backpacks for kids travel image
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!
How much would it cost for my friends and I to travel around Europe?
hellothere
My friends and I thought if would be fun and a great experience to travel Europe after we graduate high school. There are about 10 of us and we will graduate in 4 years(not including the end of this school year). I was just wondering about how much we should save, if we decide to go.
Answer
The most fun way to travel around Europe is by train. Get a Europass good for however long you are going to be there. It saves time and money. You can buy them here before you leave - in fact you can't buy them in Europe. This is cheaper than any other way. There are great youth hostels - Europe is where these were invented, I think. They are far better than anything in North America. My kids and I did it that way a few years ago - and with our backpacks. It was the best trip I have ever taken. You have to plan your trip before you go. Plan on the cities you are going to visit and know where the youth hostels are in those cities before you leave. Stay in places where the price of the room includes all you can eat breakfast. Most hostels do it that way. If you buy your Europass, stay in youth hostels, use the bus/tram or subway systems(the Metro in Paris, for example is great), eat a big free breakfast, do your sightseeing and buy bread, fruit, cheese, wine then pig out in your hotel after you have finished your day. So, you don't spend much money eating in restaurants. We had a 3 week Europass, travelled from England on the hydrofoil across the English Channel to Calais and took the train into Paris and went from there. We hit 9 cities, including Florence, Amsterdam, Brussels, Saltsburg, etc. It cost me about $4000.00 for the three of us. Not including the air fare to fly my kids to London. So, if you have 4 years to save, get on it. It is the trip of a lifetime. And you will never forget it. It may be a little more expensive now. But, you can do it. Wanna go skiing in the Alps, take the cog railway up the mountain in Insbruck - glorious. Good luck.
The most fun way to travel around Europe is by train. Get a Europass good for however long you are going to be there. It saves time and money. You can buy them here before you leave - in fact you can't buy them in Europe. This is cheaper than any other way. There are great youth hostels - Europe is where these were invented, I think. They are far better than anything in North America. My kids and I did it that way a few years ago - and with our backpacks. It was the best trip I have ever taken. You have to plan your trip before you go. Plan on the cities you are going to visit and know where the youth hostels are in those cities before you leave. Stay in places where the price of the room includes all you can eat breakfast. Most hostels do it that way. If you buy your Europass, stay in youth hostels, use the bus/tram or subway systems(the Metro in Paris, for example is great), eat a big free breakfast, do your sightseeing and buy bread, fruit, cheese, wine then pig out in your hotel after you have finished your day. So, you don't spend much money eating in restaurants. We had a 3 week Europass, travelled from England on the hydrofoil across the English Channel to Calais and took the train into Paris and went from there. We hit 9 cities, including Florence, Amsterdam, Brussels, Saltsburg, etc. It cost me about $4000.00 for the three of us. Not including the air fare to fly my kids to London. So, if you have 4 years to save, get on it. It is the trip of a lifetime. And you will never forget it. It may be a little more expensive now. But, you can do it. Wanna go skiing in the Alps, take the cog railway up the mountain in Insbruck - glorious. Good luck.
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