Our first trip with my first child was when he was about six months, and we braved a trip to Disney World. We were not very sure about it, but my sister-in-law, an expert traveler with kids, showed us the ropes. Most of these tricks I have learned from her — so thank you, Sis!
1. Travel Protection
I learned this the hard way. When you know you will be traveling with your children or maybe even traveling at all, I recommend taking advantage of any travel protection provided (if you can afford the extra fees). If you are planning ahead, you are likely aware that things with your children can change drastically overnight.
You never know what will happen in the next week or months. The protection plan could save you from losing all your money if you end up not being able to make the trip.
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2. Gate Check Your Stroller
If you’re traveling by plane, this is the most helpful tip! If you want to get through the airport with your toddler not running from here to there, strap him or her in a stroller! Then, you can gate check your stroller! Yes, this is thing. You can take your stroller through security and have it available to walk to your gate. Once you get to the gate you check the stroller at that point. Once you arrive to your destination, your stroller will be waiting for you to use the second you get off the plane. Check with your airlines for more info.
3. Storage
Plan to store things in multiple places! Extra reusable bags are not a bad idea for this. If you will be traveling by plane, think about where these things will fit. Will this go in a check bag or carry on?
You need places to put the things you buy along the way, and you will need somewhere for those things travel home at the end of your trip, you’ll need space for just about everything.
4. Transportation
Plan ahead for transportation. Are you bringing your car seat or will you be renting one with the car rental place? If you’re bringing your own car seat, do you have a car seat bag or a plastic bag large enough to fit it in when you check it?
Rent a car big enough to accommodate people AND your things. It may seem obvious, but if you are bringing car seat, strollers, and multiple bags — it has to all fit in the car! You do not want to have to leave something behind.
If you are planning to take Uber, Lyft, or taxi, be sure you have a plan for a car seat. I have found that many families prefer the Doona, which is a stroller/car seat combination, but this only works for young babies.
>> RELATED READ :: Tips for Flying with Kids :: Part 1 <<
5. Bring an Extra Person
I love the idea of gifting a grandparent a free trip (with the kids, of course). It is a wonderful time for grandparents to travel and spend time with their grandchildren, AND also very helpful to have an extra someone to help out. Involved grandparents are the absolute best!
If you love to travel, don’t worry about traveling with kids because there are so many ways to help things work in your favor. Besides, most places don’t charge for kids until they are three and older. To me, that is all the more reason to bring the young ones along!
