Family Trip Planning Blog | Best Family Trips | TripWiser.com

Practical Tips and Advice for "Travel Moms"

Family trips with kids can be a lot of fun but they can also be exhausting and challenging. The good news is that with a bit of trip planning, you can all have way more fun on your next family trip.  In the last few weeks we have posted tips that we have collected for almost a year from very experienced Travel moms.  Few recent posts:

• Plan a good trip    Read More...

• Tips for Traveling with Toddlers Read More...

• Tips for Traveling with Babies Read More...

• Family Shopping in Las Vegas
  For shopaholic moms, Las Vegas is the city where you can get budget-busting designer clothes at bargain-basement prices. Dress all your family head to toe in stylish clothes for all seasons without maxing out your credit cards. Buy the most comfortable yet sleek looking shoes, boots, and sandals. Boutiques, antiques, rare books, souvenirs, golf accessories, posters, jewelry - let your imagination run wild! Can only afford to window shop? Don't despair.  There are plenty of shopping stores in Las Vegas that offer 75% plus discounts on the already reduced prices. Nowhere like in Las Vegas, can families of all income levels afford to indulge in a shopping craze while also enjoying respectful and courteous customer service.  Put on your best shoes and go shopping, Las Vegas won't disappoint you no matter what size is your wallet! Read More...

Are you a mom who loves travel? Share your experiences, send us your story and we will make it useful to others. Send your information to travelmom@tripwiser.com

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Additional useful links for moms

Traveling with Babies: Nursing on the Road

(image by Flickr user jessicafm)

If you are a nursing mom traveling with your baby, prepare for your trip carefully. In Europe, breastfeeding in public is not a problem and you can often see women openly breastfeeding their babies without trying to hide anything.  So if you are traveling with your baby to European destinations, you don't need to worry about breastfeeding.

In the United States, however, women have to take measures to cover as much of their breasts as possible when breastfeeding their babies during travel.  So if you are traveling within the United States, wear lose comfortable tops that can be easily lifted or unbuttoned.  Watch for your baby's hungry signals and try feeding them before they get too hungry and start crying.  To create privacy, bring a cotton or silk scarf with you and wrap it around your shoulders and arms. This will also help your baby relax in a noisy and crowded environment. If you need to breastfeed your baby in a public place, look for a family room or go to a restaurant and get a corner table. If you are traveling by air, pack the most essential necessities in a backpack, it will be easier to carry around.

Traveling with Babies: Single Parent

Traveling with babies as a single parent is challenging but does not need to be a burden (Image by Flickr User BohPhoto). If you, as a single parent, decide to travel with your baby for pleasure, then you simply need to do some very good planning in advance.

First of all, if you are thinking of flying with your baby, try to select a travel destination that will allow you to catch a direct flight with no stopovers or layover time. If possible, arrange to have another adult with you to accompany you. Ask someone you trust and whose habits you know well. Provide incentives. Promise something nice in return. If this is not possible, do not be shy and ask for help from people wearing uniforms. Most train stations and airports have personnel working the floor, so ask them to help you carry your bags or call you a taxi. But never under any circumstances leave your baby with anyone, regardless of what uniform they wear. If you need to go to the bathroom, take your baby with you. Most restrooms in the United States are equipped with baby-changing tables. Many airports have family rooms where you can change your baby, rest and wait for your flight.  Buy your tickets online; electronic tickets automatically generate boarding passes, so you don't have to wait to get them at the airport.

When flying as a single parent with a baby, buy your baby a separate ticket and bring a car seat with you (rentals are expensive, so you might as well bring one, but if you have to check your car seat in, put it in a large plastic bag and wrap it well). Consider the length of travel and schedule your flights so that your baby can sleep most of the way.

Pack a backpack with diapers, a simple medicine kit, toys and 2-3 changes of baby clothes. For yourself, wear loose comfortable clothes and pack a couple of extra tops as well. Chances are you'll spill something or miss the time to change your baby's diaper. Bring some spare clothes as carry-ons, underwear and socks for a couple of days in case your flight is delayed or your luggage gets lost.

