Some people believe that after you have kids, you will not be able to travel or, if they do, the trip will be too stressful. I am here to tell you that this isn’t true.
My family has some of the best memories from its travels abroad. We’ve seen the Eiffel tower at night in the summer, made pasta in Italy together, and jumped into the Mediterranean. Grand-Hotel du Cap-FerratThe pool house is affectionately called by our children.
As any parent knows, traveling is a great way to enrich children’s imaginations and connect with them, but without proper planning, it can quickly turn into chaos. And with three kids under five that have collectively visited six different countries (including our home country of New Zealand—a 17-hour Flight from New York) we have experienced a lot It’s been years of trial-and-error.
What to pack is the most important thing to consider. Then, there are the logistics of travel and the destination. What’s the difference between a Caribbean All-inclusive and Capri? Is Disney World your only option for an all-inclusive vacation? You can also check out our Facebook page for more information. For kids? Here are some of my insider travel tips, from airport survival to creating itineraries based on routines.
Preparation
List the bulkiest items you will need. The Doona car seat, a folding travel stroller (we alternate between Yo-Yo or Silver Cross Jet), and fun-printed carry-on luggage for kids (State Bags or Pottery Barn both have great options) are at the top. Spend money on backpacks with luggage straps. Load them up with all the necessities for your flight, including a change of clothing, something warm, hand-sanitizers (such as alcohol wipes), diapers, and coloring books.
The Elvie or Willow inserts are great for pumping but I’ve found that the Zomee Even if your breast milk bottles are large and protrude from your chest, a nursing cover will still be effective. To reduce excess bulk, you can leave your nursing pillow at home and ask for an extra cushion on the plane. It’s about keeping things simple while still having everything you need.
Since not all airlines provide infant seatbelts I recommend buying a baby flight jacket to keep the little ones safe. We have them. Baby B’AirThis is a durable and functional product.
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Airport Parking
The airport is the hardest part of the trip, but it’s worth it. game changer The Five Star Service of American Airlines is designed for families.
On a recent (and perhaps overly ambitious) trip to Europe, we were equipped with seven suitcases, four duffel bags, and two strollers—a moving circus from the outset. However, once we arrived at JFK, we were met curbside by an AA representative who engaged with the children and escorted us through a check-in that felt more like a luxury hotel lobby than a major international airport. After a quick security check, we were escorted to the new Greenwich Lounge. This lounge offers dining à la carte, sophisticated relaxation spaces, nursing areas and Champagne on tap. There’s no rush, no halogen-lit hallways and no need for those dreaded tantrums caused by travel.
Getting on the actual plane is usually a mad scramble for families, too, but we were ushered to the gate with attendants who assisted with our luggage and happily sang along to The Wheels on the Bus—After a 3 a.m. wake-up, we were too tired to do much. First, they took us to the plane and made sure everything was securely stowed. Et Voila
This simple addition enhanced the experience You can also find out more about, but the real advantage was when we arrived in Rome and the driver was nowhere to be found. He didn’t speak English, and we don’t speak Italian, and instead of standing at the arrivals hall, he was waiting in a car park a mile away. We would have been lost without the AA attendants at Fiumicino Airport, who coordinated with him and helped to keep everything together while happily entertaining the toddlers.
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On the Airplane
If possible, try to book flights that coincide with your sleeping schedule. We take red-eyes to Europe and our routine at night is the same except for the bath. Dinner, book, bed, (and maybe some preloaded cartoons and games on an iPad)
Book the bassinet if you can to alleviate ear pain due to the sudden change in cabin pressure. For older kids, Stokke’s JetKids Bedbox If you’re flying business class, check the plane model when booking. Some have more modern cabins with closing doors for added privacy (Air France and Delta both offer this option). If you are flying in business class, make sure you check the model of your plane when booking. Some have modern cabins that have closing doors to give you more privacy. (Air France and Delta have this option).
The plane is a breeding ground for germs. Therefore, I always bring a package of Lysol Wipes and disinfect the area of my seat as soon we board. Another tip? Pack disposable slippers and have the children wear slip-ons instead of lace-ups. This will prevent them from making bathroom trips with socks that absorb everything.
The Best Way to Reach Your Destination
Pre-arrange Everything is better with a little help The hotel will have the following items: a crib, a diaper pail, a bottle heater, baby toiletries and a bath for your baby. Ship diapers and formulas or purees before you arrive to free up more space in your suitcase.
There is a big difference between hotels which are simply You can also click here to learn more about Some luxury hotels cater to families and are experts at anticipating their needs. Take advantage of the opportunity to take advantage. Airelles Chateau de la MessardiereRooms include play tents, Bonpoint bath products, macarons, as well as freshly prepared food. After settling in, young travelers can take the choo choo train to the kids club to unleash their creativity. They can choose from a range of musical instruments and costumes, play games, or visit the farm to collect eggs for baking cakes.
Ask the concierge about activities for children that you can join (e.g. Amanyara’s exclusive science camps and Jumby Bay’s kids’ safaris are available in Antigua.
