In the past 15 months since Violet has been born we have done our fair share of traveling. We've been on two plane rides and countless road trips to visit family and friends across the great state of Texas. I feel like we've experienced and learned from each and every trip. For example, to only driving 1.5 hours in our 7 hour trip and had to check into a hotel because V would not stop crying in the car, or to her sleeping the whole entire airplane ride which was glorious, and lets not forget explosive poop in her car seat and we were still 3.5 hours from getting home! Trust me, traveling with kids is definitely an adventure! I thought I'd share a little of our insight when traveling:
1. Be flexible. Children and traveling can be unpredictable! So stay calm and assess the situation as it comes your way. As stated above we had intended to get farther in our travels one night while Violet was 3 months old, but when the crying just wouldn't let up, we decided to stay at a local motel in a small town and continue traveling early morning. Though not what we had first planned, everyone was well rested while we resumed our travel the next day!
2. Food. Always, always bring food or drinks with you. This will/might help defer fits and crying due your child being hungry. If possible wait until you are either on the road/airplane to feed, at least you'll get 30 minutes of no screaming then :) Also remember if you are on a road trip there are usually gas stations or grocery stores that have milk, fruit, and other snacks.
3. Gear. Be sure to pack all of the necessary essentials when traveling. Such as, pack 'n play, stroller, diapers, wipes, swing, bumbo, car seat etc. We are lucky to have nieces and nephews when visiting my in laws, so we know that there is extra of everything there. But when we traveled to Colorado a few weeks ago that was another case. We used a small umbrella stroller through the airport (right before we boarded it went into luggage with NO cost), we rented a car seat from our rental car company, Violet is still young enough to sit on our laps on the airplane, and our hotel provided a crib (though we borrowed a pack 'n play from my cousin).
4. Toys. Bring them!! All different kinds. I have V's toys in rotation...I put some "away" each month and rotate the already "away" ones in. It keeps them fresh for her. So when we travel I take some of her toys that are "away" in rotation, so she thinks they are new and cool and keep her entertained a little longer.
5. Extras Clothes. You never know what your child is going to get into or spill on their clothes When we travel I usually bring 2 extra outfits just in case we need them. There was a time didn't bring enough and we thankfully borrowed some pants from her cousin!
I'm sure I could share plenty more tips, but it's more fun if you make the experience and learn on your own. I'd say most of all have fun while traveling with your children! Though in the moment you may be really stressed out or very sleep deprived, enjoy taking your little ones on adventures with you!
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