Remember, this isn't your once-in-a-lifetime dream vacation.

CNN: Taking the kids: Gather away from home for the holidays

Most excuses are less creative: doctor's order, child-care issues, work that can't be missed, a planned once-in-a-lifetime vacation.

WSJ: Psst! You Want to Duck Jury Duty?

She didn't leave my side for two years and when I was given a once in a lifetime trip to New York for my birthday, I trusted Ben to look after her.

BBC: Ben Raftery