A dear friend of mine recently traveled to France from Atlanta with her French husband, and two kiddos of one and three. For most of us, getting through security and negotiating the obstacles of travel is simply annoying, but when you have munchkins to contend with, we're talking battle plans drawn, and tactical preparations made well in advance. She told me how days before, she was carefully
packing everything, especially the carry-ons, and laying out the clothes and shoes everyone would wear on the plane to minimize disrobing in security, but maximize comfort for the long journey. I asked her if she was looking forward to the trip--she was so dreading the journey, she couldn't even say.
There's no two ways about it--traveling with the fam is stressful. When I recall family vacations as a kid, I have more memories of my dad getting red-faced and yelling at my brothers and me to stop fighting, than of anything else. But most of our trips were by car -- no security lines, liquid restrictions, baggage limitations, pressure changes, or busy airports to contend with. How do you juggle everything for a happy flight?
Organization is one key. The
Ameribag Baby Bag is a well-laid out traveling companion, that's comfortable, and streamlined. In addition to six interior organizer pockets, and 2 interior see-through pockets, the bag features a 3-pocket "Parent's Section" exterior compartment with organizer, key hook and a removable cosmetic case on a lanyard. It's the removable, wet/dry zippered plastic pouch, and quilted gusset bottle pocket that really set the bag apart from your average backpack, though.
While organization is important, it's only a piece of the puzzle. Here are some tips from
One Step Ahead to make traveling with the little ones a more pleasant experience for everyone.
- Book your flight for non-peak travel times, Mondays-Wednesdays, after the morning business rush, or in the evening.
- Pack more games, snacks, drinks, and activities than you think you'll need--never know when that five-hour delay will hit. Include a variety of activities, including books, travel board games, an MP3 player, DVD player, and a portable video system.
- Tell your child ahead of time what to expect, and keep the commentary going. When checking or screening baggage, reassure him he'll get his belongings back.
- Allow extra time at the airport.
- Give your child safety rules, including what to do if you become separated.
- Consider giving your child an "airport allowance." You can pass time at the airport before the flight by visiting shops to find the perfect snack or toy.
- Consider using a child tether, even if you don't normally. It's so easy to be distracted when checking or claiming luggage.
- Take-offs and landings can be painful for children, so bring ear filters, or just encourage your child to swallow by offering drinks, gum, or hard candy.
- Bring toys out one at a time for maximum entertainment value (and minimal clutter!).
- Seat your child by the window. Kids love the view, and they're protected from wayward aisle carts.
Luggage Travel Blog
made for little hands and feet. 
personal fave. A soft-sided rolling bag, the carry-on comes in two colors--lime green with a bright yellow telescopic handle, or red and pink--so even though it meets airline carry-on size restrictions, if you decide to check it, there's no way you'll miss this puppy on the baggage carousel! It also has a matching velcro wallet for your little one to store his or her treasures. 