When traveling by car as a single parent with a baby, arrange your itinerary with plenty of stopovers.  At stopovers, park your vehicle in the shade and keep your windows open to have plenty of fresh air circulating inside the car. Use air conditioning, but do not forget to get fresh air every few hours.  Most air conditioners omit chemicals that can give your baby a headache or even a skin rash, especially if your car trip is long.  Do not leave your baby in the car unattended, not even for a few minutes.  If you need to get something quick at a gas station, ask the local personnel folks for help, don't be shy.  You are asking for help not because you are lazy, but because you are traveling with a baby. Pack plenty of chlorine-free purified bottled water and keep yourself and your baby well hydrated.

Traveling with Babies: What to Pack

When you travel, it is always advisable to pack lightly.  But when you travel with babies, you need to bring all essential baby things with you; otherwise, your trip will be hectic and you will spend your free time running around trying to find places where you can get the missing things.  So when you are planning on traveling with a baby, do not pack lightly. Instead, try to bring all the essential things that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.  Prepare to check in your luggage and take carry-ons with you. If traveling by car, plan to have a large enough vehicle with space to store all your baby supplies.

Here is a check list of what to pack for a family trip with a baby:

• Diapers and diaper rash cream
• Wipes
• Paper towels
• Pacifiers
• Plastic zip lock bags of various sizes
• Plastic containers of various sizes
• 2-3 changes of clothes per day
  • Call and find out whether your hotels have self-service laundry facilities
• Your baby's favorite toys
• Stroller
• Infant carrier
• Baby car seat
• Portable crib
• Sheets for the crib, soft towels, blankets, bibs
• Hat with a wide brim
• Car shade
• Umbrella
• Baby formula, bottles, spoons
• Water, juice, snacks (note, as of 2006, you can't bring your own bottled water on board on an airplane)
• Medical kit with first-aid remedies for you and your baby:
  • Cotton swabs
  • Droplet or pipet       
  • Liquid iodine for cuts and burns (a small bottle costs $3.00)
  • Chamomile extract for minor eye and ear infections
  • Aloe Vera cream for skin rashes and inflammations
  • Aloe Vera juice for bowel problems
  • Psyllium seed husk for constipation and/or diarrhea (mix a large tablespoon with a glass of water or apple juice and drink on an empty stomach, follow with another glass of water a few minutes later and then drink plenty of water during the day, at least 2 liters per day). If you're breastfeeding, all this will pass to your baby through your milk.  Interestingly, psyllium alleviates symptoms of both constipation and diarrhea without creating dependency. There are no known side effects, and it works without fail, even in severe cases (in such cases, you need to take psyllium 2 or 3 times per day for the first little while and then gradually decrease). 
  • Tea tree oil to treat mosquito bites and to prevent mosquitoes from wanting to bite you. Make sure you and your baby are not allergic to it. Be careful not to get it in the eyes.
  • Sugar free Vitamin C for colds and flues. If you get a cold or flu during the trip, take 5-6 grams (yes, grams, i.e. 5000-6000 mgs) of vitamin C at once, do it three times a day for 2-3 days or more depending on how bad your symptoms are. There are no known side affects except you will run to the restroom more often. Your symptoms will go away. This method works without fail. Do not continue high dosages for more than a few weeks (unless you are chronically ill).
• Camera and notebook (either electronic or paper-based).

When traveling with a baby, take notes and then write to us to let us know what you've learned while traveling with your baby, so that we can share it with our members.

Traveling with Babies: Health and Safety Concerns

Crowded places

Going on a trip with your baby involves a lot of responsibility. The younger your baby, the more challenging your travel.  If your baby is only a few months old and you decide that you need to travel for pleasure, select quiet and peaceful destinations with warm, mild weather.  Avoid drastic climate changes and overcrowded attractions.  Babies are weaker and more prone to infections than toddlers and older kids.  Their immunity system has not yet been developed.  They also get tired more easily and need a lot of rest in a quiet peaceful environment. Crowded places are louder, more polluted, and more prone to accidents. When you are traveling with a baby to a crowded destination, you are exposing your baby to all sorts of potential dangers: Someone can accidentally kick or push your baby, you can fall, people may be coughing and sneezing around you... all this will put your baby at additional risk. Traveling with a baby to crowded tourist destinations is dangerous and should be avoided.

