Traveling… with children

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titleLet’s begin by clarifying the difference between a vacation and a trip. While a family ‘vacation’ can be a nice change of pace, it’s certainly not all relaxing and piña coladas. (I think my kids are far too young for that!) We can all remember some eventful and meaningful family trips from our own childhoods, so here are some suggestions to make your Spring Break trips as pain-free and positive as possible!

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  1. Do research. The internet, as terrifying as it can be sometimes, is also an amazing resource. If you’re staying in the US, check out CMBN CMBN_Map_Graysister sites (map at right) for local spots. You should also google things like “family friendly activities near __” and make a list of options. Write down hours, addresses and any special events that might be going on during your visits. You also might want to think about joining a destination-local Facebook mom’s group to ask for favorite playgrounds, family-friendly restaurants, and indoor activities. If you are staying at a resort or hotel, ask ahead of time for any tips or information they have available.
  2. Don’t change anythingWe’ve been talking about potty training our second and simultaneously weaning him off of sucking his thumb. Last year, I wanted to stop nursing before our trip to England. It’s easier for everyone if these changes happen after, rather than in the days and weeks leading up to a trip.
  3. Pick flights strategically. Tuesday, Wednesday and sometimes Thursdays tend to be the best (cheapest and quietest) days to fly. If you don’t have much flexibility, consider the timing of your flights carefully. My 2 1/2 year old was so tired on our 4pm flight that he quietly closed his eyes for an hour. He had run around the airport for a while before getting on the flight so he was spent. I would suggest flying later in the day – rushing for a morning flight is the worst. Finally, I try to take direct flights whenever possible.
  4. Pack early. I do this for a few reasons. First, I inevitably, will forget something. Having a few buffer days helps. Also, I can ensure that no one wears anything we planned to take with us! Who wants to do laundry at the last hour? Not me.packing
  5. What to pack. I pack in outfits for my children. I’m tempted to put them in individual ziplock bags. But I do use bags for ANY liquids (shampoo, medicine). I bring versatile items for myself (black leggings, yoga pants, solid colored tank tops and lightweight shirts) that can be layered and don’t take up a lot of room in my suitcase.
  6. The flight. See Stacey’s awesome post about surviving a long flight with a IMG_1520toddler. Some additional advice – have two separate snack bags. One that contains everyday favorites (pretzels, crackers, pouches, gummies, fruit and raisins) and another ‘in case of emergency’ – like cookies, jelly beans, Skittles and other chewy candies. Juice boxes or drinking with a straw can help ear pressure. Don’t forget a FirstAid bag – allergy medicine, bandaids, tylenol, cough drops, etc. Also – make sure that your little ones are familiar with wearing headphones before you get on the plane!
  7. Bring ‘home’ with you. Well, as much as possible. We made sure that our little guy had a crib sheet, blanket and lovie from home. We brought a few favorite games (Candyland and HandsDown) in ziplock bags and a small container of Legos for our older son to play with. It made the non-childproofed apartment we stayed in a little bit more manageable.
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  8. Do what you need to do. Especially when it comes to sleep. My 2 1/2 year old sonIMG_1450 slept in a closet. See visual. He was in our room, but the front of the Pack-N-Play was in the closet so he had a limited line of sight. Why was this necessary? The morning after my sister’s wedding in October, my little one stood up at 5am and yelled across the hotel room, “I see you, Mama!” I’m pleased to state that he slept until 7 or 8 every morning we were in Florida. You know your kids and their sleep habits (will they nap in a stroller? in a carrier? in the car?) – so plan accordingly.
  9. Let them eat cake. Be prepared for unbalanced meals, food-on-the-run, hunger strikes or children who want to eat ten times more than usual. Pack, or seek out in local grocery stores, favorites (especially if your family has food restrictions). Take your children out for dinner and try not to stress about their behavior!
  10. Make time for YOU. Use family members, friends or even sites like care.com or sittercity to plan a night out. Take an hour or two alone to do what you want to do. Sit in a hammock and read or go for a nice long run.vacation What other advice would you have for families gearing up for spring break travel? 
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Julie P
Julie is a full-time 5th grade teacher, full-time mommy, part-time runner and resident of Ridgefield! Originally from Colorado, she grew up in SW Fairfield County and got married in 2008. They spent a few years south of the Mason-Dixon, got a dog, and returned to CT to raise their family. A former collegiate tennis player, she loves staying active and finding ways to get outside with her two boys (Oliver - February 2011 and Miles - October 2013). When she's not grading papers, playing racecars, or training for a race, Julie is trying to cook healthy meals for her (picky) family, keep their golden retriever out of trouble, take photos, stay organized and save some money to buy a fixer-upper.

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