Before and After

Yes, we promised you reviews of luxury properties to which you can feel comfortable toting the little ones. But we realize that getting to the chic hotel, that incredible spa, or that oh so relaxing beach entails some work. First, you've got to get there - no easy feat in these days of usually unpleasant (and sometimes surreal) travel. Then you have to do it all in reverse to get back home - a task which is practically guaranteed to leave you needing another vacation pronto.

So, in hopes of making the whole process more tolerable, if not exactly fun, we're also going to be including helpful tips to ease the pain. After all, it's bad enough having to do this stuff alone. Add kids to the mix, whether preoccupied teens or rambunctious toddlers, and it's enough to make you stay home.

Okay, maybe not. After all, you love to travel, so you suffer the pains (may we say indignities?) that traveling sometimes foists on you. Here's hoping we can help you suffer a little less, and enjoy yourself a little longer.

Up next: lounging at the airport in (relative) comfort.