I would like to hear from families that have had success taking a child's friend on vacation with you. Do you rent a condo or get 2 adjoining hotel rooms? What is the most cost efficient way to do this? THANKS!

How old is the child??

__________________

Couple of years ago we took our then 9 year old grand-daughter and her 10 year old friend to Panama City Beach, Fl. with us for a week. They brought games and dolls and whatever it is that age groups plays with, so when in our condo they kept busy. We spent the majority of our time at the beach or pool, so they were 2 very happy girls. They had a tv in their room and were content to watch it in bed at night. The only problem was that I, as the grandmother, didn't think they ate enough. Other than that we had NO problems. We would take these girls to Aruba with us, but my GD does not like to fly.

When our daughter was a senior, she brought a friend and we stayed 1 week at the Surf Club. We had a 2 bedroom so they got the studio unit. The second week we were at the Rennasance. Some guy wanted $500 for his unit so we asked to have joining rooms. We each had a 1 bedroom unit and the rooms joined so it really worked out well. Also the girls weren't the normal senior girls. They don't drink or party so we were always together. We went to DePalm Island for a half day. I told them to try a beer since they were free. They took a sip and spit it out. They did like the frozen drinks.

Good question...12.

First, I would recommend a rental timeshare. That way you will have a kitchenette so the kids can grab drinks or snacks from the refrigerator. 1BR units usually have pull-out couches, where girls don't mind sleeping together. I am not sure about boys. If not, a 2BR or a 1 BR and attached studio (like at LaCabana) would work.

You will need the child's passport. I had a notorized letter from the child's parent authorizing me to take them out of the country as well as being in charge of any medical care, if needed. I remember I needed it to show Delta and customs.

I also learned that ahead of time you will want to discuss finances with the child's mother, to be clear on who is paying for what. Believe me, I have done this three times, and you cannot count on the other parent to do the right thing all the time. Jet-skiing or tubing are expensive activites!

I hope this helps! Happy planning!

__________________

This is a Travel Authorization form that I made if travelling with minor child/children. TRAVEL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR CHILDREN

__________________

I'M IN ARUBA Dec. 16-Jan. 16



28 days - April 1-28

Aruba since 1985

Perfect!

__________________