Sun screen

If you are traveling with a baby for pleasure, consider going to a family resort somewhere by the sea. Iodine-rich salty sea waters and lots of natural sunshine in safe timing (before 11 a.m. and after 4 p.m.) will be very beneficial for your baby's health.  It is important to avoid sun burns at all costs, but we won't recommend using sun screen, as they often contain dangerous and harmful chemicals.  The rule of thumb is "if you can't take it in, don't put it on either", and that's especially important for infants and babies, whose immunity system hasn't been fully formed yet. Instead of using chemically-loaded sun screens, simply avoid roasting in the sun, but walking, swimming, wave jumping and playing in the sand –are all safe activities that do not require sun screens if you are doing them in proper timing and in moderation. If you are seriously concerned about the sun, take breaks every 15 minutes and keep your baby in the shade, cover yourself and your baby in cotton clothes, put a wide-brimmed hat on your baby's head – and you will be perfectly safe without any sun screen.

Natural fabrics

If your baby's skin is highly sensitive, get some fine cotton or silk clothes and cover your baby well. Ever wondered why you feel tired and unclean after wearing your polyester shirt even for a couple of hours? Unlike nylon and polyester, cotton and silk are natural materials that allow your skin to breathe freely, leaving you with a wonderful feeling of rest and comfort. Try sleeping on 100% cotton sheets for a few days and then switch to polyester sheets – you'll immediately know the difference! So when traveling with babies, bring clothes made out of natural fabrics, like cotton, silk and wool.

Colics and digestive problems

When traveling with babies, keep in mind that a change in the environment and food can lead to digestive discomfort and colic. There are many things you can do to help prevent baby colic.  Some of these things include giving small, frequent feedings and soothing your baby with skin-to-skin contact during feedings.  Feeding your baby in a calm, safe place can help digestion flow more easily. 

If you are breastfeeding, you should avoid gas-producing foods like broccoli, kale, and cabbage as well as onions and garlic, even strawberries! It is also recommended to go easy on the beans, spicy foods and soft drinks. Other foods like chocolate, peanuts, sugar, and white flour can slow intestinal activity and lead to colic, so try cutting these out while traveling with your baby. To ease baby colic during travel, pack some aromatic seeds like dill, anise, and cumin.  Simply pour the cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of any one or combination of seeds and steep for 15 minutes. Pass it through the breast milk or give it directly to your baby. The seed tea offers antispasmodic and carminative effects that will help relieve the colic.  For a small baby, give one dropper full at a time, every half hour until the discomfort eased. It works beautifully!  Please choose the strength level and dosage that feels comfortable for your baby in your situation.

However, when traveling with your baby, do not give your baby anything new that you have not tried before at home. Use only safe time-tested methods to which your baby is accustomed.

 Water

One of the most important things to look after when traveling with babies and young children is water.  Whether you are traveling with your baby nationally or internationally, use only purified bottled water; try to buy purified water that is also chlorine free.  If you drink chlorinated water while nursing, you will pass chlorine to your baby through milk. Chlorine is a poison, it was used as a weapon in the form of a gas during World War I, but because it's cheap, it came to be used for cleaning purposes to kill bacteria. But even small amounts are very harmful for babies, so read the labels and buy bottled water that does not contain chlorine. Chlorine-free water will also taste a lot better!

Traveling with Babies: Vacation Types

First of all, you may ask yourself, if I am traveling with a baby, what kind of vacation should I choose and where should we go? If you are planning a vacation with your baby in the United States, consider avoiding such tourist destinations as Las Vegas and Los Angeles. Although exciting and family friendly, these places are not meant for families traveling with babies.

For family travel and vacations with babies, we suggest that you select less crowded destinations and focus on nature-oriented activities and things to do. For example, you can go to a family resort with an all-inclusive package or you can rent a waterfront condo somewhere near the ocean or on a lake. You can go camping or you can go on a cruise. The first three are the most popular types of vacations for families traveling with babies. Cruises are getting more and more popular but have not yet become the number one choice for families traveling with babies.

• Family resorts with all-inclusive packages
• Waterfront condos or cabins     
• RV camping at national parks or beaches

Family resorts for travel with babies

Resorts are probably the most popular vacation type in the United States for families traveling with babies.  Family resorts are often all-inclusive, meaning that when you buy a vacation package, the price includes air fare, accommodations, your meals, and entertainment. In addition to the comfort and eye-pleasing environment, family resorts offer a wide range of entertainment activities (often at an additional cost) such as sightseeing trips, nature trips, excursions to museum and galleries, dance classes, eating contests, and other exciting things to do.

