Traveling with children is never easy. You’re planning, carrying and working for two (or more), and depending on their age, you’re also physically carrying your travel partner.
But it doesn’t have to be a nightmare every time you want to take your kids on a vacation. This recent article gives a list of clever tips to make travel more child (and parent) friendly.
- Play a game with your kids called “airport,” preparing them and yourself for the busy rush that is air travel. When it comes time to go, everybody will know their places … and you’ll be less likely to forget something.
- Ask for a “buddy” pass at the airport, so a friend or husband can help you unload, collect the children, and be on your way with less hassle and stress.
- Use the luggage valet. Traveling with children requires carrying a lot. Pay the valet $1-$2 per item he carries for you to help you bring your things to the check-in desk.
- Airlines don’t charge to check-in car seats, so check them in. If you don’t have a car seat bag, they will wrap them for you at the counter.
- Bring a stroller for the airport in case you have to run between gates to make a flight.
- Use “stroller-hooks” to hang bags, totes, and anything else from the stroller handles.
- Don’t forget toys, electronics, and entertainment for the flight, from coloring books, to Play-Doh, Barbies, mini tea sets, snacks, and movies.
- Take along your own headsets. If you are bringing a laptop for your kids to watch movies, they’ll need the earphones to hear the movie and it’s a courtesy to the other passengers.
- Bring your own pillow if you are traveling after 7 p.m. or on a long flight.
Photo © Heather Poole via Flickr