Jewel
We are going on vacation to visit family for the first time in Europe this summer but I am a little scared about the flight over and back. I have a 10 yr old, 6 yr old and a 2 yr old (all boys) and I need some serious ideas to keep them entertained during all parts of the flight (take off, supper, sleeping, landing etc). I'm especially worried about the 2 yr old and 6 yr old. What are some good traveling tips, ideas to bring (not just in general toys, what kind?) hints that would help on their first international airplane ride?
Answer
I've been traveling internationally with my son since he was born (now 26 months) and for longer than that with my nieces and nephews and with a little planning all will go smooth. Looks like you are already on the right track.
Here are some tips:
1 Arrive at the airport early to get checked in comfortably and be sure you have documents in order. In addition to a passport, it is always good to carry a copy of your children's birth certificate -- you may need it to prove you are their parent. Also if you are traveling alone with your children be sure you have a notarized letter from the other parent giving you permission to do so or you may be stopped at security.
If you need a stroller for your 2-year-old, you can go through security with a stroller and take your baby in the stroller right up to the door of the airplane -- you stroller will need a tag that you get at the gate -- and they will check it for you there. Take advantage of early boarding for families -- if your kids won't get too crazy waiting on the plane for everyone else to board. If so, board last.
2. When booking your seat, ask for seats in the bulkhead. That is the area right in the front of the plane. It has more room and will allow you to easily change your child or let him/her play when it is safe to do so. One note though: Because there are no seats in from of you, you'll have to stow all your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments during take-off and landing and that could impede access for necessary items like toys. A window seat is great for kids and maybe your kids can share, switching off for the flight. My 2-year-old loves to look out the window and see the wing and the clouds!
3. Be sure to bring favorite snacks (we always have cheerios on hand) as many airlines don't serve food anymore and those that do either serve things kids won't eat, can't eat (peanuts) or serve junk food. (We order a kid's meal on one flight and it consisted of potato chips, candy bars and a sugery drink -- things we don't give our kid anyway, but a disaster to pump them full of sugar on a plane). Bottled water is plentiful on board so you can always bring dried cereals that can be rehydrated and heated by flight attendants, who in my experience have always been willing to help. Remember that there are limits on liquids that you can bring on through security these days -- including baby foods -- but whatever you buy after security is okay. Look for easy to carry, easy to eat foods in the airport. I know not always easy but even applesauce is a good choice.
4. Before the flight, go to a dollar store and pick up some cheap toys. I usually get one thing for every hour of flight -- that would be times 3 for you. What you get is really up to your child's interest but make it something that can carried easily. A new toy is a novelty and will keep your child entertained longer. Do pack a few favorites from home, especially some good books your child loves to read or have read to her. But if your child has an irreplaceable toy (a favorite teddy bear he has to sleep with for example) either don't bring it or don't bring it out during flight in case it gets lost. Your child will be desperate! (Don't pack it in your checked luggage either -- if this gets lost, same problem). Before you leave find out if the plane your will be on has in-seat entertainment systems. These are great for kids because they can play video games or watch TV or movies. If not, you may consider investing in a portable DVD player if you kids will wear headphones -- although with three kids unless you want to lug 3 players this could become a problem.
Make sure each kid has there own piece of luggage -- a backpack or small rollaway -- to keep their stuff in and make them feel like they a big kid for having their own suitcase.
Get the kids interested in the flight plan -- they usually show this on video at certain points during the flight. They can figure out how long they've been flying, what countries they've passed over, etc. Lots of fun for the older ones.
5. To deal with pressure on the ears for your child, be sure they have something to suck on. The older two can learn how to yawn or unblock their ears in otherways like by chewing gum. For the little one, if your child takes a pacifier let him have it during takeoff and landing. If not a sippy cup is good.
6. Some people might recommend this but I don't think you have to drug your child to fly with them. Some people will suggest that you give your child things like benadryl to make them sleep and I think this is a mistake. You child should only take medications that are medically necessary not for the convenience of you or other adults who may not like that you are traveling with an infant.
What you should do is carry any common medicines you use for your children (Children's Tylenol, for example) in case they get sick while you are abroad and you can't find medicines they are used to taking. Also keep your pediatrician's contact info with you in case you have to contact them.
7. Always ask for help if you need it from airline employees both on the ground and in-flight. They are more than happy to help to make your flight as smooth as possible.
Finally, check with your pediatrician before you leave to see if they have any suggestions for you or if your child is not well if it is okay to fly.
Hope this is all helpful and that you have a great flight and vacation!
I've been traveling internationally with my son since he was born (now 26 months) and for longer than that with my nieces and nephews and with a little planning all will go smooth. Looks like you are already on the right track.
Here are some tips:
1 Arrive at the airport early to get checked in comfortably and be sure you have documents in order. In addition to a passport, it is always good to carry a copy of your children's birth certificate -- you may need it to prove you are their parent. Also if you are traveling alone with your children be sure you have a notarized letter from the other parent giving you permission to do so or you may be stopped at security.
