Traveling with Small Children and Enjoying It

Being a Flight Attendant with young children I had ample opportunity to travel the world -with three small children - on stand-by - and I survived.

To keep life interesting, these were not your typical well behaved children. Flying was their life, and although we did it often, they were totally enthralled with the whole process each time and never bored of racing through the airport, climbing over seats and throwing up incessantly.

Tricks I learned to make it worthwhile:

1. Always come prepared with ample diapers, change of clothes and LOTS of things to do - kids NEVER sleep on the airplane. They also have sensitive stomachs so diapers and clothing changes become imperative. Don't dress them in the good clothes either!
2. Bring items to occupy them in case of delays
3. Strollers are great and can be “gate checked” so you can use them throughout the airport
4. If your child is suffering from ear trouble due to altitude changes, request from the Flight Attendant two paper cups with VERY HOT napkins inside and place over your child's ears to relieve the pressure
5. Upon arrival, especially with young children, we always bought breakfast and lunch food at a grocery store and stored in our hotel room as we opted for a room with a small kitchenette. If your travels don't involve flying, pack a cooler of food and don't waste time or money eating out. Children don't care and actually prefer to eat familiar foods that you have brought along.
6. Seek out children's museums. Most areas have one, they are relatively inexpensive and it is a great place for kids to experience “hands on” activities where they can explore and learn, quite often with educational opportunities native to the area visited.
7. Book far enough in advance to get discounted vacation rates and if funds permit - pay for a seat for your lap child. Two or three hours is a long time to hold a child.
8. Make sure the rental car location has car seats readily available and prepared for your arrival. If price is a concern, don't book the larger vehicles unless you have a long drive planned.
9. If you are going to amusement parks or popular locations, schedule off season. Prices are less expensive, lines are shorter and your children have more fun because they aren't “waiting” for all the fun!
10. Look for in state discounts. One of our best vacations was when we traveled to Jackson Hole, Wyoming by van. The package included a room for two days and one night, two meals and lift tickets for $99 per person. Our room was right by the door that led to the lift. The kids could come and go at their leisure. We had purchased children's' skis and boots at a local ski rental shop for $25 at the end of a season so rentals weren't an issue. They would ski for a bit, come in and warm up, grab a snack and go out again. It was a fun trip that we looked forward to often.

My children are grown now and moving out. As I become an empty nester I miss those days when we had so much family time. Strong bonds were forged and the children recall their experiences fondly as we reflect on times past.

The children have commented often that although money was always in short supply when they were growing up, they didn't remember feeling it because we always found opportunities to travel together and experience the joy of family.