Tips For Luxury Family Travel

A family vacation is supposed to be fun, it’s supposed to be exciting, and if you're really lucky, luxurious! Starting with the mode of transportation. Why drive, when you can fly? Roads can really be dangerous, especially in CA; BattaFulkerson.com points out: “…every time you drive on California’s busy highways, there is a chance of having an accident. While most do not cause serious injuries or fatalities, you can expect the damage to your car to be expensive. Even a fender-bender can result in high repair costs.”

The last thing any family vacation needs is a vehicular accident. What is becoming more popular today ais chartering flights to specific locales, and then using local transportation options upon arrival, like bikes, rickshaws, cabs, crowdsourced transportation, public transit, or plain old walking. In many island communities, all you really need are a pair of legs and the health to use them, and you’ve got total access to the entire island. Bonaire in the Dutch Caribbean is like that.

There are many price-determining factors when booking a private charter. StratosJets.com points out: “For many, private travel is a pragmatic necessity. However, the choice often boils down to one simple question: How much is a private jet charter? Stratos offers two great purchase options to assist clients in procuring the air travel solutions that fit their needs and budget…”

Additionally, chartered flights can get you and your family into places that otherwise may not be easily reachable by commercial airlines and associated travel. This means you can truly “get away from it all” in a safe way which preserves vehicular stability and avoids unnecessary dangers silhouetting modern roadways.

Don't think you could even dream of affording a chartered flight? Think again, there are many ways these days to make money while you travel. You may even be able to underwrite the whole vacation. Of course, it all depends on your situation. Regardless, consider how to travel and to where, the cost offset for commercial flights, kennels, transportation and remote living... you never know, you may be flying your family chartered cheaper than commercial!

Sleep Training Update: The King Size Bed... EPIC FAIL!

Remember how a month ago, I had my sleep training revelation, Can't Beat 'Em, Buy A Bed Big Enough To Fit 'Em," where I decided to throw in the towel and accept the fact that the kid is NEVER going to get out of my bed, so I need to just buy a bed big enough to fit us all, comfortably. Well, I did it, I bought a big ass king bed. 

OK, so not that one! I found it while googling king furniture for ideas. CRAZY, right? It kind of scares me a little.  I'm more a sleigh bed kind of girl..., Since we are doing the reno on our bedroom (Remember, I that I wrote about too), I don't want to spoil the grand unveiling by showing the actual bed. 

Any ways, back to my big ass bed and toddler sleep training fail...

I was so sure going from a queen bed to a king bed would be the extra space FTD, Ollie, Professor the cat, a few Hot Wheels and a book or two, needed to sleep comfortably in the bed. There's nearly a foot and a half of extra room. That's enough to account for the toddler, a Hot Wheel and a book!

FYI: After researching and lying down on too many mattresses to think about, I settled on a "Hybrid"  Mattress; Top half gel and memory foam, the bottom half innerspring.  It's sold as, "The best of both worlds." For me, it was the fact I was torn between which to get, gel or inner spring, and the hybrid was super comfy.  I love it!

The bed was delivered last Friday.  I bought all new bedding, thanks to a doorbuster sale at Macy's.  Yes, I went to a doorbuster sale on Thanksgiving.  I'm a hypocrite, I admit it, but dammit I needed EVERYTHING-Mattress pad, Bedskirt, sheets, comforter, duvet, pillows... 

After letting the mattress air out a little (a.k.a off-gassing), I made the bed for our first big night of glorious sleep. I didn't even mess with trying to get Ollie to start in his bed, I let him crawl in wide awake and giddy with excitement.

There was SO MUCH ROOM!  We all fit comfortably.  I had no doubt I was about to get the best night sleep I've had since we tried to transition Ollie from his crib to a useless toddler bed four months ago. He has ended up in our bed EVERY night since! 

All was going well until I got roundhouse kicked in the head. Repeatedly.

