First, bring a grandparent or two…..haha!!! Seriously though, the most recent trip we went on my entire family came so Maxwell sat next to my parents on the plane. It was magical!
This is all of the kids walking with my dad!
Getting back to being serious, we have traveled quite a few times with just Maxwell and now with both kids. I am by no means an expert. You really have to decide what is going to work for you, especially depending on where and when you are going as well as the age of the children. I always sit and think about every step of our trip before I plan anything.
A few factors to really think about:
1-Do you really need car seats or can you rent them? Will you even be driving once you reach your destination?
We have done basically all of the different options. Traveled with a car seat that we used on the plane, traveled with a car seat but checked it immediately, and have also traveled with a car seat and gate checked it. To be totally honest traveling with car seats is SUPER annoying, safety first though, and that is truly why we have traveled with them so many times. Most, if not all car rental places have car seats you can rent but my experiences have been horrible. Not only are they filthy dirty but I am not even sure all of them are street legal. lol, I wish I was kidding.
If you are going to bring a car seat, this cart is great to pull it through the airport!
2-Are your children mobile on their own or will you need a stroller? If so, what kind of stroller?
We have the Uppababy Vista that we prefer for travel with the kids being the ages they are. The convert-ability is amazing. Since we were bringing Emme’s car seat on this particular trip, it was awesome to be able to fit her other seat in the basket. Plus both seats totally recline so we used it on the beach when the kids would nap!!! I mean, genius, right?!?!
Before we had Emme we have traveled with our Maclaren umbrella stroller and our single bob! Both were great, obviously the umbrella stroller was easiest to fold when you are boarding the plane but I love the ease and comfort of pushing the bob!
Also, just a tip, anything you gate check still needs a tag. So as soon as you get to your gate, make sure you go up to the counter for tags! And buy these gate check bags to keep all your goods clean! Uppababy makes their own travel bag but I just couldn’t splurge so we got this similar version for WAY less! I also have a fabulous cup holder that attaches to my Uppababy that isn’t made by them. I think it’s way better because it holds 2 drinks and has TONS of compartments! Great for travel! It works with almost any brand of stroller too!
3-Are you staying in the US? If not, think about food and or formula, etc. for younger kiddos.
On our recent trip to Mexico, Emerson was still only 10 months so even though I was nursing I brought formula along as well as LOTS of pouches for her to eat
4-Where will you be staying once you reach your destination? Will you need a crib, Pack n play, etc?
Tip: Call the hotel in advance to make sure they have cribs or pack n plays! There are also companies that will deliver baby items to your hotel, I have never done this but have friends that have. Traveling Baby is one of them that services a lot of the USA.
5-Snacks!!!!! I usually load up on the kids favorites, Max LOVES m&m’s and this isn’t something we always have. Plus, he can count them and talk colors!
Some other good snacks:
Yogurt melts
Pouches(especially for the little ones)
Goldfish in individual packs, although they usually get smushed!
Peanut Butter & Jelly bars(Trader Joes)
6-Lots of activities for on the airplane
Ipad or tablet-Make sure you download shows because we definitely made the rookie mistake of not doing that and had a screaming one year old when the wifi wasn’t working on the plane yet!
I usually hit up the target dollar spot and buy a bunch of little toys that are new to the kids and aren’t something I really care about losing or getting dirty!
Something I have always wanted to try but haven’t is filling up a pill box with candy or toys. I guess the kids love to move stuff around in them and open/close the boxes! Genius, not sure why I haven’t done this!
7-For mom & dad, well we pretty much don’t get to bring anything for ourselves! haha, seriously though, bookbag all the way! I am obsessed with my Fawn Design bag, and Dusko is never seen without his herschel bookbag. Even when he travels alone, it’s a great work travel bag. I have the grey fawn bag, and recently just got Emerson the blush mini!! Tip: only buy when they have a promo, Emme’s was 20% off and I think I bought mine at 25%! Another Tip, this bag, looks almost identical to my fawn and is only $29.99!! OMG! Also, grab yourself one of these fun Carry-On Cocktail kits! Might help pass the time!!! lol
IMPORTANT! A lot of airlines require you to bring a birth certificate for your children. Especially if they are lap riders. Don’t make the same mistake we did(our first time traveling with Max we didn’t realize until the night before)!!!
Some of my favorite travel pics!
Just Remember once you get to your destination, it is ALL worth it!!!!
I linked what I have on here: Hat | Sunnies | Necklace
Leave a comment below if you have any tips!!!
XOXO,
Lissa
One last thing, I know I don’t need to remind you to bring diapers & wipes but DON’T forget an extra outfit for the kids! You know if you don’t bring one, you are going to need it! Isn’t that how motherhood works?!?!?
*None of this is sponsored, just my own opinion on some of my favorite items!*
