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{been here, done this} |
1. Don't overpack. This is the cardinal rule for travelers of any age, but it is even more important when you have small bodies that will likely need to be carried through an airport at some point. We try to bring just what we think we will need and then cut that in half (ha).
2. You have to pack a lot in your carry-on bags, so accept it and just be super smart about it. We each bring one carry-on. The kids have small backpacks that have a special toy (ONE), a new drawing pad and crayons (buy these....they won't roll off the tray and sending you crawling on the disgusting airplane floor for "GREEN! I need GREEN!!") and a snack. B and I carry big carry-on bags that zip or snap closed (very important as you don't want your crap falling out). I wish I had a good, roomy backpack so that I could be hands-free, but I haven't found the perfect one. Suggestions?
3. In the big carry-ons, I use separate ziplock bags for everything (juju's jammies and change of clothes in one, toiletries in another, snacks in another, you get the picture). This helps prevent the stuff from falling out everywhere when you are looking for something. Plus you can never have too many ziplocks on a trip. They come in very handy to use later for wet clothes, food, all sorts of stuff.
4. I bring little presents for the kids to entertain and delight (my mom has been nice enough to help me with this in the past). Smaller and lighter the better, obviously. I usually give them things I might not normally buy, so they think it's a real treat. I also bring stuff like post-its, band-aids, tape and string.....they will provide hours (hopefully!) of entertainment. For C-Man, the Where's Waldo Travel Book has been a lifesaver. For Juju, she'll play contentedly for a long time with little tiny animal figurines and a playsilk. Not totally sure about Little E yet....she was just a year and a half last summer when we went on our last big trip so she didn't really play much. I am still nursing her, so there's always that. ;-)
5. For food, I am always trying to think of good food that doesn't need to be refrigerated (and that isn't purely carbs....carbs are easy). Someone once told me to bring pancakes, which I always do now. Nuts, string cheese, peanut butter sandwiches....but I need more ideas. Help?
6. I use Rescue Remedy. I think it helps them relax (me too) and fall asleep more easily.
7. Take a red-eye flight. We have done both. Leaving the West Coast at 8 p.m. and arriving in Europe the next day (without having to change planes) makes it a whole lot easier for everyone to sleep. I highly recommend this.
8. Dress them in cute clothes (or even matching clothes). I really think it softens up the flight attendants and passengers around you (for reals!). Last year, the kids wore matching navy and white striped shirts (nothing fancy) but everyone was ooh-ing and ahhh-ing about the shirts. We have always had good luck with the people we sit by on planes. Let's hope it continues. :)
9. The obvious: bring movies and books on your computer or iPad. This is a treat for our kids so it works like a charm. However, the kids entertain themselves really well and usually they watch just a movie or two. (We once flew from Pisa to San Diego and they didn't watch anything!) They also like to mess around with the screens on the plane.
What I really need help with is what to pack for myself.....I am thinking dresses that can work as a beach cover up, sandals, striped t-shirts, a hat, linen pants..... What are you tips and ideas (for what clothes to pack or how to survive long flights with little kids)??