1. "Kids Free" promotions mean that kids fly free, too.
Not unless the deal specifically says so. "Kids Free" deals are great, but read the verbiage carefully! The words you most want to see are "Kids Fly Free, Stay Free, Eat Free, and Play Free." It's a rare deal that "frees" it all!
Note too that -- unless you're at an all-inclusive-- "Kids Eat Free" promotions typically restrict the free munching to "eating from the kids' menu, when accompanied with a paying adult."
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Read more about Kids Free promotions
2. Farefinders (Travelocity, Expedia, etc.) will find the lowest airfare for my family vacation.
They might; but not necessarily, as they don't search allairlines. One notable omission is Southwest Airlines, particularly of interest to families because of (a) low fares, and (b) routes and packages to popular spots such as Disney World. You must buy directly from Southwest.
3. "Driving time: Five hours 13 minutes".
Mapquest driving directions may say you can drive from A to B in that time, but Mapquest's calculator isn't driving with live kids in the backseat. Add in snack stops, bathroom stops, and general "just gotta get out of the car and move around stops"-- you need to allow much more time to arrive at your destination.
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See tips about Car Trips with Kids
4. It's hard to travel with a baby.
But staying home with a baby is "hard" too! I.e., babies need constant care and attention. So why not cash in your travel Baby Bonus: in many cultures, people will be 10 times more friendly if you have a kidlet along. Yes there are logistics… all that gear and stuff; but strollers are portable, and some models can do double-duty as car-seats, plane-seats, moving cradle for afternoon-naps, and beast-of-burden for your diaper bag and shopping purchases. Meanwhile, house-swaps and condo rentals can provide kitchens, laundry, etc. Go for it!
5. Disneyland is more or less the same as Disney World.
West-coasters often think this. Uh-uh. It's true that both places have Magic Kingdom theme parks, and that most new rides get built in both places. But while Disneyland has two theme parks (Magic Kingdom and California Adventure), Disney World has four theme parks, two water parks, 22 resorts (with gigantic grounds), plus Downtown Disney with restaurants, shops, and Cirque de Soleil. Total area is the size of Boston, and the vast Epcot, Disney MGM-Studios, and Animal Kingdom theme parks are unique to Disney World.
6. A "junior suite" has two rooms.
Wrong-o. A "junior suite" is ONE larger-than-normal room that has two different areas for sleeping and sitting. You will find more space for your family, but don't expect two separate rooms.
7. "All-inclusive" means, well, everything.
Typically "all-inclusive" means all meals, drinks (including alcoholic), kids programs, and some--but notnecessarily all--activities. "Non-motorized watersports" -- such as kayaking, windsurfing-- are included, sometimes with instruction. Snorkeling gear may be provided-- but with limited hours. Tennis is usually free, as are fitness classes, and activities such as poolside games. Meanwhile, "motorized watersports" such as snorkeling or scuba trips are generally not included. But some resorts are "super all-inclusive" and include the whole gamut.
8. Guests shouldn't tip at an all-inclusive resort.
Tricky one. Some resorts state "No Tipping" and are so strict that you might get an employee into hot water if you show largesse. Others say "No Tipping" but the occasional hand-over is ok. Meanwhile at other all-inclusives, tipping is expected. If you're traveling to Mexico, you're well advised to bring a wad of dollar bills; in the Caribbean, several major brands are "No Tipping" and you'll have to gauge the situation on the spot; or read TripAdvisor.com comments before you go.
9. Cruises are basically all-inclusive.
Well, yes; but you can still rack up expenses. Sodas are typically are not included (- same with alcoholic drinks, but you probably expected that.) Check for "unlimited soda" plans if you need your Pepsi's or Cokes. Be sure to also budget for shore excursions: costs add up fast for a family of four. Or consider "do-it-yourself" shore outings: explore on your own, without a signed-up tour.
10. Taking a family to Europe is hugely expensive.
Yes, it can be; but so can any trip, depending on the style of travel. There are umpteen ways to travel affordably in Europe; and the bonus is that, in Europe --thanks perhaps to Arthur Frommer's guidebooks decades ago-"budget travel" is mainstream and perfectly acceptable. Families who want to save money might look at deluxe "camping villages" (with bungalows, restaurants, kids programs) such as Eurocamp; or if you want to tour around, lease a brand-new car from Renault and stay at "family rooms" at hostels--choose the ones in old monasteries or castles, and soak up historical ambiance plus friendly atmosphere. ("Hostels" are definitely not just for "youth" anymore.).