Family resorts often have daycare centers, so that moms can take some time off and go shopping. Resorts are safe and predictable; everything will run according to schedule. Going to a family resort with your baby is definitely the most relaxed and stress-free option. However, it can be expensive, especially if you are traveling at peak season and aiming at the most popular destinations in the United States. But why do that, really?

Let's face it, a resort is a resort, so whether it's located near San Diego or Portland, you won't notice a great difference, so long as the weather is nice in both places and the customer service is good. When you research weather, check back a few years to see what the typical weather is like in the area you are considering.  If a resort near a small town is not a very attractive option for you, consider finding a resort 1-2 hours away from the famous city. This way, you will avoid the price tag associated with such cities as well as their pollution level while still being in a close proximity to them. You can take a day trip to your famous city while enjoying your leisure time at the resort.

Waterfront condo or cabin rentals

Another attractive vacation type for families traveling with babies is renting a waterfront condo or cabin near the ocean or on a lake. If you don't mind a bit of extra coordination and planning, we recommend inviting another family to join you in your travel and rent a waterfront condo together.

For domestic travel with babies, there are plenty of wonderful locations in the United States where you and your family can have a great vacation.  Consider renting an ocean-front condo cabin, villa, cottage or a vacation home somewhere in coastal communities. Alternatively, renting a lake property can be just as fun. So what if you can't tide pool, you can swim, snorkel, boat ride and even catch some fish for dinner! Here is a list of the most popular condo-rental destinations for family traveling with babies:

Tripwiser Condo Listing in US
California oceanside condos
Florida ocean front condos 
Georgia
Oregon
Orlando, Florida
North Carolina
South Carolina

Note that the condo rental prices range greatly, depending on the proximity to the ocean or a lake, location, and the season. Condo rentals in California are almost double the price of condo rentals in North Carolina. The typical prices cover 4-6 people or even more. The summer time, particularly from June 10 through September 10, is considered the hottest season for waterfront condo-rental destinations (as well as for air and train travel).

When traveling as a family with a baby, condo rentals present a great financial alternative to expensive hotels on the one hand, and less expensive but often inconvenient bathroom-sharing B&Bs on the other.  If you split the cost between two families, your vacation will be very affordable while you'll also have more fun.  Just make sure to invite someone whose habits you know well and who share your tastes and lifestyle.

When getting ready to travel with another family who also has babies, get together for a few trip planning sessions. Create an itinerary and assign roles. Think of things to do, where to go, what to see and where to eat. Condo rentals offer a great deal of comfort and you really only need to bring your toothbrush, personal clothes and baby supplies, but it is best to create a list of things to bring anyway and go over this list with everybody. Discuss what to read, what games to play, what foods to pack, etc. This way, there will be no surprises and everyone will know what to expect.

RV camping at national parks or beaches

RV camping is also a very popular vacation choice for families with babies and kids. If you live in a large city, what can be better than getting away from all the noise, haste and pollution?  Wouldn't you love to go hiking or fishing on a river somewhere?  Wouldn't you love to set up a camp fire and make those incredibly delicious hamburgers that you will never be able to make on the stove?

But where to go and what camp site to choose?  What do you need to go RV camping with a baby?  You can be a minimalist and go with the bare necessities but if you are going camping with a baby, you'll need a lot of stuff.  Write down every little thing you might need and add spares. Having bad equipment or not having enough of it, sleeping in a small tent or on an uncomfortable mattress will spoil your precious vacation time.  That's why RV camping is so popular with families traveling with babies; you can bring as much stuff as you want and there is no magic necessary for packing.

RVs gives families the freedom to travel without being chained to a fixed location.  In addition to bringing the beauty of the wilderness right next to your door steps, RV travel also opens up many touring options but without the boredom of checking in and out at hotels, waiting for your flights at crowded airports, waiting to pick up your luggage, and all other things everyone dislikes about travel.  You can spend one day on the beach or in the forest and then drive to the city the next morning to visit some interesting museums and fancy art galleries. If you're stuck in a traffic jam, you can just turn on your TV, get a drink from your fridge and relax.  Whether your choice is hiking or camping on a beach, the RV will take your family anywhere you want.