When I finally moved Ollie around, so he was head up again, the headbutts began. Then the choke hold cuddle around the neck.  ALL NIGHT LONG! It was like he was making snow angels on a turntable for seven hours straight.

When I woke up the next morning, I looked over at FTD ready to cry about the night I had, only to find him looking as exhausted as I felt. It turns out, being that FTD was on the other side of the toddler turntable, he got his ass kicked too. 



The kid has so much room, he can flop, turn, roundhouse kick and death grip cuddle with ease. 

While I am definitely sleeping on the most amazing mattress in the galaxy, I'm not any further along in my drive to get a solid night sleep.  <Insert four hundred F bombs> 


So, now what?  


Back to Plan A... Keep taking him back to his bed. 


One thousand times a night.


Because, somehow, it's going to work eventually.


The Super Nanny said so.

Moral of the story: It's true, once you let the them in your bed, they will NEVER get out. 


There is some good news to my story; my dear friend DES, owner of Headleveler- The World's Only Made To Measure Pillow, is giving me and one of my fabulous readers a custom made pillow!!!



She actually already sent me my custom made travel pillow. It's a perfect replica of my pillow, but in travel size... or fits the toddler bed perfectly. Which is why I think she sent it; she knows I've had the enjoyment of sleeping on the toddler bed too many times. Though she swears it's important that I have a nice, hypoallergenic, germ-free, comfy, just-like-home pillow for when I travel... Plus,  Hotel pillows are kind of gross and offer no cervical support, so I certainly wasn't going to protest her kind gift. 

Here are some specs on it, because you just might have to have it right now, or maybe even win it!

Head leveler Travel Pillow:
Comes in 7 different thicknesses
Made to your height and weight specifications for contour fit
Promotes good postural habits and good health
Machine washable
Comes with travel case 

Of course, Headleveler pillows come in sizes that can be custom made to fit big and small and young and old too!



To get your custom made pillow in time for the Holidays, CLICK HERE!

To try your luck at winning a custom made Headleveler Travel Pillow with carrying case, sign up below!

Entry-Form

11 Travel Hacks That Will Change The Way You Travel

It's the 2018 travel season and no doubt you're planning a trip, somewhere. Before you go check out the eleven amazing 2018 travel hacks below. They will change the way you travel and make your next trip so much friggin' easier! (Don't forget to Pin your favorites!)

1. Roll your clothes to pack twice as much in your suitcase.

2. Make wholesome meals for on-the-go. Save money and a belly ache by making instant oatmeal packs. All you need is a cup and hot water!

3. Two words, Battery Backup. You can buy battery back-ups on Amazon for five bucks!

4. Freeze water before going through airport security! It's cool, I promise.  But they must be FULLY FROZEN. No water sloshing about.

5. Use a plastic bag to make instant hands-free entertainment.

 6.  A car crash or any other unfortunate event on a holiday is scary, especially in a foreign country.  So should you find yourself in Australia, and need to find good criminal lawyers in Sydney, find them there, before you go, even if it's not necessary... yet.

 7. Use a rolled up belt to keep collars from smashing.

 8. The shower cap is magic for dirty shoes...

9. Is everyone hogging the USB chargers in the hotel room? Plug your's into the back of the TV!

10. Don't let your razor go gross, use a binder clip to keep it protected. 

11. This may be the most important tip... SCAN YO' SHIT!  Always scan all important documents, front, and back and email them to yourself. Also, scan front and back of credit cards. You may need that cancelation or theft number on the back. Be safe. Not sorry. 

