When you started planning the vacay it seemed like a lot of good fun but a little planning goes a long way to making sure that the trip with the family is a success and a good time for all.
[1] Choose flight times wisely. The best way to get your trip off to a successful start is to pick a time when your child is most likely to be asleep. If possible, book a flight that coincides with naptime, or, when travelling longer distances is required, consider taking a red-eye. It could just the right thing to ensure sweet slumber en route to your destination.
[2] Pack light. Plan ahead so you can pack less. Ask the car rental companies if they provide a car seat along with your car. Check with the hotels about the availability of playpens or arranging stroller rental during your stay. But I have to tell ya that having a stroller to lug those toddlers and younger has been priceless. Most airlines will check them planeside free of charge and don’t count them as part of your baggage allowance. Especially with today’s rigorous security checks, being as hands free as possible on your journey can really make a difference.
[3] Avoid the crash. Pack snacks for eating on the go (and that are NOT messy) and avoid the sugar crash that can come from juice overload by stowing plenty of water. Seek the healthiest airport food option. Airport food is often not only ridiculously expensive, but also more likely to be highly processed and full of sugar. Healthy munching and being able to simulate a schedule as close to home will keeps the meltdowns at bay. Suggestions for items you can pack from home: whole wheat crackers, cheese, raisins, oatmeal cookies and granola bars…Grab as you go through the concourse: fruit - especially bananas, whole wheat bread, pasta.
[4] Make your toiletries to go. Travelling with the troops is one of those times when less is more. Look for reusable travel kits with pint-sized containers so that you can carry just the right amount and no more of theirs and your favorite products. Or save small bottles and containers that would be perfect for travelling. Also carry a little container of dishwashing liquid to clean out the bottles, nipples etc. Microwave sterilizing bags can also be super compact + helpful.
[5] Dress for success. Err on the side of comfort over style for your journey. Pack separates that mix, match and layer easily. Spills are inevitable and you are rarely in charge of the climate control. Be sure to pack extra outfits in case of accidents. Also dress them in clothes that can hide stains from playing in the airports and on the airplane. Patterns, prints, checks, stripes are great camo for stains.
[6] Make them part of the team. If your child is big enough to have his or her own bag, suit them up! Give them their own pint-sized backpack or rolling bag to stow fun activities, snacks or a fave toy or blankie. Consider a Trunki Ride-On Suitcase is not only colorful and kid-friendly, it has a contoured shape that turns it into a seat. Do NOT let your kids carry any heavy or bulky toys as you will end up carrying them as well as the child. Truss me! Talk through the process of check-in and security checks ahead of time and give each child an age-appropriate task. They can be extra hands that help all of you get through the trip!
[7] Bored kids are restless kids, so bring along plenty of quiet but interactive activities that will engage your children during travel. Depending on the age, the magnetic board puzzles, little storybooks, puzzles and games are great to keep them entertained for a good while.
For really long journeys consider carrying along your own personal DVD player and favourite movies. You can also rent movies from iTunes for your ipod. Although most long flights will air a movie there is nothing like ‘that’ special one to keep the good times rolling.
[8] Plan for the potty breaks as a part of the trip so that you will have enough time because when you gotta go you just gotta go. Did you just got your toddler out of those diapers? Congrats! Now make note of every possible potty stop available in sight. Chances are you’ll need it. Bring a portable potty seat to keep a little something in between the germs your precious potty user. Make sure you carry plastic bags for soggy moments because little accidents will and do happen.
[9] Pack your extra ears. Don’t forget to pack the baby monitor. It will free you up to run that load of laundry or a glass of wine poolside with your honey while your child is napping. Consider options that offer video feed as well as audio and vibrating alerts, for that little extra peace of mind. Some even provide temperature readouts.
[10] Plan for life’s little emergencies. Being on the road with a sick baby is never a fun trip but being prepared can go a long way to getting you there. Pack a little medical emergency kit with your own supplies at home or pick up a ready-made version at the pharmacy. Be sure to include a nasal aspirator, digital thermometer, medicine syringe, nail clippers, emergency information card, saline nose drops, gauze, disinfectant, Neosporin, Band-Aids and Panadol. A small First-Aid manual isn’t a bad idea either.
Travelling may not be as easy and care-free as it was pre-parenthood but travelling with the family can be a great way to open their eyes to new experiences, learn about the great big wide world around us and create lasting memories.
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