Tips For Traveling With Children

How To Avoid Problems and Enjoy Yourself

Traveling with children has it’s own unique set of problems.   Not preparing and planning can make the whole trip miserable.  We made a few mistakes along the way but, we figured a few things out  as well and just want to share some of the tips with you.  Now everything will not be perfect, but many problems can be diverted with proper planning. 

Tip 1: Pack Early

Print your own packing list for children here. 

You know what, you might be thinking, I know that. How often do we neglect to start early?  The earlier you start to pack the more likely you are to NOT forget something.  Laying the things out in a designated area with help you organize your clothing and other essentials needed for your vacation.  It will also jog your memory .  You do not want to get to Greece or even on a cruise ship and have to pay 7.00$ for a toothbrush. 

Tip 2: The Flight

Flying can be pretty stressful for mom and kids. Let’s be honest flying can be stressful for everyone.  Flying is stressful for everyone.  There are so many unanswered questions.  Will I be too hot?  Will I be too cold?  What if I am hungry, I heard they don’t feed you anymore.  How far is the bathroom.  There are just so many possibilities.  We just can not control everything, but we can try to take care of a few issues before they happen. 

If it is a long flight there are some essentials here you really need to take, such as the blankets and water bottles. Other things may not be necessary. 

Let’s talk about the flight. You want to check your bags, but take advantage of the carry-on policy.  Get each child a back-pack they can carry for themselves.  Include in your back-pack some or all of these items. 

 

I am adding an essential item here because of our personal experience. If you are not on a direct flight this is a must have. Your toddlers can ride on it across the airport and it is a carry on. They can rest their feet on it because it sits under the seat. It opens easily and can be filled with all the other essentials needed to travel.

Trunki Riding Suitcase

Sit on, carry on, and ride on.

How cool is that?

1. Backpack
2. EMPTY water bottle
3.  Lollipops
4. Snacks
5. Baby wipes
6. Sweater or Jacket
7. Gum

1. I-pad or Kindle
2. Crayons
3. Coloring Books 
4. Activity Books
5.  Light blanket
6. Travel Pillow
7.  Sticker Books

Things You Need To Take On The Flight

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Tip 3: Leave Early For The Airport

Nothing is going to be more stressful than checking in, so get there early. Check in everything you can. You do not need extra weight to carry around because inevitably someone will get tired and need to be carried.  

If you decided to take strollers or car seats, check one or the other in. Believe me, you do not want to tote everything around the airport. Your back will thank you later. 

We traveled with two car seat babies last year and this was a big mistake we made. Carrying 2 arm babies, 2 car seats, a stroller and carry one luggage was AWFUL.  We have gotten smart and learned a few things.  If you are going to have to carry a car seat order one of these Car seat carriers for airports. 

• Padding protects your car seat’s safety features and backpack straps allow you to carry your car seat hands-free. Airline certified
• To ensure that this item fits your car seat, check the compatibility chart in the Technical Specification section below (click on User Manual)
• Fully padded with padded interior wings to protect car seat headrest ; Ergonomic, harness-style backpack straps are padded and adjustable

J.L. Childress Car Seat Carrier For Airports

When we found these our life changed. You want your own car seats if you have to rent a car anywhere.  They are difficult to carry around.  Whoever thought of this was brilliant. I would not go without this now. 

Tip 4: Do Everything You Can Before You Get To The Airport

Choose your seats, pick your meals, anything your airline allows arrange before you leave. 

Find out luggage requirements and carry on restrictions before you leave your house. 

Airlines have a wealth of information on line.  Take the time to look it up. 

Tip 5: Traveling With Babies

Airlines do have different policies for babies. The liquid sizes are different and you can take more bottles, etc.

Take any teething medicine or sucking instruments with you. The change in pressure is alarming to babies.

You may want to sit in the back farther away from people as possible and nearer to the bathroom.  Earmuffs for decreasing sound can be a big help. The stroller is a necessity if you are carrying a baby. You carry on should have all the things you need while flying. 

Tip 6: Some Essentials For Your Bag

Headache medicine is a must have in my bag. I don’t want our trip to turn sour because of the way I feel.  Stress will settle in your jaw and neck, so be sure and take some with you . 

Take some Pepto Bismol. This little medicine can cure a lot of stomach issues. It may be needed for you or for your children.  Keep some by your side for those little upset stomach moments. 

Your own water bottle. Just remember it has to be empty when going through TSA. After that you can fill it up at the fountains. 

Last But Not Least

Lastly to wrap this all up, remember it is a vacation.  Everyday life is fill with unexpected events, especially when you have children. They may not remember everything about this trip you are taking, but you will. You want your memory to be a good one.   Your children will remember what you talk about the most. 

We do not live fairy tales and the reality is everything does not always go as planned. That doesn’t mean you can’t have the time of our life. 

Enjoy the unexpected and find humor and pleasure in the adventure ahead of you.  I hope some of these tips will help you to plan your next trip. 

What are your tips for traveling with children?  I bet you know some.  Share them with us.  See ya, Janet

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