The Five Most Popular Types of Baby Crib

When you have your first child, it can seem like there are endless decisions to make. One of the most important aspects of preparing for the arrival of your baby is selecting the right crib. Your baby will spend a lot of time here, especially in the first few months, so it’s important to find something that is both comfortable and safe. Here are the five most popular types of baby crib:

Traditional Baby Cribs

Traditional baby cribs are the most common, and have been around for a number of years. They are typically rectangular in shape, and will fit the majority of standard baby mattresses. Many traditional baby cribs are durable and long lasting, so you’ll be able to use them until your child is ready to progress to a toddler bed. As they’re the most common type of crib, and don’t come with many additional features, it’s possible to find a high quality traditional baby crib for little expense, which is ideal if you’re on a tight budget. You should consider purchasing a crib with drop-down sides, as this will make it easier to lift your baby out of the crib each morning, particularly as they start to get heavier.

Travel Baby Cribs

If you’re likely to travel regularly with your new baby, you should consider purchasing a travel baby crib. These are cribs that fold down completely, to be packed away neatly into a bag that can be used to transport the crib from one destination to the next. Ideally, you should also have a sturdy crib at home (such as the traditional baby cribs previously discussed), as travel cribs are not as durable. They are made from lightweight materials, and will not last as long as many of the alternatives. However, they are very affordable, so are popular with those who wish to take their baby away with them on a regular basis.

Convertible Baby Cribs

If you’re looking for something that will last many years, you should consider purchasing a convertible baby crib. These are cribs that can be converted into a toddler bed as your baby progresses. This means that, when your child is ready, you can alter the bed so that it adapts with their needs. Whilst convertible baby cribs are usually more expensive than the traditional alternatives, it’s likely to save you money in the long run, as it will last until your child is old enough to move into an adult-sized bed. If you decide to go for a convertible baby crib, be mindful of the future needs of your child. You’ll need to select an appropriate crib, which will be suitable for your child’s changing preferences. Avoid traditional nursery colours, and choose a neutral design.

Multifunctional Baby Cribs

Multifunctional baby cribs are an excellent choice for those short on space, as they enable you to do more than just provide your baby with somewhere to sleep. As the crib doubles up as another piece of furniture, it’s a great way for you to accessorise your baby’s new room whilst saving both money and space. The cribs typically double up as a changing table or clothes storage, reducing the need to splash out on these separate items.

Eco Friendly Baby Cribs

There are many reasons to go green when decorating your baby’s new nursery, and the rise in eco friendly furniture and accessories makes it incredibly easy to do so. Eco friendly cribs have been produced ethically, with minimal impact to the environment. They’re also free from pesticides and chemicals, making them a safer choice for both you and your baby.

5 Tips For Family Travel By Air, Sea, or Land

Planning a trip? Heading to Grandmas for the Holidays, escaping the bitter cold for warm sands? Regardless of the mode of transportation or destination, one thing remains the same, the kids are coming and you need to prepare. Below are five of my best tips for meltdown free family travel. 


1. Pack Light! With so many gadgets, toys, clothes, blankets, bedtime bears and favorite pillows to consider for the trip, it's easy to over pack. Very easy. Combat this by making a list for each family member, and sticking to it!  Then, once every one's necessities are packed, allow each member of the family to pick ONE favorite item to take. It's not like you're leaving for good, it's a week! 

Road Trip Tip: Clean and check the headlights and taillights. While giving the exterior some love, double check tires' air pressure and tread and look for nails or debris that could be potentially dangerous. You may want to invest in an air freshener too!

2. Snack Attack. Whether it's a hungry kid or a chatty Cathy, snacks will come in very handy.  Skip the traditional sandwiches for bento box lunches to keep kids busy. 

Road trip snack TIP: Freeze small bottles of water and use them in the cooler instead of ice. The frozen bottles will keep things cool and the cooler from filling with melted ice water that sloshes back and forth with every turn, begging to pour out all over the floor of the car.

3. Floors Are For Feet Only. Let's face it, the floors can be valuable real estate when traveling, but not so great for the person losing the foot space. Free up the foot space by hanging bags on the back seat. Backpacks fit nicely over the 'shoulders' of the seat or secured by the headrest or airplane tray-table.

