Jet Set Kids: Los Angeles

I have been getting lots of requests from readers asking for information on how to travel ‘jet-set’ with a kid. As you may know, Rob and I have an eleven (seemingly going on 20) year old girl, Demi. Sometimes it’s hard to find the balance between what kids and adults enjoy while on vacation. You end up either boring the “h-e-double-L” out for your kids with adult activities or as the parent, you find yourself wanting to punch the Disney characters by day three. However, we found the perfect balance this year. We decided to skip the family all-inclusive and cruises and head to the city of the stars, Los Angeles. And we all agree that this spring break proved to be one of the best “family” trips we’ve ever had. Here are my tips for an unforgettable spring break that the whole family will enjoy!

*** A month or so before you leave for LA call your concierge or go on TV Tix to see if you can score FREE tickets to the taping of your child’s favorite TV Show!

The Plane

This can be answered in one sentence. Find something that will keep them occupied for the ENTIRE duration of the flight. Keep in mind that there is 20 minutes at the beginning and ending of each flight where they can’t use “electronic devices” like iPods, DVD players etc… For us, we allow Demi to rent enough movies/TV shows on i Tunes for the duration of the outbound and inbound flights. In addition, before we leave we take Demi to the bookstore and allow her to pick out a book or magazine that she’s interested in. Making her part of the process helps us be certain she’ll be entertained.

Most airlines are offering only snacks on flights. So, come prepared or you’re gonna get the “Mommy, I’m hungry” when you have 2 hours left before touch down. However, avoid the sugar! The last thing you and your fellow passengers need is a jacked-up kid bouncing around the plane on a sugar-high! I pack individual bags of pretzels, grapes and low-sugar snack bars to keep the tummy (and the Mommy) happy.

If the flight happens to be longer than 3-4 hours (and depending on the age of your child) you may want to consider getting them a travel blanket/pillow set so they can take a nap (which will also help with the time change later).

The Car

Car rental agencies at LAX are off the grounds of the airport, however most rental companies provide a shuttle from the baggage claim area directly to the rental agency. My suggestion is to become a member of one of the car rental clubs that allow you to avoid the line and just walk on the lot and grab your car without having to deal with the lines. We are members of the Emerald Club at National Car Rental, which by the way is one of three free memberships you can apply for if you have an American Express Platinum card. We literally walked on the lot, chose our car and drove out. From stepping off the shuttle, to driving out of the lot, the whole process took 10 minutes (which is a huge difference from last year’s experience of “Sorry sir, your car isn’t ready, would you like a van instead?”).

FYI: Unless you request a navigation device, you need to print the directions from your car rental company to your hotel in advance.

Where to Stay

This is the tricky part.  Because Los Angeles is a big city with many areas with tons of traffic, you will want your hotel to be close to the activities and attractions you plan to do and see. You also want a hotel that’s cool for you, yet kid friendly.

We chose to spend a few days in West Hollywood and a few days in Santa Monica.

West Hollywood Hotel: The Mondrian

Rate: $250 and up

The Mondrian is a hip hotel with a laid back vibe. They’re used to having the kiddies around and most of the rooms are big enough for a family with two kids. They have recently renovated the property and have some cool things your kids will talk about for months; like the mirror that turns into a TV and floor to ceiling windows that have cool views. Plus, your kids will most-definitely run into a celeb like Randy Jackson (ofAmerican Idol) in this Hollywood hot spot.

If you’re kids are into seeing celebrities, then there is no better place to get the real feel of crazy “Hollywood” than The Ivy on Robertson Blvd. Stars only go to The Ivy if they want to be photographed, especially on a Saturday. It’s a spectacle! Make a reservation for lunch and watch the swarms of paparazzi flashing away at the celeb du jour.

Other kid friendly, yet adult happy, things to do near West Hollywood:

• Universal Studios Hollywood
• Warner Bros Vip Studio Tour
• Los Angeles Zoo
• Shopping on Robertson, Melrose & Beverly Hills
• Griffith Observatory
• The Grove
• Sprinkles Cupcakes
• Fashionology
• Hollywood & Highland
• Kodak Theatre (American Idol)
• El Capitan Theatre
• Tour of Stars Homes
• Hollywood Bus Tours

Santa Monica Hotel: Shutters on the Beach

Rate: $300 and up

The pace changes when you head to Santa Monica. It’s time for bike rides on the beach, the Santa Monica Pier and surf lessons. Santa Monica is a great home base for exploring the beaches of Manhattan, Hermosa, Malibu and even for day tripping to Orange or San Diego County.