For families, RV camping offers complete comfort and safety while also cutting travel expenses associated with hotels and restaurants.  Just calculate 3 restaurant meals per day times the number of people in your family times the days on your trip & you'll see right away that buying food to fix in the RV will save you hundreds of dollars. 

 

For families traveling with babies, RV camping is great because you can take as much stuff with you as you need. Getting supplies is also very easy and stress free. RV camping is probably the most convenient and stress-free travel option for families traveling with babies.  However, if you have never gone RV camping before, we don't recommend you try it for the first time when traveling with a baby. The best way to learn how to camp by an RV is to go on a camping trip with someone else and take notes. But to start, check out these RV resources online.

Whether you are staying at a resort, renting a waterfront condo, RV camping on the beach or cruising, nature-oriented activities will make it easier to travel with a baby and help your family enjoy your long-awaited vacation!

Tips for Family Traveling with Babies

Traveling with babies is a much more challenging task than traveling with older kids. Traveling with babies can be frustrating and tiring. You need to bring so much stuff! If you are planning on traveling with babies, you need to do a more thorough planning than anyone else.  So... what do you need to know before going on your trip? Below are a few tips on how to make your travel and vacation time easier and more enjoyable when you are traveling with babies.  In this blog, we will suggest a few vacation types that are suitable for families traveling with babies, discuss health and safety concerns, share some tips regarding what to pack, traveling as  single parent and more.  If there is anything you'd like to add to this page to help others traveling with babies, please post your comment here or write to us: feedback@tripwiser.com

Traveling with Toddlers by Car

Traveling with toddlers by car is a little less hectic than traveling with toddlers by air. When traveling with toddlers by car, you have more space to bring things with you. If you forgot something, you can always stop somewhere and get what you need. There are no irritated passengers near you and your comfort does not depend on a flight attendant. However, traveling with toddlers by car presents its own set of challenges.

Spacious vehicle

When traveling with your toddler by car, try to get a spacious vehicle. A mini-van would be a good choice, as it will allow you to bring everything you need while also leaving space to move around if you need to change clothes or seats. If your toddler is not used to traveling by car, you may want to sit in the back with them for part of the trip.

Pack snacks and foods

When you are planning on traveling with your toddler by car, pack more snacks than you would ever need. Make sure to include your toddler's favorite snacks, not just yours! You will need to bring a cooler and sacks filled with juices, fruit, peanut butter sandwiches, cheese, graham crackers, and carrot sticks.

Entertaining activities

One common problem that parents encounter when traveling with toddlers by car is how to keep toddlers amused and entertained during long car trips.  Pack a lot of activities, washable crayons and markers, audio tapes and DVDs, if your vehicle is equipped with a DVD player. You can also bring photo albums and travel books with beautiful scenery and architecture.  Entertain your toddler with interesting conversation. Prepare a few topics in advance and lead your toddler into asking questions so that you can tell an interesting story.  Play a tape/CD and sing together. Your toddler needs to release their energy vocally, so this will give them an opportunity to do just that.

Travel schedule

When you are traveling with toddlers by car, do not plan on getting anywhere on record time. In fact, do not plan on getting anywhere on time at all. If someone is waiting for you at your destination point, tell them that you will get there when you get there and add a few extra hours to your projected arrival time.

Multiple stops

If you are traveling with your toddler by car and the ride is long, make multiple stops. Check the scenery, have snacks at a picnic area, get ice cream at gas stations, eat at restaurants. When you do stop, play active games with your toddlers. Make them run around! If you are driving for more than 5 hours, plan on stopping every 2 hours.

Eating at restaurants

If there is enough space in your car, pack a booster seat with you, so that you don't have to limit your options of restaurants. Your toddler would want to stop at every fast food restaurant you encounter on the way.  We all know that fast food is bad for our health, so instead of stopping at a fast food restaurant, ask your toddler to pick a regular restaurant and promise them something they like.

