Buckle up moms! We are currently full speed ahead to Thanksgiving and the holiday season. For a lot of families, that’s means traveling with the kids to visit family for turkey dinners, traditions, shopping and fun!
Since most of our family is not in the DFW area, we are usually traveling for 1 or more of the holidays. And since we’ve done this once or twice (or a couple dozen times) I’ve narrowed down the most important things to make sure are in my carry-on/in the front seat with me. Whether flying or driving – don’t forget these things to help make the traveling experience a little easier and happier for everyone involved!
- iPads and headphones. I have a love/hate relationship with our iPads, I really do. But when it comes to being on an airplane or in a car for hours at a time – the iPad really is a life saver! We have one for each kid and special kid sized headphones for each. Make sure they are fully charged and turned off until you get through security (so the battery doesn’t accidentally drain in a bag – I’ve learned that the hard way) and load them up with movies or games ahead of time. You won’t always have wifi, so make sure there are apps or shows on there they can play without it. (I’ve also learned that the hard way.)
- Chargers for said iPads. Your travel home will not be pretty without them. Portable chargers are also the best inventions ever for longer trips.
- Bribes. I know, I know. I’m terrible. But listen, sometimes – when you’re up extra early to catch an early flight and meal times get messed up, flights get delayed and your whole routine is off — meltdowns happen. And I promise you are gonna thank me when you can pull out that sucker or dollar store toy and hold the
beast,I mean sweet angel, at bay. - Snacks. Traveling always messes up meal times for us. And it can be hard to find something my kids will want to eat when their hunger strikes. I like to pack a few Z-bars, a couple apples and some fruit snacks to keep their tummies full and their hands busy!
- Hand Sanitizer/Baby Wipes. Baby wipes may be the best inventions of our time. They are so helpful to have almost any time, any where. And since planes and/or truck stop bathrooms can be so gross – hand sanitizer is a MUST any time you travel. I love the little ones from Bath and Body Works. But I’m also known to always have a few extra little wipes from Chick-fil-a in my purse.
- Mifold. It’s a booster seat about the size of your wallet and it’s a game changer for traveling with kids. It’s specifically for 4 years or older, so hold off if your kids are younger. But we just got ours this summer and I can’t wait to travel with it instead of our bulky booster seat! Check out their website for safety questions! (Not an ad, I just really like mine and think it’s perfect for traveling.)
- Extra clothes. Even though we are out of the diapers stage, I still have extra clothes handy for accidents or unforeseen events. Traveling with kids is not for the faint of heart.
So that’s my list of travel essentials! Anything you would add?