4. Check Your Tech. Before embarking on any trip, check your tech; make sure the camera has batteries, all phone, tablet and laptop batteries are fully charged and accessories are packed IN THE SAME BAG! When it comes to a crying kid over a dying tablet, the last thing you'll want to do is search four bags to find it. Keep all tech together for easy access. 

5. Organization is KEY, especially when traveling with kids. Not only do you have to keep up with the kids, itinerary, tech, snacks, money and tickets, you have to stay a step a head of your kid's needs to avoid meltdowns! Needless to say, without stellar organization, trying to keep up with everything will cause you to have a major meltdown. 

Road trip tip: Whether you're traveling with a child or not, invest in a box of baby wipes. The pre-moistened wipes clean messy faces and surfaces in a pinch, and without stinky harsh chemicals! Not to mention, those little wipes will be a lifesaver at those grimy roadside and airport bathrooms that haven't seen an attendant in at least a decade.

MOM TIP, I have a Global Travel Jacket that features huge pockets and lots of them, I pretty much empty my handbag into the various pockets. It's great for carrying EVERYTHING completely hands free. They are pretty cool. I have one and so does FTD.




Look at all of the features! 

Last but not least, Be smart, Be Safe and use the buddy system as all times. Especially in large crowds. 


What are your best tips for headache free family travel?

Why I will NEVER EVER Stay In A Hotel Room Again

Picture it: A family of three (Mom, dad, four-year old boy), five large suitcases, one bed and no floor space. 

Chances are, if you've stayed in a hotel with your family, it's not that hard to picture. The thought alone  even be stirring up some pretty torturous memories. Especially, if you stayed for more than three days in the cubical called a hotel room. 

I've done this one time in my life, and have sworn to never, ever do it again! 

Thankfully, there is a new trend in the hotel industry, making it easier for families to travel, Apart'hotels. Offering more than one room with a bed and limited footprint, Apart'Hotels provide a fully equipped home away from home, with plenty of room for a family to move around.

I've stayed in three, from Melbourne, Florida to Melbourne Australia. They are the real deal, super budget-friendly for family travel and offer SO MUCH MORE ROOM!!!!!

Photo Credit: Ascott Limited

While in the past, fully equipped serviced apartments were considered only for relocation and extended stays of more than a week or two, times are changing. Serviced apartments, or Apart'hotels are popping up in major cities across the world, and with comparable nightly rates to traditional hotel rooms, they are staking their claim on the hotel industry. 

Pictured above is a two bedroom serviced apartment at the Apart'Hotel Citadines on Bourke, in Melbourne Australia. The Hubs, kid and I stayed in that beautiful space our first two nights in Melbourne. Offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (with Dishwasher!), a separate living area and work space, we were FLOORED! The place was huge, with beautiful views from the 25th floor, and centrally located in the Heart of Melbourne's CBD!  Like, on the biggest shopping street in the city! 

But that's not all... The room rate was comparable to a traditional hotel room down the street! 

The trend towards Apart'hotel development is showing the growth of serviced apartment units to far exceeded traditional hotel unit expansion over the next two years. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), 48 serviced apartment operators show expansion targets both in the UK and globally, at an anticipated global increase in supply of 145,000 serviced apartment units through 2018. 

The shift towards Apart'hotels is great news for budget-friendly family travel. With the larger room foot print, fully equipped kitchen, and in-room washer and dryer facility, families can pack lighter and prepare meals in the room. This is especially helpful when traveling as a large family, or with young children. The money saved on baggage fees and eating meals out may even pay for the room.

We were able to eat breakfast in the room, store left overs from meals out, keep bottle waters cold, do laundry, and be centrally located. I cannot stress it enough, before you book a traditional hotel room, look for an Apart'hotel or serviced hotel first. Your family will thank you. YOU, will thank you. Most of all, your family-budget will thank you. 

What Families Should Consider Before Booking A Hotel Or AirBnB

There's a new trend in the hotel industry making it easier for families to travel and stay in a serviced home-away-from-Home. Think: Airbnb with Amenities. What is it?  Apart'hotels. 

