Surviving Air Travel with Kids

Traveling with kids is not always easy or cheap, but you can make it a bit easier on yourself by planning ahead. No last-minute packing or planning, because it can definitely mean the difference between a great flight and a terrible one. I can help you save money and sanity on all your future family travels. Here are just a few ways to make the most of your trips and keep everyone as happy as possible.

Tell Them What to Expect 

Kids are super-adaptable, but it does help to explain things to them. Traveling is kinda weird when you think about it. You stand in line to go through security, where people judge you and look at all your stuff, then you wait to get herded into a big metal room, where you strap yourself in and the air pressure is all funky and makes your ears hurt on occasion. It's sort of like being in the car, but with 200 other people and you can't get out when you need to stretch your legs, but there's a bathroom. Crazy, right? Explain to your kids what they'll be expecting, and more than once. It's better for them to be excited that they're flying than for them to be freaked out and hate every second of your journey. Not only will you also hate it, so will everyone on the airplane.

Travel in the off-season or during winter break

If you have smaller children, you have the luxury of traveling all year long. With this in mind, avoid traveling in the summer. Summer is easily the busiest and most expensive time to plan a vacation. If a beach or other warm-weather location is your destination of choice, plan a trip in the spring. Springtime is always less crowded and one of the best times to find sales on both airfare and hotel rates. If your children are in school, wait until Christmas break to make your journey. If you fly on Christmas Day, you can get rock-bottom airfare, since most travelers want to be at their destination by that day and it’s one of the lightest travel days of the year.

Fly free

Children under the age of 2 fly for free if you aren't opposed to them sitting in your lap the whole flight. Probably not so doable on a trip across the Atlantic, but not too bad on a flight that's only a few hours long. Babies are easier to deal with this way and if they get cranky due to air pressure changes, feeding them does wonders, because they're constantly swallowing.

Stock up on snacks 

Kids always want to eat when it isn't snack time and can get super hangry if they don't get something in their tummy pretty fast. Vacation is no different than at home. Bring snacks on all your plane rides (and outings) to tide them over until it's time to actually sit down and have real food.

Pack games

I find that games are a fantastic way to pass time on the airplane, even for us big kids. Have smarty-pants toddlers or kids over 5? Try Fluxx card game. It’s the game of ever-changing rules that is fun for hours, even if games last just 10-30 minutes. You might also like Zigity. It’s a fantastic game from the makers of Cranium that asks players to spell, add, complete a picture and match objects. The cards are plastic coated, so they are pretty much child-proof. Spills and spit wipe right off!

Bring Your Tablet

Kids are super tech-savvy now. If yous are too, then make sure you load up your tablet with games, videos and books they'll love. A long flight can fly by when they have everything they need at their fingertips. Don't forget a back-up battery to keep it charged and headphones, because as happy as everyone will be that your kids are entertaining themselves, they'll be less happy if they have to hear Dora the Explorer at full blast, because that's how your little one likes to watch it.

Pack light

I know that with kids it’s hard to do this, but it’s not impossible. Each of your children can bring their own carry-on for the plane and help spread around the weight. Whether it’s a small rolling bag that can fit under the seat or a backpack they can wear, they can share the load. While their clothes can be fairly lightweight, everything they want to take from home may not be. Pack as much of their clothes as you can in your own carry-on (Spacebags or Pack-It cubes may help) and then have them carry any spillover and a few things from home in their own bag. This might be some small toys, a coloring book and some snacks. Anything that will make traveling less of a chore and keep the whining at bay. 

If there is more than one adult in your party, this may be done more easily, and you will have everything with you when you land, saving you checked baggage fees and time waiting for your bags on the carousel. Check out the Trunki ride-on carry-on from Melissa and Doug. It’s fun and functional, plus you can accessorize it, giving your kids another activity to do when waiting around and getting border and border. I want one for ME.  

