First of all, wish us luck.
I don’t know what I was thinking, but I agreed to to take a trip with our two children that involves, a 3.5 hour plane ride and a 1.5 hour car ride. (And this doesn’t include the wait times… waiting in the airport, waiting at car rental place…)
Crazy? Maybe.
I think the baby will be fine, it’s the toddler and meltdowns I’m worried about.
I’m hoping I don’t forget anything, and it all goes well with a few tricks I have, but I’d love to have more, so please tell me yours.
1. I make a to-do list and packing list
This is key for me, as these days I forget a lot of things. On my To-Do list I have such things as -
Cancel Mail & Paper ** Inform neighbors ** Check Windows ** Heat / AC off ** Tickets ** Passports
On the Packing List, I of course have clothing listed, but I also list miscellaneous items we might need -
Medications ** Lovies ** Sippy cups ** Thermometer ** Sound Machine ** Nightlight
2. I talk to JBird about going and let her pack her own carry-on
 This bag contains - one Lego, some stickers, and a necklace. |
Last year, I bought JBird her own carry-on, and let her pack it. Once on the plane, she knew what she had to play with and did well, for the first half-hour. Thankfully, my carry-on bag was packed to keep her occupied for most of the plane ride….
3. I pack my carry-on with items to Stimulate all Five Senses
Sight = Videos! I bring our iPod loaded with movies (and charged up), colouring books and crayons.
Hearing = iPod loaded with songs
Touch = Puffy stickers, tons of books (hardback, flap, softcover).
Smell = I load up on scratch and sniff stickers and markers.
Taste = Snacks! and lots of them. Nothing is worse than traveling with a hungry child.
4. I create waiting games
We have a lot of time we are going to need to occupy, at the airports (did I mention we have connecting flights with 2 hours between??!!), at the car rental booth and in the car. So we play games like I Spy, and Airport Bingo – I made a board in Excel. JBird marks her squares off with star stickers.
And if all else fails
I BRIBE (see #7)
I would really love to hear any tips or tricks you have for travelling with children.
I traveled with a 2 year old, alone, to Chicago. I was terrified. But, not as prepared as you. It turned out really well, though. She's a good egg. Except for the blowout on the way home there were no major mishaps. Snacks are DEFINITELY a necessity. I also sang and read to her a lot!
I see Hickory Sticks…. YUM! Love the idea of I SPY. That may work on our next road trip.
i like your tips. we'll be flying cross country with our toddler next month. i'll be stealing a few of your tips to help us along!
Thanks Cam, I hope you do find some of them useful.
Wow! I think you're really prepared. A nightlight is a godsend we forgot. Never again. Also, you'll be thankful for the 2 hour delay, especially if you're first flight arrives late. We had what was supposed to be an hour delay and were running for our connecting flight with 2 little ones. No fun. Also make sure you have something for them to suck or chew on during ascent and decent. Oh, and be prepared for possible air sickness. Good luck!
I love that: this bag contains ONE lego, some stickers, and a necklace. I love a girl who travels light!
Bribery is my favorite. :)
Great tips! I will have to pack some more snacks in her diaper bag.