Photo Credit: Ascott Limited

Offering more than a cubicle with a bed and bathroom, Apart'Hotels provide a fully equipped home away from home, with plenty of room for a family to move around.

I've stayed in three, from Melbourne, Florida to Melbourne, Australia. They are the real deal, super budget-friendly for family travel and offer SO MUCH MORE ROOM!

While in the past, fully equipped serviced apartments were considered only for relocation and extended stays of more than a week or two, times are changing. Serviced apartments or Apart'hotels are popping up in major cities across the world. With comparable nightly rates to traditional hotel rooms, these multi-room apartments are staking their claim on the hotel industry. 

Pictured above is a two bedroom serviced apartment at the Apart'Hotel Citadines on Bourke, in Melbourne Australia. The Hubs, kid and I stayed in that beautiful space our first two nights in Melbourne. Offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (with Dishwasher!), a separate living area and workspace. We were FLOORED! The place was huge, with beautiful views from the 25th floor, and centrally located in the Heart of Melbourne's CBD on the biggest shopping street in the city! 

But that's not all... The room rate was comparable to a traditional hotel room down the street! 

The trend towards Apart'hotel development is showing the growth of serviced apartment units to far exceeded traditional hotel unit expansion over the next two years. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), 48 serviced apartment operators show expansion targets both in the UK and globally, at an anticipated global increase in the supply of 145,000 serviced apartment units through 2018. 

The shift towards Apart'hotels is great news for budget-friendly family travel. With the larger room footprint, fully equipped kitchen, and in-room washer and dryer facility, families can pack lighter and prepare meals in the room. This is especially helpful when traveling as a large family, or with young children. The money saved on baggage fees and eating meals out may even pay for the room.

We were able to eat breakfast in the room, store leftovers from meals out, keep bottle waters cold, do laundry, and be centrally located. I cannot stress it enough, before you book a traditional hotel room, look for an Apart'hotel or serviced hotel first. Your family will thank you. YOU, will thank you. Most of all, your family-budget will thank you. 

6 Tips For Planning Your First Family Trip

Families all around the world look forward to their first vacation together. Whether you escape into the mountains on an all-natural retreat or head to the nearest tropical beach, it can be an exciting time for everyone. Here’s the thing: it can also be extremely stressful if you don’t have the right planning tips. To avoid this stress impacting on your family vacation, it’s always a good idea to turn to some trusty advice.

Book everything in advance



Everyone knows that the later you leave it to book everything, the more expensive it’s going to be. This is especially true with family trips, as you’ll be more likely to travel during peak season. Peak season is known for being hard to avoid, as it’s the only time you can take the kids on vacation with you. Luckily, it’s easy to save money when you start planning early, but booking a year in advance isn’t necessarily the best idea. In fact, you can avoid sky-high flight fares by booking between three and four months in advance. Make sure to book resort accommodation directly with the company to get the best rates. With these points ticked off your to-do list, keep stress low and enjoy the build up to your first family vacation.


Choose a family-friendly resort

There are regular resorts, and then there are family-friendly resorts. While most resorts cater to couples and adults-only, family-friendly ones are tailored towards families of all ages, and you can be sure there will be an abundance of activities for you to indulge in. Striking the right balance can be tricky with some resorts, as you need this vacation to be as calm as it is fun. When you are searching for a resort to stay in, make sure to pick a relaxing resort that also appeals to young children. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how many options there are. At resorts like these, you can expect the day to start with a hearty breakfast and beachside activities, with lots of time to unwind on the hot sand.

Consider the kids



This goes without saying, as this trip is as much for your kids as it is for you. Although it will be impossible to cater to every child’s wishes, it’s a good idea to consider what they want to do on your first family vacation together. If you’re keen to keep it a surprise, there are a few getaway options that promise smiles all round: beach getaways are perfect for sandcastles and swimming, and kids old enough to explore might enjoy camping trips. Parents going on their first vacation with younger children- like babies and toddlers-should pick a destination that offers great babysitting, cool and comfortable nighttime weather, and a safe environment.