Order a larger breakfast; this will be both better for your health and your wallet, as lunches and dinners are more expensive. You can have sandwiches for lunch at a picnic table somewhere a rest area. Pick up pizza for dinner or make a fruit salad to eat in the car. If you plan on eating out with your toddler at a restaurant, try to go early to avoid crowds and long waits. Think of incentives for your toddler to behave well at a restaurant table.  Promise them a nice story or something they like if they eat well at a restaurant. If the menu has nice pictures, let your toddler select what to eat. Explain to them that it will take some time for food to get cooked. Ask the waiter/waitress for some crackers to keep them busy till the food arrives (or bring in a few of your own).  While waiting, ask your child to count something if they are old enough to do that. Bring crayons with you and draw funny faces on a napkin.  Using the back of placemats or napkins, play Hangman with everyone sitting at the table.  When eating at a restaurant with your toddler, have regard for people around you. If your toddler starts to cry, take them outside to calm them peacefully.

Traveling with more than one toddler

If you are planning on traveling with more than one toddler alone, you are very brave :>). For those who are not so brave, we recommend inviting another adult to come along with you for the trip. Have lots of snacks and plan fun activities for the road. Get your toddlers to do some role playing, but let them decide what scenarios to pick for role playing.

Let them take turns on what to do at the next stop and what restaurant to try.  Set the rules so that they can go to any restaurant they want, except fast food restaurants. Blame it on the friend traveling with you; say that they are allergic to fast food. If you don't want to make things up, find out some incentives and lure them away from fast food restaurants.

Enjoy your time in a car

Wherever your travels take you, remember to relax and take advantage of time spent together.  These are the memories that will likely stay with your toddler for a lifetime.

Traveling with Toddlers by Air

Domestic Travel

For domestic travel with a toddler, both by air and by car, there are many wonderful locations in the United States where you and your family can have a great vacation.  If all-inclusive family resorts are not your thing, consider condo rentals in coastal communities somewhere in Florida or California. If Florida or California are too much for you, oceanfront condos along the Northern length of the Oregon Coast, including the towns of Astoria, Cannon Beach, Oceanside, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay can all offer a beautiful compromise. Although pricey, condo rentals are still more affordable than hotels. Condo rentals are also more convenient for family travelers with babies, as bathroom and laundry facilities as well food preparation can be done the same way you've been doing them at home.

International Travel

If you plan on traveling with your toddler to an international destination, you will need to get passports and in some cases visas for you and your babies, and this process can take quite a long time. If you need to travel abroad with your baby, research your destination in advance and find out what documents you will be required to have: http://www.officialtraveldocuments.com/InformationCenter/CountryList.aspx.

Tickets

If you are traveling with your toddler by air, there are a few things you need to know in advance. First of all, if your toddler over 2 years old, you will need to buy them a separate ticket, as most airlines only allow children under 2 to sit on their parents' lap during the flight. If your toddler is over 2, you will also need to use a car seat to secure your child safely on the plane. Your regular car seat will do just fine, we don't recommend renting a car seat, as it is usually costs almost as much to rent one as to buy a new one and also because you can never be sure what condition the rented car seat is in, whether or not it has been damaged.

Prepare your toddler

It is important to talk to your child before the flight and explain that there will be some inconveniences when traveling by air. Tell them that their seat will be small and not very comfortable, that there won't be other kids to play with. Explain that they won't be able to walk or run around and that going to the bathroom will not be fun. Emphasize that the flight is still a very short time and that they can have fun afterwards.

To entertain your toddler and keep them from getting bored, ask them to pack and carry their own luggage. Get a small back pack and together with your toddler select what toys and games to bring to the plane, what snacks and clothes. Pack 2-3 changes of clothes to bring with you on the plane. If you involve your toddler in the process of planning and preparing for the trip, they will be better behaved, more patient and less cranky. It will also be a more meaningful experience for them, something they can learn and remember. When you travel for the second time, ask your toddler to prepare a check list of things that are important to remember about air travel.

Pack carry-ons

Check in as much luggage as you can, but do get a carry-one bag with you and get one for your toddler. Back packs are very convenient, as you can stuff a lot of things in them and still have your hands free. Do not pack many toys. Ask your toddler to pick one or two soft toys that they think can go travel with you by air. Do not bring musical or noise-making toys. Pack a few changes of clothes for yourself and your child, in case your luggage gets lost. Pack washable crayons and markers. Get a nice photo album of the place you are traveling to and ask your toddler for the items they liked the most.

