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1. Plan Accordingly
When planning your trip, you need to think about the details. This includes, what time your plane lands, and where you will arrive next. Traveling can be fun and spontaneous, but if you are traveling with kids having a plan in mind is key! This is what can make or break the trip depending on the inconveniences.
The first thing to plan is the flight. This is an important factor for knowing what time you will land, when the transportation arrangements will arrive, and checking-in to the hotel or wherever you plan on staying. If you are planning to stay with family or a friend this may not be a factor, but for hotel check-ins it's a big deal. Check online to see what kinds of transportation is available before you leave. This may be train, bus, Uber/Lift/Taxi, or renting a car.
If you have an early morning flight and arriving earlier than check-in, ask your hotel concierge if they can hold your luggage for you. In some cases, you may be allowed to check-in early or you may have to pay a fee to check-in earlier. Call or look online for the hotel policy. Making these pre-travel plans can really help the trip go smoother so no surprises are thrown at you. We had this problem when we went to Universal and arrived at the hotel at 9:30am and check-in wasn't until 4pm. Let's just say, having the expectation of checking-in to the hotel when we couldn't threw off our entire day.
2. Pack Light or Packing Just the Right amount
This may seem obvious, but packing light on a trip is crucial not only for yourself, but for your partner or kids as well. I always advise one suitcase for yourself, or if you and your partner want to share a bigger suitcase that’s a good idea too. To make things easier, you can check-in all your luggage this way you don’t have to worry about storing it in the overhead bins on the plane. Having one small suitcase per child is also optimal if you do want to do carry a on. If you are checking all bags, you'll want to make sure it won’t be overweight. They will also feel involved and part of the experience by having their own little suitcases!
Packing light can also save you a hundreds of dollars in overweight fees. We made the mistake of over-packing the two kids in one suitcase. We definitely paid the price, which costed $200 extra! This is not what you want when you are trying to travel on a budget either.
3. Carry-On Essentials
A carry-on for you and your partner is key, especially if you put things in your bag for your child. Things in your carry-on can include anything you might need right after you land at your destination. A spare change of clothes in your bag is a great idea if you are traveling to a warmer or colder climate. This can be useful if you can't check into your hotel right away, or if you are planning to do activities as soon as you get out of the airport. You don't want to be inconvenienced by not having the right attire.
Another carry-on essential would be snacks and water. Before you come for me about food and drinks through security, there's a few tactics here. Snacks like fruit snacks or pretzels are fine to go through security, things that are pre-packaged and small. As far as water, bring a reusable water bottle and fill it up at a water fountain. This can save you $20-$30 (one bottle per person) and put that money towards an activity on your trip!
The final carry-on essential kids can use aside from a technology device can be a coloring book, a puzzle, a journal or drawing book, anything your child is interested in. Personally, I bring my laptop, e-books, and music that are pre-downloaded if you don't want to pay for wifi. I usually pay for wifi on the plane, especially if it's over 2 hours as I tend to be more productive on the plane so I can enjoy my trip without having to work on vacation.
BONUS TIP
Wifi on certain aircraft's may not include streaming capabilities (e.g. YouTube, Music, Live streaming, etc.). Be sure to have alternative options to keep you and your children pre-occupied. This is why coloring books, puzzles, journals and e-books are great!
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