Pack everything you need

No one wants to turn up to their destination without some important essentials, but this happens almost every time people go away. When you have more people in the family to pack for, there’s more room for mistakes. It sounds simple, but making a list in the few weeks leading up to your vacation is the best way of making sure you have everything you need. You can add to this list when you remember something else, taking inspiration from online list examples. Whether you are traveling with kids or without, you should always take sunscreen and loose-fitting clothing, which will keep you cool in hotter climates. A first aid kit, travel adaptor and travel documents should also be at the top of your list- no matter where you’re going.

Try out some new activities

Vacations are perfect for relaxing, but family vacations are also an ideal time to jump into some new activities. When you want to take a break from building a sandcastle, beach sports like swimming and ultimate frisbee can be enjoyed by adults and young children alike. If you’re taking older children on their first family vacation, volleyball or kayaking might be a better option. Before you arrive at your destination, it’s worth looking at the local area alongside your resort, to see what kinds of options there are. If you’d like to be super organized, make a small itinerary to squeeze everything in. In any case, these activities are the best chance you’ll get to take some valuable family photos. You might want to take a waterproof camera with you to get the best underwater shots.

Don't forget to leave some free time for yourself

Your first family vacation is all about spending some quality time with your kids, but it’s also a time where you should be able to unwind and de-stress from your usual daily life. This means that for every activity you enjoy with the kids, you should also schedule some downtime to relax in. This could be as easy as sunbathing on the beach or indulging in a candlelit evening meal with your partner. As long as you leave your vacation feeling refreshed, and the kids leave smiling, you’ll know that you’ve nailed your first vacation together.

5 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Road Trip

Taking a family road trip can be a fulfilling, bonding experience, but many parents can view it as the Mount Everest of family holidays. But with these 5 tips for taking a road trip with children in mind, you’re assured a fun and relaxing holiday. Explore a country from behind the wheel, and maybe even hire a motorhome for your trip to ensure maximum comfort and ease. Check out our advice, and then let the adventure begin!

Pack The Snacks

No one is pleasant when they’re hangry, so avoid this at all costs. Purchase snacks before the trip to ensure you don’t have to overspend at petrol stations and resort to unhealthy choices. Kids on a sugar high are not ideal in such a small space, so aim for nutritious food that is low in sugar. Also avoid big meals, as this can cause travel sickness. Ideas include:

• Rice crackers and rice cakes
• Popcorn
• Nuts and dried fruit
• Sliced fruit
• Vegetable sticks and hummus, or another dip
• String cheese
• Sandwiches 

Pack food in portions, to avoid hassle on the road. And be sure to pack heaviest things, like drinks, at the bottom to avoid it getting crushed. Speaking of drinks, pack enough water and juice to keep everyone hydrated! 

Keep it fun

Boredom is the biggest danger during a road trip, as it leads to whiny, impatient kids. Defeat boredom by planning ahead, and having plenty of family car games. Classics like “I Spy”, “I’m Going on a Picnic” and “Travel Bingo” are ideal, as it keeps everyone focused and occupied. But also bring activity books, which can be found in any bookstore and will keep them entertained. 

Bring a CD that the whole family can tolerate, for when they’re more tired and just want to listen. I like downloading an audiobook (Harry Potter is great for slightly older children), as I find it more bearable than a children’s CD on repeat. 

Always have a backup. And by back up, I mean electronics. When things get really dire, an iPad or Laptop with a film will be your only salvation. Hopefully, it won’t reach that point, but be prepared.

