It's getting warmer outside and school is almost out. That means it's travel season for alot of families. Today I have a guest post on 5 Ways to Travel with Kids from Kendra Thornton to hopefully make your travels alittle easier.
Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR Businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!
5 Ways To Travel With Kids
Without the Hassle!
Getting away from it all and spending quality time together as a family sounds good on paper. But people who have traveled with small children know it can be a nightmare unless you plan, plan, plan. Don't fret! With good preparation ahead of time and a few good tips you can make it through the vacation unscathed with wonderful memories and while actually enjoying yourself.
Streamline the Process
Want to avoid long lines? If possible, get a really early flight. The later in the day you fly, the more delays you face at the airport. The lines at luggage check-in and security will also be far shorter in the morning. If you are lucky, your kids might take a morning nap on the plane. Early naps are better for those
little ones suffering from jetlag and will also help you get the most sleep while adjusting to your new time zone.
Carry-On My Friend. . .
Make a list of essentials your kids can't live without before you leave. For such tiny things, kids require a lot of swag. Whenever possible, bring those things in the carry-on instead of checked luggage. An extra set of clothes, snacks, toothbrush, teddy bear, etc. You never know when a flight delay or lost baggage situation will throw off your schedule. Did you also know there is no charge for
checking car-seats and strollers? Knowing the ins and outs of what can be carried on the plane or checked is a must, as well as the cost for extra luggage.
Toting your Tots
Now is the time to think about upgrading your child carrier and stroller set up. If you have multiple children to lug around and don't own a double stroller, now is the perfect time to invest. Think about it: only having to store one stroller and having both children easily accessible while your hands are free to lug odds and ends. If you will be traveling alone with your kids, then a double stroller is even more necessary. Good quality front or back carriers for infants and younger toddlers may also be the way to go if you are planning to do a lot of activities on uneven ground where a stroller might have trouble maneuvering. I love my
Gogobabyz travelmate for my youngest, which allows me to easily transition from a car or cab service to stroller on the way to the gate.
Sometimes Technology is Your Friend
Letting technology and television babysit your kids consistently is a parenting no-no. But even the most valiant defenders of books and toys over technology must admit that there are programs that (particularly in small doses) not only entertain children, but also contain educational value. Loading your iPad with age appropriate shows and games makes a long flight bearable for you, your kids, and the other occupants on the plane. Varying their activities between coloring, technology and their toys is nothing to be ashamed of. Here is a list of some popular Children’s Educational iPad Apps from
Teach Thought that you may want to consider investing in for your next trip.
Practice Planning, Makes Perfect!
Start with the vacation itself. Make sure that there are plenty of activities for children as well as parents. When traveling with kids, it’s recommended to stay at a “kid-friendly” resort, because these resorts specialize in catering to families. Look into area restaurants, making note of those that have child-friendly menus. When I took my family to Hawaii, I was able to book a kid-friendly hotel just by doing some simple research on travel review sites. By utilizing my online resources I was able to check with other moms regarding the
top hotels in Honolulu to see advice from prior family vacations. Want to completely remove the hassle of lodging and transportation planning? Hire a local travel agent to do it for you – they’ll likely know a lot of great deals as well.
