Tip #6: Go local
Embrace your destination. This is an opportunity for youngsters to learn about new places, people, and food. Encourage them to try local dishes. Arrange for a pizza-making demonstration when you’re in Italy, and make a game of trying every gelateria you see. Again, the proof is in the planning -- make sure resorts offer child-friendly fare and prompt service, and send them your dietary requirements and preferences well in advance. Bad/inappropriate food will make everybody grumpy. If you’re a foodie and the kids are too young to care (or eat, for that matter), do as one girlfriend did -- take an apartment in Paris with your husband for a week, and make lunch the meal of the day. Fine restaurants tend to be more tolerant of children during the noon meal, and if you gorge yourself properly, dinner can be snack at home. Also, remember that they don’t need to be in a hotel room to nap; snoozing in the stroller while Mom and Dad picnic in the park is much more fun (at least for you).

Tip #7: Take advantage of your status
In some cultures, motherhood is revered and family ranks above all. Yes, these are the places where expectant mothers are exalted…and strollers offer a shortcut to everything. So take advantage and do your research. In France, most museums and galleries -- where line-ups can last hours -- offer separate entrances for those with strollers. Don’t miss out. Attention au poussette!

Tip #8: Make it active
Holidays are a great time to get everybody outdoors and wean young travelers away from Gameboys. They’ll forget all about their Wii when they’re spotting howler monkeys on a hike in Belize or taking fencing lessons in the Loire Valley. So when you’re comparing hotels and resorts, enquire about the nature of their childcare; are activities fun and cultural, or television-reliant? Better yet, turn to the experts for a fully active affair -- luxury purveyors like Butterfield & Robinson offer biking and walking trips around the world that work in a variety of other active and cultural components that will appeal to the whole family. Dora who?