Stops

Plan your stops in advance. This has two effects. Firstly, it gives kids something to look forward to, so they’ll ask to stop less. If you have set stops you also won’t be tempted to stop too often and ruin your schedule. Secondly, it ensures you stop at the right places. Avoid stopping at boring gas stations with overpriced shops and toilets, and instead, plan to stop somewhere with a playground for the kids to stretch their legs. Give a specific time that you’ll be at a stop, to avoid it running on. Another place to stop one day would be a beach or pool, perfect for a long day of driving. Have their splash stuff packed somewhere easy to grab, in a waterproof bag.

Packing

Make a list before your trip starts of everything you need to bring. Consider snacks, spare clothing, blankets and more. Pack clothes for each day separately, to make mornings easier, with a spare jacket on hand. 

Don’t forget to pack the following:

• First aid kit (including travel sickness pills!)
• Baby wipes
• Hand sanitizer 
• Power banks for electronics
• Small trash bags for on the road

If you’re heading abroad, be sure to check the rules for each destination you drive through. Some countries require you to contain certain documents or safety items in the vehicle at all times, so don’t be caught unprepared!

Destinations

When traveling to multiple destinations with young ones, planning ahead is vital. Make a list of each place you want to visit or things you’d like to do, and then look around each for things your kids would love too! Try to switch between preferences, to ensure smiles throughout the car. By camping with your motorhome each evening, you also give kids the room to run about and stretch their legs. Aim for a campsite with a playground - or even a pool- for the happiest of children. If you’d like to visit museums, aim for ones with interactive exhibits. 

Dear Families, Before Booking a Hotel, READ THIS

Picture it: A family of three (Mom, dad, six-year-old boy), five large suitcases, one bed and no floor space. 

Chances are if you've stayed in a hotel with your family, it's not that hard to picture. The thought alone might be stirring up some pretty torturous memories. Especially, if you stayed for more than three days in the cubical called a hotel room. 

I've done this one time in my life, and have sworn to never, ever do it again! 

Thankfully, there is a new trend in the hotel industry, making it easier for families to travel, Apart'hotels. Offering more than one room with a bed and limited footprint, Apart'Hotels provide a fully equipped home away from home, with plenty of room for a family to move around.

I've stayed in three, from Melbourne, Florida to Melbourne Australia. They are the real deal, super budget-friendly for family travel and offer SO MUCH MORE ROOM!!!!!

Photo Credit: Ascott Limited

While in the past, fully equipped serviced apartments were considered only for relocation and extended stays of more than a week or two, times are changing. Serviced apartments or Apart'hotels are popping up in major cities across the world, and with comparable nightly rates to traditional hotel rooms, they are staking their claim on the hotel industry. 

Pictured above is a two bedroom serviced apartment at the Apart'Hotel Citadines on Bourke, in Melbourne Australia. The Hubs, kid and I stayed in that beautiful space our first two nights in Melbourne. Offering two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen (with Dishwasher!), a separate living area and workspace, we were FLOORED! The place was huge, with beautiful views from the 25th floor, and centrally located in the Heart of Melbourne's CBD!  Like, on the biggest shopping street in the city! 

But that's not all... The room rate was comparable to a traditional hotel room down the street! 

The trend towards Apart'hotel development is showing the growth of serviced apartment units to far exceeded traditional hotel unit expansion over the next two years. According to a survey conducted by the Association of Serviced Apartment Providers (ASAP), 48 serviced apartment operators show expansion targets both in the UK and globally, at an anticipated global increase in supply of 145,000 serviced apartment units through 2018. 

The shift towards Apart'hotels is great news for budget-friendly family travel. With the larger room foot print, fully equipped kitchen, and in-room washer and dryer facility, families can pack lighter and prepare meals in the room. This is especially helpful when traveling as a large family, or with young children. The money saved on baggage fees and eating meals out may even pay for the room.

We were able to eat breakfast in the room, store left overs from meals out, keep bottle waters cold, do laundry, and be centrally located. I cannot stress it enough, before you book a traditional hotel room, look for an Apart'hotel or serviced hotel first. Your family will thank you. YOU, will thank you. Most of all, your family-budget will thank you.