Let them pack their own bag

When you go anywhere, you probably let your kid(s) pick a few things they can’t live without. As long as it can be reasonably packed and will make it through security, don’t worry if they want to bring 32 miniature cars or their favorite doll or even their pillow. If it makes them comfortable, it will help them be a better traveler. You could pack their clothing in your carry-on and have them bring their “busy-time” stuff in a backpack or teach them responsible travel and buy them their very own carry-on bag that they can use. They’ll feel like a grown-up when they pull their little wheelie case behind them through the airport and you’ll save on baggage fees. Plus, by having them carry their own belongings, they might learn to pack lighter.

Rent baby equipment at your destination

This doesn’t sound money-saving at all, but it can be. Dragging around a stroller and other cumbersome products can be hard, cost you checked baggage fees and may even damage your own items in the process. Sites like BabiesTravelLite have lists for worldwide locations that rent baby equipment from strollers to baby baths. These places often rent equipment for an entire week for less than you would pay to rent them for a day at amusement parks and other places. You can pick them up on your way to your hotel or vacation rental and then drop them off on your way to the airport. You don’t have to juggle extra things at the airport and you won’t have to worry about damage to any of your own gear.

Invest in a footrest

Skyrest makes the perfect footrest for children. Okay, it’s really a resting pillow for sleeping or reading, but for little legs that fall asleep from not being able to reach the floor, it makes the perfect airplane ottoman. Nobody likes being kicked in the back for a whole flight and when kids have tingly legs, they are going to flail about. These inflatable rests have removable covers, too, so you can remove it before the flight to keep it from getting dirty from the floor and feet.

Fly really early or really late

If your child is on a regular sleeping schedule, see if you can book a flight that will coincide with it and they may just conk out the entire flight. We used to fly the Red Eye often and sleep on the plane overnight and wake up in our destination. While these seem to be few and far between – or even non-existent – now, you can certainly try to find an available flight that is super early in the morning or even later in the evening. These flights are usually undesirable, which makes them cheaper than the same flight in the middle of the day.

Run it out

Some airports have playgrounds. If you're taking off from one or have a layover, then let make a beeline for the closest one (if you have time) and let the kids run and yell and get all their energy out. They'll be less antsy on your flight this way.

Just because you have children doesn't mean you can never vacation again or have to pack up the tent and go camping. Of course, I'm not opposed to camping. I did it all the time as a kid, but nothing beats a good old fashioned family vacation. One where you don't have to do all the work and take freezing showers for a week. Sure, traveling with more than two can be hard on your wallet, but you can save on things to make it more manageable.

What are your tips for traveling with kids?

Timeshares and Vacation Rentals Over Hotels

I'll be honest. I rarely stay in hotels. I can probably count on one hand the number of times I've stayed in a hotel in the last ten years. I don't have anything against hotels. In fact, I enjoy them quite a bit. What I also enjoy is having a little more space, being able to make food if I don't want to leave for a meal, and I like feeling special. I also like saving money and staying somewhere unique. 

People ask how we travel so much and, realistically, I don't think we travel any more than other people could, we just make the effort to actually do it. We don't have more money than they do, even if we don't have kids. My husband doesn't have more vacation time than they do. I'm lucky enough that I can take as much time as I want, because I only work part time outside of the house and they are very flexible with me. So, all in all, I think the only reason we are out so much is that we plan to use vacation time we have.

One of the ways we planned early to vacation more efficiently is to purchase a timeshare. Not one of those that you only get a week at a certain place, but one that uses points that we can spend on any destination they offer. Over the years, we've actually purchased a second timeshare that works much like the first and has locations in different destinations. One is better than the other and gives us access to all RCI rentals, but the other is available in places that we go often (namely, Vegas) and fits us well. 

