Christmas is coming up fast! And with Christmas comes a whole lot of holiday travel. If you happen to be travelling with little ones in tow (for Christmas or otherwise), then the Travel Time with Tots travel tips series here on Measuring Flower is for you! In this series (which shall take place over the course of this week), I will share with you a bunch of travel tips. In today’s post, I’m sharing some generic tips that can be applied in just about any type of travel situation. Tomorrow (12/12/12), I’ll focus on airplane travel. Thursday (12/13/12), I’ll share some road trip tips. And Friday (12/14/12), I’ll be diving into cruise vacations.
In addition to tips, I have a couple of awesome travel-related giveaways that will be going up each day! So buckle up and enjoy the ride!
View All Posts in This Series >>
Generic Travel Tips
- Plan ahead. To prevent forgetting to pack ANYTHING, start a list with EVERYTHING you and your wee ones will need, from clothes and diapers to toys and charging cords. Also, be sure to over pack a bit. Your child is certain to have spills, messes, and blow outs during the trip, so be prepared.
- Car/booster seat. If you’re travelling with a car/booster seat, make sure your seat is the right size for your child, is installed correctly, and that your wee one is buckled in safely.
- Entertainment. A child must be kept entertained at ALL times (well, when they’re awake). Bring along a wide variety of games, toys, and creative projects to keep the entertainment fresh. Also consider purchasing a special backpack (or other entertainment carrying bag) and brand new items that your child can’t use until your trip. Some suggestions: crayons (might I recommend Crayola’s trianglular crayons–not so much rolling!), reading books, coloring books, activity books, quiet books, travel games, and travel friendly toys (one of my childhood favorites was Wooly Willy). You might want to avoid puzzles, blocks, or toys that have many pieces as pieces are almost certain to go missing. A Star Kids Snack and Play Travel Tray can make some activities easier if your child is travelling in a car/booster seat. Also, be sure to charge any electronics (iPod, iPad, etc.) that you’re bringing along (and remember to pack its charger).
- Snacks. Keep hunger (and thirst) at bay by packing lots of snacks and liquids to drink (if flying, be sure to check with your airport what is allowed or simply rely on what is available for passengers). Debbie, one of my readers, recommends packing more snacks and drinks than you think you will need so you’re sure not to run out (plus if there’s an emergency, you have something to eat and drink in tow).
- Clean up. Bring paper towels, hand wipes (or just use baby wipes), and baggies to clean up messes and store sticky or gross things.
- Ship ahead. To help lighten up the load you’re travelling with, consider shipping supplies for your wee one to your destination. One good service to use for this purpose is Babies Travel Lite. They’ll ship ahead to your hotel, your cruise, or even your home for your return journey (be sure to check with them if the place you’re staying is part of their service).
- Potty time. If you are in the process of potty training your child or your child is already potty trained, bring along a portable potty seat for them to use. The one I have linked here folds up and tucks into an included pouch to keep it (and your diaper bag) clean and convenient. The potty seat can be used in public restrooms or in your hotel bathroom.
- First aid and medications. Pack a travel first aid kit with antibiotic ointment and bandages for minor owies. You might also want to bring along gripe water (make sure it doesn’t need refrigerated), baby Tylenol, and other such items for teething (and adult pain killers and antacids for you, too).
- Blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals. To make sleep time more homey for your wee one, pack a familiar blanket, pillow, and stuffed animal (or if all of that is too much, opt for just the stuffed animal). A Zoobies blanket pet might be good instead (make sure your child’s used to it before your trip).
- Strategic packing. When packing your suitcases, be sure to pack more immediate items (like snacks, beverages, toys, binkies, blankets, etc.) in strategic locations so they’re easy to grab and use.
Today’s Featured Giveaway
Melissa & Doug Trunki of Choice
$39.99 RV
Disclosure: This post contains some affiliate links.
I’ve done a lot of traveling as a kid, and now I have some of my own. These tips are great for avoiding many on the road emergencies.
Those are some great tips. Definitely planning and being flexible are really important
Some places also let you rent some things when you get there, like a stroller, so you won’t have to pack or lug that thing around.