Traveling mom prefers unique accommodations over all-inclusive resorts

“My process usually starts with trying to find interesting accommodation,” Cannon told BI about her travel planning strategy. “I usually start with unique accommodations and boutique hotels.”

Many families with young children tend to book stays at all-inclusive resorts, and Cannon said she sees an appeal in that.

“They make it really easy. There are changing tables and generally everything is safe and prepared for you,” she said. “At that toddler age, it’s very rewarding. But it’s all hands on deck.”

The accommodations Cannon chose instead of resorts were larger than typical hotel rooms – and gave parents a sense of privacy. Cannon added that it’s important to check for yourself about safety precautions when researching such accommodations.

“We could put the baby and toddler in a separate room for naps,” she said, “or so they could go to bed early, and we could still enjoy our space.”

Cannon found that non-traditional accommodations became more fun as the kids got older. They stayed in places that had farm animals, wildlife and fire pits on the property.

“Our first jungle adventure was in Panama when my daughter was six years old,” she says. “We stayed in a treehouse lodge.”

Another advantage of these stays over all-inclusive resorts, according to Cannon’s experience, is that they are usually cheaper.

“Often there is little connection between price and the experience our family has at a particular property,” she said. “One of my niches over the years has been finding unique places to stay.”

For example, the family has since stayed in another treehouse in Oregon, an abandoned railroad car in Nova Scotia and a lighthouse hotel on Prince Edward Island, Canada – all for less than $200 a night during their travels.

“They weren’t very expensive, but they were adventures,” she said.