Holiday Travel With Kids
Traveling with children during the holiday season can be a challenge due to long lines at the airports and heavy traffic on the highways. Here are some tips to help your holiday journey start out the right way.
Consider traveling at night when booking your flight or planning your drive. Many parents opt for the red eye flight so that their children are sleeping peacefully for most of the travel. A direct flight might be more expensive but avoiding the hassle of a transer is worth it.
Take a "bag of tricks" with you, full of toys that are new to your toddler (or that you have put away for awhile so they seem new). Don't forget to include that favorite teether, stuffed animal or doll. For older kids, trying bringing a hand held game or coloring and activity books.
If you are flying, all the members of your family will have to deal with the TSA checkpoint at the airport. Review the TSA regulations online and make sure your famil is "security ready" to avoid delays. If you bring more than 3.4oz of milk or baby food, you will have to spend time declaring it at the checkpoint, so only bring what you need.
If you are driving to your destination, plan on stopping at least every twi hours to let the kids get out and stretch their legs. Make sure you pack the car with some basic tools, flashlight, jumper cables, etc., to be a little prepared for an unexpected issue with your car.
Lighten your luggage load by shipping gifts to your destination ahead of time.