We love to stay at Shutters because of it’s location directly on the beach. Every night (while Demi takes the necessary nap) Rob and I escape to the balcony with a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the Santa Monica Pier. It’s a really beautiful sight, and the perfect time to add a little romance into your family vacation!

Kid friendly, yet adult happy, things to do near Santa Monica:

• Santa Monica Pier *wrist bands to ride unlimited rides are $24.95 per person
• Bike Rides * $6 per bike per hour
• 3rd Street Promanade
• Yummy Cupcakes
• Venice Beach (Muslce Beach)
• Surf Lessons * $115 for one person (2 hours-includes wetsuit, board)
• Sony Studio Tour
• Day trip to San Diego: San Diego Zoo, Seaworld
• Day trip to Malibu: beautiful drive, Zuma Beach
• Day trip to Disneyland in Anaheim.

There are a ton of great restaurants for adults and even a few that kids will love too! Just in case you want to get a babysitter, the nightlife in LA is not to be missed. We’ll be launching the newly redesigned site in July! Keep watching on JSL for the Los Angeles video and the eGuide for a complete list of hip hotels, hot restaurants, chic nightlife, amazing shops and cool things to do.

Enjoy!

Three Tips for the “Starter” Jet Set

Rob and I get emails constantly from people that aspire to lead a jet set life like we do. True jet setters take multiple trips throughout the year to many of the world’s hottest destinations. But just because you’re not rolling in dough, doesn’t mean you can’t begin to enjoy the jet set life. Who says you can’t take one jet set trip a year! Here are a couple of tips to help you start your Jet Set Life today!

#1: Travel in Shoulder Season

I’m a fan of shoulder season travel for destinations like Florence (Italy), Paris (France), San Jose del Cabo (Mexico) and even Buenos Aires (Argentina). I prefer shoulder season to high season because the weather is still wonderful and the prices for air and hotel are definitely lower. During shoulder season, the cities aren’t over crowded with tourists but they are also not dead as well.

#2: Book a Well Priced & Well Located Boutique Hotel

For me it’s all about the hotel. Yes, some say the hotel is just the place you lay your head, and this is true. However,  a great hotel can enhance your experience in many ways. They often can get you into restaurants , events or on tours that are not necessarily accessible to everyone. Also, when you travel to some destinations, you’ll want to possibly sit by the pool and relax, maybe read a book in their library or sit champagne and watch the sunset on their balcony. All things that you wouldn’t be able to do if you weren’t staying in a wonderful hotel.

However, what does not necessarily make a hotel jet-set is the price. I don’t care if the hotel is not 6 stars, if it does not have a Michelin rated restaurants…those things on their own merit are not important to my overall experience. In addition, location is key. There are some amazing boutique hotels in really terrible locations. I’d rather be in a prime location and have easier access to the hot spots, less taxi rides and taxi fares!

My favorite resource to book a fantastic boutique hotel is Tablet Hotels. They offer great deals, added incentives and traveler reviews about the coolest hotels worldwide.

#3: Use Discount Airlines Booking Companies & Frequent Flier Miles

Jet-set is a term that was used when commercial air travel was new and only the super-wealthy could afford it. You don’t need your own personal 747 to be a jet-setter. If anything, I find that use of private air travel to be non-environmentally friendly and for that reason, rather non-chic. Rob and I always fly commercial and yes, often in coach. We travel often so we’d rather use our frequent flier miles for a free ticket as opposed to using it for an upgrade. A great way to accumulate frequent flier miles is by using an American Express credit card that allows you to easily transfer your miles to any major airline.

You can save 20-30% on base airline prices by using copanies such as 1-800-Fly Europe. Using online booking companies like these may mean that you aren’t given the airline’s name or possibly the stop-over destination. However, with a little research you can find out the flight.