I’m writing today’s newsletter while in flight. For the first time since we’ve been parents of two, we’re both heading out on an adults-only, multi-day getaway and the excitement is REAL. I’m geeked to talk more about this experience and how we prepared for it in a future issue. But all that can wait because today we’re taking a look at four wildly fun vacation rentals; the kind that are a destination in themselves. We’re also covering the unmatched convenience of baby and kid-travel gear rentals and how one click is all it takes to save yourself from the dreaded airport lugging of ALL the things.

Do you have tips we missed? Suggestions on family stays? We’d love to hear your feedback. Simply hit “reply” on this email to send a note!

The Most FUN Vacation Rentals We’ve Ever Seen

Scottsdale, Arizona
No one can contest the eye-popping appeal of the Playhouse Retreat Airbnb to toddlers and kids alike. The sprawling desert property has its own kid’s tiny town - complete with playhouses, roadways and riding cars - in addition to a splash pad, commercial-grade playground, putting green, mini soccer field and basketball court. That’s all in addition to a heated saltwater pool and eight-person hot tub.

FAST FACTS: Sleeps 11 across 5 bedrooms with pricing starting in the $600s per night, not including taxes and hosting fees.

Kissimmee, Florida
Just six miles from Disney World, this luxe VRBO features an indoor play zone with climbing wall and slide, a movie and game loft, bedrooms in both princess castle and NASA space shuttle themes, as well as an lanai pool and sophisticated decor in cozy main living spaces. It’s located inside Solara Resort, which also grants guests access to pools, splashpad and even a surf simulator.

FAST FACTS: Sleeps 14 across 6 bedrooms with pricing starting in the $300s per night, not including taxes and hosting fees.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee
A basement cavern with indoor pool and kiddie splash area makes this Smoky Mountain retreat one to remember - be warned, reviews comment that the water is cold! Once you’ve dipped in for a swim, cozy up in the indoor theater for movie night, then let the kiddos curl up in a bunkroom outfitted with arcade games.

FAST FACTS: Sleeps 12 across 4 bedrooms with pricing starting in the $500s per night, not including taxes and hosting fees.

The Fairytale Barn vacation rental sits on a small, vacation-rental resort with shared access to a private petting zoo, zip line, creek tubing, trampoline, summer sled hill, and stocked trout stream. Unlike the other highlighted listings, this accommodates smaller family sizes in cozy quarters, with a focus on exploring the grounds at Magic Mountain Resort.

FAST FACTS: Sleeps six across two bedrooms with pricing starting near $200, not including taxes and hosting fees

Travel Gear Rentals On the Go

Have you ever found yourself wondering if’s humanly possible to push a child in a stroller while dragging a carry-on suitcase, with a car seat strapped to your back? Yeah. Me too. 

Not every hotel, resort and vacation rental offer up baby and toddler gear for guest use (although if we do, you can bet they’re included in the Kid-Friendly Stays Directory!) So for all of those times that you need a stroller, pack-n-play, highchair - or, honestly speaking - a box of toys to make it through those early morning wake ups in a different time zone, Baby Quip is a solution to consider.

Not unlike Airbnb and VRBO, gear “hosts” in all sorts of locations rent out their baby and toddler necessities in clean and well cared for condition, for the duration of your stay. They’ll even deliver it in advance so that it’s waiting for you when your flight lands.

Traveling internationally? Sites like Babonbo offer similar services to traveling parents in a wider range of locations.

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