If you need a stroller for your 2-year-old, you can go through security with a stroller and take your baby in the stroller right up to the door of the airplane -- you stroller will need a tag that you get at the gate -- and they will check it for you there. Take advantage of early boarding for families -- if your kids won't get too crazy waiting on the plane for everyone else to board. If so, board last.
2. When booking your seat, ask for seats in the bulkhead. That is the area right in the front of the plane. It has more room and will allow you to easily change your child or let him/her play when it is safe to do so. One note though: Because there are no seats in from of you, you'll have to stow all your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartments during take-off and landing and that could impede access for necessary items like toys. A window seat is great for kids and maybe your kids can share, switching off for the flight. My 2-year-old loves to look out the window and see the wing and the clouds!
3. Be sure to bring favorite snacks (we always have cheerios on hand) as many airlines don't serve food anymore and those that do either serve things kids won't eat, can't eat (peanuts) or serve junk food. (We order a kid's meal on one flight and it consisted of potato chips, candy bars and a sugery drink -- things we don't give our kid anyway, but a disaster to pump them full of sugar on a plane). Bottled water is plentiful on board so you can always bring dried cereals that can be rehydrated and heated by flight attendants, who in my experience have always been willing to help. Remember that there are limits on liquids that you can bring on through security these days -- including baby foods -- but whatever you buy after security is okay. Look for easy to carry, easy to eat foods in the airport. I know not always easy but even applesauce is a good choice.
4. Before the flight, go to a dollar store and pick up some cheap toys. I usually get one thing for every hour of flight -- that would be times 3 for you. What you get is really up to your child's interest but make it something that can carried easily. A new toy is a novelty and will keep your child entertained longer. Do pack a few favorites from home, especially some good books your child loves to read or have read to her. But if your child has an irreplaceable toy (a favorite teddy bear he has to sleep with for example) either don't bring it or don't bring it out during flight in case it gets lost. Your child will be desperate! (Don't pack it in your checked luggage either -- if this gets lost, same problem). Before you leave find out if the plane your will be on has in-seat entertainment systems. These are great for kids because they can play video games or watch TV or movies. If not, you may consider investing in a portable DVD player if you kids will wear headphones -- although with three kids unless you want to lug 3 players this could become a problem.
Make sure each kid has there own piece of luggage -- a backpack or small rollaway -- to keep their stuff in and make them feel like they a big kid for having their own suitcase.
Get the kids interested in the flight plan -- they usually show this on video at certain points during the flight. They can figure out how long they've been flying, what countries they've passed over, etc. Lots of fun for the older ones.
5. To deal with pressure on the ears for your child, be sure they have something to suck on. The older two can learn how to yawn or unblock their ears in otherways like by chewing gum. For the little one, if your child takes a pacifier let him have it during takeoff and landing. If not a sippy cup is good.
6. Some people might recommend this but I don't think you have to drug your child to fly with them. Some people will suggest that you give your child things like benadryl to make them sleep and I think this is a mistake. You child should only take medications that are medically necessary not for the convenience of you or other adults who may not like that you are traveling with an infant.
What you should do is carry any common medicines you use for your children (Children's Tylenol, for example) in case they get sick while you are abroad and you can't find medicines they are used to taking. Also keep your pediatrician's contact info with you in case you have to contact them.
7. Always ask for help if you need it from airline employees both on the ground and in-flight. They are more than happy to help to make your flight as smooth as possible.
Finally, check with your pediatrician before you leave to see if they have any suggestions for you or if your child is not well if it is okay to fly.
Hope this is all helpful and that you have a great flight and vacation!
Have you ever "backpacked" through Europe?
Jordan
And if so, what cities did you visit, how'd you get around, and what hotels/hostels did you stay in? I would love to, but haven't the slightest clue as to the best way to see Europe .
Answer
I actually was living in the UK and travelled when I could, so technically I didn't do it in one big go...just lots of little goes.
What I can say is I KNOW how overwhelming it seems. I remember getting there and trying to figure out where I would go first...I literally felt like a kid in a candy shop! I decided on Paris!
What I would also say, after having the experience of travelling around is it is better to see FEWER places and more thoroughly than seeing lots of places really quickly. Reasons why is that you spend a LOT of your time travelling from A to B to C etc ( things like travelling, waiting for trains/buses/planes) not including delays, waiting times to catch connecting, getting to and from your accommodiaiotn. It really adds up.
It depends on how long you are staying as well. You can do things to get you started like doing one of those bus companies that have a circuit and you get on and off where you want and find your own accommodation. It maybe an option. Otherwise look for a specific route you can take that gives you an actual plan and something you can work with.
