We moms know the dirty little secret of family vacations: They’re no vacation for us, especially when young kids are part of the equation. In fact, moms whisper around the pool, their eyes trained on their toddlers, they should have saved the money and stayed home. However old the kids, on vacation, we still have to mediate squabbles, plan activities, navigate unfamiliar turf, keep kids safe, find missing sneakers and new batteries and treat minor illnesses and injuries—all that and scout out a washing machine, too. (Whenever possible, I go for a condo with a washer or a wash-and-fold place.) more inside...

Taking the Kids is now featured on CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2008/news/takingthekids/)