Scheduling flights and waiting for flights

Try to schedule flights so that there are no stopovers. When waiting for the flight in the airport, do not sit down. You will have plenty of time to sit on the plane. Take your toddler for a stroll and tell them about airports, what they are for and what kinds of things are located inside airports: gift shops, cafes, car rentals, security, information desk, etc. If you have a stopover with a lot of layover time, find a family or play room and settle down there. Most airports have family or play areas that offer facilities suitable for travel with babies and toddlers. There, you can play, feed and entertain your toddler with ease or have them play with other kids.

Choosing seats

It is best not to select an aisle seat when traveling with your toddler by air. Your toddler can get accidentally get hurt by people walking or flight attendants pushing the meal carts.  If no other options available, take the aisle seat yourself. If possible, book a window seat for your toddler.

Stroller and car seat

When traveling with your toddler by air, bring a car seat and a stroller with you. Make sure your car seat is safe for air travel. Note that cabs don't carry car seats, so if you are traveling with a toddler, your car seat will be useful both on land and in the air.

Almost all airlines will allow your stroller as a courtesy item. You keep your toddler one in it all the way up the ramp, right before you get on the plane you leave it with an attendant and they'll put it under. When you get off, the stroller is right there for you.

Boarding

When planning on traveling with your toddler by air, buy your tickets online. Online tickets usually generate you a boarding pass, so you won't have to worry about getting one at the airport. When traveling with your toddler by plane, arrive in the airport early, but do not board early, wait until the plane gets full and board in the last minute. Sitting with your active toddler in a stuffy plane for extra half hour won't do you any good. You can entertain your child by watching people board the plane and observing the process.  Let your toddler pretend to be a new flight attendant who needs to learn how to make sure all passengers have all proper papers in order. Play a game and ask your child to tell you what documents passengers are required to have to board the plane (boarding pass, ticket, passport for International flights).

Passengers around you

Once on board, be prepared that passengers around you won't be thrilled having a toddler sitting next to them (everyone knows toddlers cry easily). You can see a lot of sour faces. Don't take it personally; be friendly and ask your toddler to continue playing the flight attendant game.  We know of two toddlers who responsibly observed flight attendants actions until they got tired and fell asleep.

Water and food

Pack your own snacks using plastic containers or plastic zip lock bags; in-flight foods contain a lot of preservatives and are often very old.  Air travelers suffer from dehydration due to the below-desert dryness in the cabin.  But very few airlines provision adequate bottled water to hydrate everyone on board (at the very least, it should be a large glass of water per person per hour of flight).  Moreover, water on aircrafts is always contaminated, but as of 2006, passengers are not allowed to bring their own bottled water onboard. When traveling with your toddler, ask your flight attendant for bottled water, make sure the cap has not been broken (return the bottle otherwise). Use bottled water for personal hygiene, such as brushing your teeth. Avoid airplane coffee and tea, which are made with the aircraft's contaminated water. If you still choose to drink coffee or soft drinks, which are dehydrating, remember to drink extra water. Continue drinking a lot of water for several days after your flight. This will help you get over jet lag.

Entertaining your toddler on the plane

To entertain your toddler during air travel, bring educational fun games that take time to finish. Crayons and coloring books are also very good. Do not bring musical toys or toys that make noise. If you and your toddler often travel together, buy a portable DVD player and get a new DVD for each flight. This will keep your toddler occupied for most of the flight. Another option is a laptop rental so your toddler can be kept busy playing computer games.

Tips for Family Traveling with Toddlers

Travel is tiring and stressful for young children, especially if they have to spend a day or more traveling. Long air and car travel are particularly challenging, as toddlers get bored and tired easily. In the next few posts, you will find tips and hints on how to travel with toddlers and keep them safe, comfortable and happy. From traveling with toddlers by air, car, cruise to general  traveling with toddlers.

We hope that this information will help you enjoy traveling with your toddler more. If there is anything you'd like to add to this page to help others traveling with toddlers, please post it in this blog or write to us: feedback@tripwiser.com

• Traveling with toddlers by air
• Traveling with toddlers by car
• Additional tips for traveling with toddlers