We are currently getting ready for another family trip! With 3 children from ages 5 weeks to 4 years old I have thought a lot about what we really need to bring with us to ensure we have the necessities but also that we aren’t carrying too much luggage around with us. We are heading to Florida for the month of March with a visit to Disney for a week and then off to the Beach, followed by some fun days in Orlando before we fly back out.
We have taken a few trips with our little family over the past 4 years and are always travelling with an infant in arms. Over the years here are a few things I have learned……
1. PLAN in advance! This current trip has been booked for almost a year and it gave us a lot of time to work with a travel agent for our Disney trip, check out a variety of flight prices and ensure that we were able to book the exact condo on the beach that best suited our needs. We found out last year when we booked our condo only 4 months in advance that all of the good ones go quick!
2. Spreadsheets can be your friend! I started making notes of things that we use everyday that would be necessary for our trip and put them into a spreadsheet. As we got tips from friends or online I also added them to the spreadsheet. Our spreadsheet has all of our trip details, what we need to pack, what groceries we need to get as soon as we get there (who wants to write a grocery list as soon as you get to your vacation spot?!), and some fun things for the kids to do on the plane.
3. Plane Entertainment! Having flown quite a few times with kids in tow I know the importance of finding things that don’t create a mess to keep them occupied. I have pre-purcahsed some fun toys and made some activities for the kids to have on the plane. We don’t give them to them until we are ready for take off. This way they are completely new to them and will keep them entertained a little longer.
4. Pack Light! There is nothing worse then going through the airport with a double stroller, a thousand pieces of luggage, car seats, fussy kids and a grumpy mama! I have packed the necessities only for the kids and have already sent their clothes to our destination. One less thing to have to think about! Their car seats also travelled down in a family members car and we will get them once we are there.
5. Stuff Happens! I cannot stress enough the importance of always having extra time so you don’t feel rushed. Stuff happens and you don’t want to be left running through the airport with no time to stop for the 2 year old to pee, feel rushed getting your luggage checked, not have time to feed a hungry 4 year old, etc. Decide how much time you THINK you will need and then always add EXTRA!
Happy Holidays!
Amanda
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