AboutMK Expertise I am highly experienced with traveling with small children abroad. I enjoy enriching experiences for my kids as well as myself. I have much advice on having a happy travel experience for both you and your child. I am also a resource of information regarding unique experiences such as learning languages abroad as a family in immersion settings and how to really get to know a culture.
Experience I have worked in international business for 20 years. I have been traveling successfully with kids as young as 6 months- and I continue to do so happily.
Question My husband and I are taking our 1 year old to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic next year. Do I need to let the shuttle company that's providing the transfer from the airport to the hotel know in advance that we'll need a car seat? Might they provide one and if so, is it safe? If I need to bring one, how will I get it in and out properly? It takes a while...Thanks!
Answer For a hotel shuttle, you can certainly ask and see. At somepoint you may need more than a hotel shuttle, need a rental car or taxi.
My take on rental car seats, usually available from rental cars.
I usually shy away from renting a car seat at I am never sure of the history of that car seat (will it work properly if needed) and is it as clean as I'd like. Rarely can a rental car ever meet my expectations on these matters. I have also had the experience that a reserved car seat is never a confirmed car seat, it is subject to availability and even once if it is not available (usually at 2 am on a redirected flight) it is not worth the risk. I prefer to bring mine. I have either brought it on the airplane and my child gladly sat in it or checked it under while in a durable car set bag and requested special handling. There are also airline and car approved harnesses for 2+ years. My kids loved these and the could fit in a purse. I had these on hand always at home for the instant extra car seat. I don't have the product name, but if you need it I can provide it.
You can certainly make your own decision. Mother's intuition is the best. Check out some of my other answers for traveling with small children, my two favorites are a sheep skin for naping anywhere including the airplane and aromatherapy for great sleep association. Start using these at home which will make transition to traveling a bit easier- familiar smells and feels. The sheep skin can fit into one of the travel compacting bags and fit into a carry on bag nicely with snacks, toys and diapers. mk@familylanguagevacations.com
