 5-Star Experience (Despite the French Police)
Returning home on La Compagnie, a security scare nearly separated us when E’s face cream triggered sensors. The airline was incredibly accommodating, even reopening the boarding door for her! The flight featured a Michelin-starred menu served by the chefs themselves, making for an exceptional, high-value business class experience.
How We’ve Never Checked a Car Seat: Our Secret to Light Travel with Twins
We prioritize traveling without checked bags, even with twins, by avoiding bringing car seats. Instead, we utilize rental car add-ons, specialized car services with seats included, travel harnesses, or inflatable boosters. These strategies simplify logistics while ensuring the kids stay safe and mobile during our trips.
From Cattle Call to AA Executive Platinum: Why I Broke Up with Southwest Airlines
After five year’s of top tier status on Southwest Airlines, we switched to American Airlines due to frustration with Southwest's "open seating" inefficiencies and lack of premium amenities. Despite AA's flaws, the Executive Platinum status match provided superior value through seat assignments, international upgrades, and a more rewarding loyalty ecosystem.
Skip the 2-Hour Lines: A Parent’s Guide to Montego Bay’s Best Kept Secret
We consider Club MoBay essential "arrival insurance" for any trip to Jamaica. By paying for this fast-track airport service, we skip the notorious 90-minute immigration lines, moving from the jet bridge to the arrivals lounge in just minutes. It is a stress-free lifesaver, especially when traveling with twins.
Is the Moulin Rouge Too Touristy? Our Honest Review of Paris’ Most Famous Show
We enjoyed a quintessential tourist night in Paris, starting with a 15-minute Metro ride to Montmartre. After a fantastic pork belly dinner at Le Sanglier Bleu, we experienced the Moulin Rouge cabaret. Our champagne tickets secured front-row center seats for a spectacular revue of dance and acrobatics.
Passports and Global Entry for Kids: A Step-by-Step Survival Guide
We ecured passports and Global Entry for our twins to simplify international travel. While child passports require both parents' consent and in-person appointments, Global Entry is now free for minors and provides essential TSA PreCheck access. These investments have saved us hours in immigration lines and made tight flight connections possible. Even if you travel internationally once in a five year period, get this for your kids!
Better, Faster, Cheaper: Why Trains Beat Flying During Our Family Trip to Italy
We highly recommend high-speed rail for traveling between European cities whenever possible. On our Italy trip, we used TrenItalia to travel between Rome and Florence for just 20 euros per person. With spacious seating, onboard cafes and city-center terminals, it’s a faster, more affordable, and less stressful alternative to flying when you have little ones.
Lidos, Spritzes and Sun: A Kid Free Guide to Italy’s Private Beaches
We recently experienced Italian beach lidos in Positano and Palermo. While umbrellas and chairs require a fee—ranging from 60 to 80 euros at spots like Da Ferdinando—the convenience of online booking, waiter service and private facilities made it worthwhile. It’s a comfortable, organized alternative to Italy's crowded public beaches.
The Picky Eater’s Secret: Why Italian Grocery Stores are a Life-Saver for Twin Families
We’ve found that European grocery stores are a game-changer for family travel. They offer fresh, affordable snacks for picky eaters, high-quality prepared meals like burrata and paninis, and incredible wine values—often under 5 euros. Mapping out a nearby store like Conad is one of our top travel hacks.
What to know when flying intra Europe’s low cost carriers
We flew Volotea from Naples to Palermo for its low 55-euro price, including priority boarding. Despite a solid pre-flight experience at the Pearl Lounge, the journey was plagued by a disorganized boarding process and a significant delay due to paperwork. It’s an affordable but frustrating necessity for this direct route.
What to know when flying intra Europe’s low cost carriers: Paris to Naples on Transavia
I flew Transavia from Paris Orly to Naples to save on high legacy carrier fares. While the 71-euro total was a bargain, the experience included tight seating for my 6’2” frame and inconsistent cabin service. I highly recommend paying for priority boarding to secure overhead bin space.
What to know when flying intra Europe’s low cost carriers: Palermo to Paris on Transavia
To maximize our 18-hour Paris layover, we booked a Transavia flight from Palermo to Orly. Despite the narrow 29-inch seat pitch and extra fees for carry-ons, the flight was punctual and convenient. It’s a solid, affordable choice for regional travel given there is no high-speed rail option.
Marriott vs. European Boutiques: When is the Points Redemption Actually Worth It?
On our trip to Paris and Naples, I utilized Marriott Bonvoy points for redemptions averaging 50,000 points per night. I found great value in the central locations and excellent breakfasts. Highlights included receiving a "courtesy room" for a post-flight nap in Paris and enjoying rooftop views in Naples.
25 Minutes vs. 2 Hours: Why You Should Enter the Louvre from Underground
Learning from our past "zombie-like" visit, we booked timed tickets a day after arrival. We recommend using the faster underground mall entrance to bypass long pyramid lines.
Why the Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge at LaGuardia is the Best Lounge in America
The Chase Sapphire Reserve Lounge at LGA sets a new gold standard for American lounges. Featuring a stunning two-story design, high-end à la carte dining, and complimentary facials, it far surpasses legacy carrier clubs. Despite frequent entry waits and strict timing rules, the premium food and drink make it a must-visit.
The Club SFO: Not quite a Sapphire Reserve Lounge but an Elevated Experience
Located at SFO, this spacious lounge offers an elevated buffet and a unique "Wellness Room" perfect for quiet relaxation or calls. It surpasses standard Priority Pass options with customizable lighting and high-quality breakfast, though it can get loud during peak travel hours.
Returning to Sandals Royal Caribbean 14 Years After Our Honeymoon
Returning to Sandals Royal Caribbean the first time since our honeymoon 14 years earlier, we found the resort conveniently located but showing its age. While the butler service and dining (specifically the Indian restaurant) remained highlights, the rooms felt only partially renovated. They noted small pools and a mediocre beach compared to other Caribbean destinations. Ultimately, they concluded that the dated facilities no longer justify the price, prompting them to seek different operators for future trips.
Luggage: As kids get older, your options expand and their independence grows
As kids grow, their travel independence grows too. Moving beyond diaper bags, the switch to kid-specific carry-on roller boards makes "no-check" travel possible even for families. These specialized bags feature angled pull cords and footrests, allowing children to manage their own gear with ease. Combined with a standard backpack, these luggage options teach responsibility and independence, turning young travelers into capable explorers while making the airport experience smoother for parents.
Why AA Premium Lounges with British Airways at JFK Are American’s Best Lounges in the Portfolio
Repositioning to JFK can offer significant savings on European travel, with roundtrip flights to London found for under $350. By leveraging American Airlines status on Oneworld carriers, travelers can access the premium AA/BA joint lounges, like the Soho lounge. These elevated spaces offer superior food, complimentary cocktails, and a European feel that surpasses standard Admirals Clubs, making JFK the strategic choice for both cost-conscious and status-holding travelers heading across the Atlantic.