This week I am busy getting ready for our upcoming trip to Canada. As a consequence of having a home in Nicaragua, a home in Canada and my homeland in Wales, I am no stranger to long travel days and neither are Coco and Alonzo. However, as with many things, there is a disconnect between the romantic notion of travelling across continents and the reality of navigating airport security line-ups and delayed flights. These challenges are only intensified with two young children in tow, especially as on this occasion I am going solo, as Earl will be staying behind to work. This also means that throwing a few things into a suitcase while the taxi pulls up outside is not an option. Planning ahead is key to setting yourself up for a successful travel day …. And by successful I mean that you all arrive at your destination safely!
With the summer holidays pending, I’m sure that many of you have family trips planned. Here are a few things I do routinely to get organized, my experience pertains to flying but the tips are still relevant whether you’re going by train, bus, or car:
BE REALISTIC
I would describe myself as a glass half full type person but when it comes to travelling with kids I’d encourage you to set the bar low! Even if everything goes smoothly it will be a looooong day. Children are creatures of habit, and on this day their eating, sleeping, and play routine will be turned upside down. Plus they are dealing with unfamiliar environments and interacting with strangers. So yes, there may be some tantrums, whining and tears. There is also something about the intensity of the airport that brings the worst out of fellow travellers and impatience in the staff. Practice your serene mama face, remember to breathe deeply, and envision a reward at the end (whether it be a glass of red wine or a big comfy bed)!
CREATE EXPECTATIONS
Get the children involved in your planning activities. As your trip gets closer explain to them step-by-step what is going to happen throughout the day, from how you’re going to the airport to navigating customs and immigration. Start a count down chart or mark the calendar so they keep a tab on when you will be leaving. If they are flying for the first time, consider reading airplane themed books or watching TV shows where the characters go on a trip. This will provide them with a reference point, to which they can relate their own experience. If they’re older, let them take some ownership over the preparations by selecting what they want to wear, toys, movies etc. Finally, make a big fuss over the importance of being a well behaved traveller! I know, we can only wish! In fun ways, keep mentioning that it is important that they listen and obey, and that mommy will be in need of helpers. My approach (albeit a wee bit corny) is that I stress that we’re a family and we need to work together as a team to get to our destination safely, and when we get there we have a big family hug! Go Team Cahill!
PACKING RIGHT BUT ‘LIGHT’
Just because each member of the family has their own baggage allowance, plus in some cases additional infant items, doesn’t mean that you should bring everything but the kitchen sink. After all, you need to be able to carry on your carry on and sometimes your toddler too, so be practical!
We tend to take a small rolling suitcase, a backpack, laptop bag/small personal handbag and diaper bag. On our last trip we’d progressed to both kids, now 3 and 4, carrying their own belongings in their backpack and the diaper bag stayed at home. Depending on your child’s age, you may need to consider the long walks in the terminal. An umbrella stroller (we have an Uppababy G-lite) or carrier (we have an Ergo) or both can be handy. Depending on how much you travel and the age of your children, it may also be worth investing in a ride-on suitcase like the Trunki. I’ve have no experience using them but they look pretty cool.
The carry-on suitcase contains clothes, back-up snacks, a few books and any valuables that don’t go in the main luggage. I pack 2 full change of outfits for the kids, plus a pair of pyjamas each. Don’t forget to pack a change for you and whomever you’re travelling with. Believe me, this is the day that drinks will be spilled, diapers will overflow, and you’ll sit on some strange sticky substance while waiting at the gate! Plus, you’re luggage may not be on the carousel at the end of it. I have needed to use every item of clothing in the case before now! The items don’t need to be bulky. Think leggings and a t-shirt. I was also given the excellent advice of packing each complete outfit in a separate zip lock bag, so when you need to make a quick emergency change in the confined space of an airplane, you can easily see the contents and can grab it without searching for the illusive second sock! Having the pyjamas means that if you are arriving at your destination late (or later than expected), you can change the kids on the plane or at the airport so that they are ready for bed.
In the diaper bag or personal bag I carry other travel ‘essentials’ that include:
- Wet wipes: sticky hands/faces, spills and general freshening up
- Tissues: runny noses and spills
- Alcohol hand gel: planes are dirty!
- Pain medication (for kids and adults): for fevers and mom’s headache!
- Toothbrushes and tooth paste: to freshen up
- Zinc oxide cream/vaseline/lip balm: For sore bums and dry noses/lips
- Hand cream
- Band-aids: scraped knees and blisters from new sandals!
- Stain remover pen/wipe: did I mention spills?!
- Scarf/sarong: double as a blanket if its cold on the plane or as a cover to block out light at nap time
- Small pillow/neck pillow
- Safety pin/mini-sewing kit: for split pants and straps
- If you or your children are susceptible to motions sickness, indigestion or other ailments then make sure you have your go to remedy handy
*Remember that all liquids must be <100ml so purchase small travel size containers or transfer into a suitable size container.
Keeping the children constantly engaged and entertained can be challenge, so the backpack(s) contain snacks, toys, and various activities. The details of which make up Part 2 and 3 of this survival guide!
We fly on Sunday – Wish me luck!
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