I think one of the best days ever is when you can travel with your kids and leave the diapers, car seats, and strollers behind. It seems like it takes forever to get to this stage, but it doesn’t. Once you are there, you have far less to pack, but you still have kids traveling with you. I have found that these 12 Items make traveling with kids so much easier.
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Wipes
My children are not babies or toddlers anymore, but they are still kids who make messes. We still use wet wipes regularly when we are out and about. So I always travel with a pack. You never know when they will come in handy on an airplane.
Tissues
The recycled cabin air on an airplane is perfect for starting colds or flaring up allergies. Tissues are a must have carryon item for us at all times.
Clothing Changes
If you have ever been stuck traveling with just the clothes on your back, you will understand why I always pack changes of clothes. I learned the hard way one time what it is like to sleep in your travel clothes, because all of my luggage was lost. It stinks and I won’t do it to my kids. Besides if get they sick or spill while traveling, its easy to make a quick change of clothes.
Pajamas
I pack pajamas for my kids in our carryon luggage for the same reason I pack clothes. If our luggage gets lost I don’t want them to have to sleep in their travel clothes. We may not have the access to a store to buy new ones right away. There is a comfort in pajamas that you can’t get from regular clothes.
Plastic Bags
Plastic bags are just handy to have. I learned the hard way when my son got sick on an airplane how handy they are. So I always carry at least one when we travel. You can read more about that adventure in my post 10 Tips That Will Make Flying Alone With Kids Easier. If you want to be environmentally conscious you can always bring a waterproof bag.
Water
Inflight snack and beverage service can take a while, especially if you picked the last set of seats they service. At least one bottle of water will help you keep from getting dehydrated. I always like to bring my children’s insulated water bottles because it helps keep water cold for them.
Snacks
Flights can be long and inflight snacks are getting more and more sparse. Having a stockpile of snacks for your kids is always a smart idea. This is especially true if your plane is delayed. I
Gum
I love traveling with gum because it can keep the kids from constantly asking for snacks. It also helps keeps their ears from hurting during takeoff and landing.
Medicine
Any medicine your children might need from over the counter cough medicine to prescription medications should go in your carryon. It can be tough to get refills of prescription medication when you are away from home if your luggage gets lost. I love a good travel organizer for medicine.
Travel Pillow/Blanket/Stuffed Animals
Gone are the days when airlines provided blankets and pillows for travelers. Airplane cabins still get cold though, so I always pack a small blanket for my kids. The travel pillow is optional. My children are also still of the age where they like to bring their favorite stuff animal too. Whatever you do though, don’t let them forget that stuffed animal somewhere when you are traveling.
Entertainment
I like to be entertained when I am flying somewhere so it’s no wonder kids do too. While a tablet can keep them busy for a while, they do eventually get bored of it. It’s good to have a variety of books, kid’s magazines, crayons, coloring books and small card games to keep them occupied on long and short flights.
Headphones/Splitter
Have you ever been on an airplane where someone near you is not using their headphones? Is that not one of the most annoying things in the world? Be courteous to your fellow passengers and make sure you have a pair of headphones for everyone you are traveling with. I often find my kids want to watch or listen to the same things, so a headphone jack splitter is essential.
I love sharing the joy of travel with my kids. It is one of the best parts of being a parent. It does take some planning and preparation to get to your destination without your little humans drive you crazy. If you pack these 12 items, your whole family will have a much more enjoyable flight!
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