We were inspired to write this after reading some recent articles on how to travel with kids. Much of it was the same info that most of us have figured out by now - yes, bring a new toy to keep Junior occupied - but we were surprised to see how much of the advice out there is either outdated or just plain ill-advised. So here, COL’s new tips for flying with kids:

1. Ditch the DVD player. DVD players are so last century - literally. Since the advent of the ubiquitous iPod, there’s no reason to lug around a bulky DVD player and an equally-cumbersome set of discs, none of which will be the one Junior actually wants to watch. Instead, load up your video iPod or iTouch with cartoons and whatever soundtracks your little tyke likes - iTunes has a pretty good selection of both and you can always import any CDs you already have. Bonus: you’ve got your music and podcasts for your vacation or for when Junior takes a nap on the plane. (more…)

Complimentary daily breakfast, “Nanny-On-Call” service and children’s cooking classes highlight the five-night “Family Fun in the Sun” package offered at the exclusive, 29-suite Esencia estate in the Riviera Maya. The package, available through Oct. 31, features five nights’ complimentary accommodations for up to two children under the age of 12 in the same suite as parents, breakfast each morning, two hours of “Nanny-on-Call” service each day while parents enjoy a treatment at Aroma Spa or dinner at Sal y Fuego, and a two-hour children’s cooking class for each child. Roundtrip transportation to and from Cancun International Airport is also included in the package. Rates start at $1,999 for accommodations in a Garden Room. Taxes and service fee is additional. For reservations, please call 877-528-3490 or visit www.hotelesencia.com.