Ready for Takeoff

Drawing on a decade of global travel experience, a guide to family travel that shows how it can empower parents and build resilient kids of any age—from the creators behind Roamaroo

Traveling with children can feel daunting—lugging gear, navigating jet lag, and absorbing the cost often leaves parents wondering whether it’s worth it at all. Written by the founders of the popular online travel community, Roamaroo, Collette and Scott Stohler argue that not only is it worth it, but that traveling with kids can profoundly shape who our kids become.

In Ready for Takeoff, the Stohlers draw on a decade of global travel across more than 80 countries, including 12 with their children. Their core belief is simple: when families experience the world together, children build adaptability, confidence, emotional intelligence, and curiosity—and families grow closer.

Ready for Takeoff guides parents through both the mindset and mechanics of traveling with kids. First they tackle common barriers—fear, perfectionism, and the idea that adventure must wait until “someday”—then offer practical guidance on planning family-friendly itineraries, managing jet lag and illness, budgeting, packing, traveling safely, and adjusting expectations with grace.

Whether you are planning a weekend visit to grandma or a long-awaited trip abroad, Ready for Takeoff empowers parents to explore the world and raise curious, resilient children.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs