Travel Ready - Family Style
Greetings to all good weather travelers,
It’s time to gear up for spring break & summer vacations! I want to drop you a few notes on how you might enhance or even completely revamp your travel planning with and without kids. Good planning reaches all ages, but I’ll concentrate more on ages 3-8. This age group is walking, talking, and communicating pretty well. Over my multiple voyages, I found that pre-planning and double checking days before the flight is crucial to both you and your children’s mental and physical stress levels. Specifically, I’ll address air travel. Rules change constantly with respect to masks and testing requirements. Please know that each country enforces its own rules - and those rules may be enforced when you board the plane in the US. Always travel with masks, hand sanitizer, and even COVID tests. Though most rules are currently relaxed, the situation can change while you and your family are traveling. Now tell me that isn’t stressful!
Consider TSA pre-check or Global Entry (if traveling internationally *GE includes TSA pre-check). It can significantly reduce your security wait lines and search process.
I’m sure you know the usuals, bring snacks like apples or oranges (avoid foods that mush easily unless you pack them in stiff containers. Pack foods in snack-size portions to avoid dirty hands in a shared bag. Leave the liquid drinks at home, but carry reusable BPA-free bottles (they have all sizes). You can fill them at the water bottle stations throughout the airport. Add sugar-free powder flavoring if needed. If you have special dietary needs, chances are the airline won’t be able to accommodate you. Pre-orders even get lost or confused. Be self sufficient for your meals in the air and in the airport. There will be lots of unhealthy foods so you can eat well.
Below is a quick (not exhaustive) list of some of my recommendations:
TSA pre-check or Global Entry
Pre-schedule Taxi or ride service
Noise-canceling earbuds
Books (paper or electronic)
Compressible carry bags
Comfortable Masks
COVID tests
BPA bottles
Snacks (durable)
Books, crayons, puzzles, notebooks
Comfy garments and shoes
Lightweight jacket
These are just a few tips and ideas for easy-going travel with little ones, which is something we all can appreciate!
Bon Voyage!
