Travel tips for big families

Last summer we couldn’t find hotel room anywhere in west Denver. Our problem? We told the truth. Plug “three kids” into an average hotel reservation system, and you’ll get zilch. Say “two kids,” and bingo– rooms galore.

Even though our twin 4-year-olds take up the space of a bedside table, the travel industry is still catching up to the fact that America is nudging past the two-kid standard that has reigned for the last two decades.

The National Center for Health Statistics shows an uptick in three (or four) kid families, especially in upper income brackets. Chalk it up to more moms and dads staying home or running their own business, the increase in twins and triplets with fertility treatments, and immigrants with larger families. Include blended families due to remarriages, and that’s a lot of Brady Bunches.

So what’s the biggest hurdle for larger families dreaming of vacation?

“It’s a tie between expense and chaos,” says Meagan Francis, mother of four and author of “Table for Eight: Raising a Large Family in a Small Family World.”

While you can’t erase the inherent chaos of mobilizing little troops, planning ahead and being flexible can help you find an affordable and logistical getaway.

Getting there: If you want to fly, let the most economical flights influence where and when you go. If you’re driving—usually the cheapest option even with painful gas prices—plan for frequent breaks and the chance to mix up seating arrangements.

Lodging: Pick reunion-friendly resort areas that feature suites, condos, cabins and lodge rooms that accommodate six or more people. If that’s not an option, look for adjoining rooms or pack sleeping bags. If you need a cot or crib, make sure it’s guaranteed and not on a first-come, first-served basis. You also can check for businesses that rent baby equipment, such as portable cribs.

Look for extras: Remember the value of complimentary breakfast or having a microwave and refrigerator for light meals and leftovers. “Do not underestimate the need to prepare food,” Francis says. Besides saving money, it’s simply less hassle.

Get help: If you’re heading someplace with an overwhelming array of lodging, find a travel agent who can save you money and negotiate packages beyond the “family of four” constraint.

Swap houses: Francis says that in addition to finding a truly kid-friendly place, home exchanges offer a more authentic experience with neighborhood settings rather than commercial strips.

Keep it close: If you’re pinched for time and money, keep your trip within a day’s drive or play tourist in your home city. Splurge and see all the places you normally wouldn’t have time to enjoy. Says Francis, “There’s so much to do in your own backyard, no matter where you are.”

And you don’t have to lie about your family’s size.

–Lisa Meyers McClintick, RED Travel Writer