The best advice about parenting comes from folks who've been there and done that. The same goes for traveling with kids. That's why Trips + Giggles is all about sharing as many real-world traveling parent tips as possible. Got a travel hack to share? SPILL IT.
Meet Carla Caccavale Reynolds, a travel and hospitality public relations executive with her own firm as well as four children, all under the age of six (no twins!) Each one of her kids got their passports at three-weeks-old and the family once trooped down to Aruba when the oldest was only four-years-old.
If she can make it through that flight, you can make it through your next flight too. But just in case, here are 9 of Carla's fantastic family travel hacks to keep in mind:
1. Direct flights. Don’t complicate things by changing planes. If you must go to a destination without a direct flight, look at the nearest destination and consider driving from there. We had to visit our in-laws in Hot Springs, Ark. and instead of connecting, we flew to Tennessee and drove a few hours. It was better to be off the plane without a chance of delays, cancellations, etc. One leg of a flight is enough.
2. Fly during the week, if possible. Midweek flights to vacation destinations tend to be a little less crowded. Everyone seems to fly on Saturdays. We like Tuesdays.
3. Look for U.S. Customs preclearance at your destination. If you're planning a trip to the Caribbean, look at islands that have a U.S. Customs preclearance there. Aruba and The Bahamas, are some examples. When you get home, you get off the plane and get your bags without customs to deal with after the long flight!
4. Buy a new toy for the flight. Let the kids pick out a small toy or other item in advance (days in advance, at the airport, whatever). Don’t let them open it until mid-flight.
5. Schedule what your time during the flight will look like. iPad for first 30 minutes, then snack time, a movie, coloring, story time, etc. The “paint with water” books are a favorite of mine and the kids on board. (Ed. Note: See more toys for the flight here!)
6. Let children pack a bag with some of their own things. There could be random items, but they seem to get excited over the things they bring. (Although, I did have to make my daugher put her portable safe back in her room.)
7. Pack extra headphones. Someone is going to use them.
8. Have a giant bag of snacks. Throw the rules about how many lollipops they can have out the window.
9. Use the hotel garbage can as a stool. When they can’t reach the sink in the hotel to brush their teeth, flip the garbage can over and let them stand on that.
Follow Carla on Twitter at @CarlaCacPR!
THE MORE YOU KNOW….