Websties for accommdaiotn are www.hostels.com, ww.hostelworld.com, www.hostelbookers.com and www.lonelyplanet.com. What you can do is lok thru them to see options and costs for places. Some places will be more pricey than others eg I found Florence ( Italy) quite exepnsive and stayed in a campground ( in a cabin) 15km out of Florence. It was cheaper, but took up to 50mins by bus to get into town and cost over 4 euro per journey. so you weigh up distance from centre and cost of accommodaiotn...places closer are usually more expensive but agaisnt time to get to and from it, cost of transport sometimes its better to go more central. The websites have ratings for accommodation as well!
To get started maybe make a list of places you REALLY want to see. Look on a map for a possible route...its generally pretty easy to get from one place to another by whatever transport ( note a good website for european flights is www.skyscanner.net) so that is usually not a problem.
There are also places that are amazing that you may not have considered. Eg I had never thought of going to Croatia, Slovenia and Czech Republic, but they rate up there as my favourite places ( AND are cheaper than other places)....Prague is REALLY worth a look.
As a single female who travelled by myself for the majority of my trips, I liked the freedom of travelling by myself, but you can easily pick up people to go around with and meet up agian with in hostels....
I went to France ...Paris and central France ( around Figiac/Cahors in the Dordogne region....lovely
Italy.....HEAPS to offer here and can recommend all the places I went to..Verona, Venice, Sienna, Rome, Florence and Bologna.
Czech Republic.Prague and Cesky Krumulov
Slovenia: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj
Croatia: Zargreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar
Amsterdam...only comment.It was the ONLY place I stayed where I felt I have overdone it..I was there for 3 nights, 2 too many in my opinion.
Belgium: Brussels, Bruges/Brugge
Ireland: Dublin, Kilkenny, Tralee, Limerick
Wales and England...I actually didn't see as much in England as I should have considering I was living there for nearly 2 years, but travel is expensive here, even for people living and earning the pound!!!!
So I would chose some places, ask for opinions to help narrow the search and for "extra" places you may not have considered. My sister always said if 3 different people tell you about a place....seriously consider it as a place to go!!!
Have fun!
I actually was living in the UK and travelled when I could, so technically I didn't do it in one big go...just lots of little goes.
What I can say is I KNOW how overwhelming it seems. I remember getting there and trying to figure out where I would go first...I literally felt like a kid in a candy shop! I decided on Paris!
What I would also say, after having the experience of travelling around is it is better to see FEWER places and more thoroughly than seeing lots of places really quickly. Reasons why is that you spend a LOT of your time travelling from A to B to C etc ( things like travelling, waiting for trains/buses/planes) not including delays, waiting times to catch connecting, getting to and from your accommodiaiotn. It really adds up.
It depends on how long you are staying as well. You can do things to get you started like doing one of those bus companies that have a circuit and you get on and off where you want and find your own accommodation. It maybe an option. Otherwise look for a specific route you can take that gives you an actual plan and something you can work with.
Websties for accommdaiotn are www.hostels.com, ww.hostelworld.com, www.hostelbookers.com and www.lonelyplanet.com. What you can do is lok thru them to see options and costs for places. Some places will be more pricey than others eg I found Florence ( Italy) quite exepnsive and stayed in a campground ( in a cabin) 15km out of Florence. It was cheaper, but took up to 50mins by bus to get into town and cost over 4 euro per journey. so you weigh up distance from centre and cost of accommodaiotn...places closer are usually more expensive but agaisnt time to get to and from it, cost of transport sometimes its better to go more central. The websites have ratings for accommodation as well!
To get started maybe make a list of places you REALLY want to see. Look on a map for a possible route...its generally pretty easy to get from one place to another by whatever transport ( note a good website for european flights is www.skyscanner.net) so that is usually not a problem.
There are also places that are amazing that you may not have considered. Eg I had never thought of going to Croatia, Slovenia and Czech Republic, but they rate up there as my favourite places ( AND are cheaper than other places)....Prague is REALLY worth a look.
As a single female who travelled by myself for the majority of my trips, I liked the freedom of travelling by myself, but you can easily pick up people to go around with and meet up agian with in hostels....
I went to France ...Paris and central France ( around Figiac/Cahors in the Dordogne region....lovely
Italy.....HEAPS to offer here and can recommend all the places I went to..Verona, Venice, Sienna, Rome, Florence and Bologna.
Czech Republic.Prague and Cesky Krumulov
Slovenia: Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj
Croatia: Zargreb, Dubrovnik, Split, Zadar
Amsterdam...only comment.It was the ONLY place I stayed where I felt I have overdone it..I was there for 3 nights, 2 too many in my opinion.
Belgium: Brussels, Bruges/Brugge
Ireland: Dublin, Kilkenny, Tralee, Limerick
Wales and England...I actually didn't see as much in England as I should have considering I was living there for nearly 2 years, but travel is expensive here, even for people living and earning the pound!!!!
So I would chose some places, ask for opinions to help narrow the search and for "extra" places you may not have considered. My sister always said if 3 different people tell you about a place....seriously consider it as a place to go!!!
Have fun!
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Title Post: What should I bring for my kids traveling internationally?
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Author: Yukie
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Author: Yukie
Thanks For Coming To My Blog
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