Surprisingly, we don't always have a place to stay when we travel, and in those instances, we choose a vacation rental, generally, through Airbnb. I like the feeling of being at home on vacation. It's a bit more relaxing and lot less stressful. Here's why we choose a timeshare or vacation rental over a hotel:

More space

Tired of only having the bed and that one uncomfortable chair to sit on when you're in your room? Unless you're booking a studio, but even then, you have separate spaces in your room. Someone can get in the bedroom while someone else is sitting in the living area or at the dining table. 

I get stressed out when spending all day everyday with people, even if it's Eric, so having a space where I can go and be "alone" for a little bit is nice. You'll often find us back in our place doing our own thing. I'll be checking email and Eric will be watching TV or playing a game on his phone. That quiet time is really helpful. And if I need more space, most of our timeshare locations have a nice little lounge area where you can sit and read a book or watch sports. 

Make your own food

I've said it before and I'll say it again, I'm not one to get up early to go have breakfast. I'm happy getting up and eating a bagel while enjoying my coffee and setting up posts for social media. I also like to bring back leftovers. 

Our first stop once we get off the plane is the grocery store. We pick up breakfast foods and snacks, but sometimes we grab things for at least one dinner, that way we save money and I'm less grouchy in the morning. When we bring back leftovers, we can heat them up properly, or we can make a whole meal if we want...and we have. Most rentals and timeshares have all the things you need. I've even made breakfast smoothies with the blender. (One breakfast out costs at least $10. If you multiply that by 7 days and 2 people, that's $140. Why spend that when you can purchase a whole week's worth of breakfast food for around $40?)

Some places have grills as well, so you have even more options for making foods when you're away from home. We've shared a three-bedroom with friends and their kids and grilled some chicken breasts for dinner and made sides in the kitchen. We've seen other people take advantage of the BBQs, making steaks and ribs for their family.

Everything's included

Unlike hotels, you're paying for extras, even if you don't use them: laundry service, gym, spa, sauna and whatever else. When you stay in a rental or timeshare, all that is included. You don't have to pay more for more amenities. I've stayed in rentals that have doormen and parking facilities and I've stayed in timeshares that have ping pong tables, mini golf and shuffleboard. Use it or don't, but the option is there.

Laundry facilities

I pack light. You know that. I hate carrying extra stuff. This means I'm doing laundry. Hotels hardly ever have laundry facilities, because they want you to use their laundry service, which is crazy expensive. My timeshares either have laundry in-room or have a laundry room on-site (usually free). I plan to stay in early one day during the week to clean all my clothes. This is the time I grab a movie from the front desk or Redbox, make something cheap and fun for dinner (though we've just grabbed takeaway too) and just chill. It forces us to relax and slow down a little.

Clean up after yourself

One of the things I love most about rentals is actually the thing I  like most about hotels. I have to clean up after myself...or I don't have to. I don't have to put my big mess of stuff away each day before the maid comes to clean, because housekeeping only comes in when I leave (unless I'm there for over a week, then the timeshare sends someone to come make up the bed with new linens and change out our towels). 

I like being in charge of myself. I have everything I need to clean up, including a vacuum, so I don't have to worry about a stranger coming in and looking at my stuff. Yes, I'm aware that's weird. I also like the freedom to stay in without having to put out my Do Not Disturb sign. I can keep all my toiletries out, I can leave my dirty laundry in a corner (not that I would), and I don't have stay out between certain hours until my room is done.

Free parking

A lot more hotels are charging for parking now. If you're renting a car and also getting a vacation rental, you can choose ones that offer free parking. Most timeshares have parking facilities that are included, so you're actually saving $15+ per day.

These are just my top reasons to have a timeshare or use a vacation rental. There's plenty of other ones. With a timeshare, you can book way ahead of time of your trip, plus you've already paid for it, so you don't owe anything else. It means you feel the need to actually use it, because you're paying for it. With a vacation rental, you can book anytime, including last-minute. 

What are your pros for a vacation rental or for a hotel instead?

Eating Well At The Airport

It can be difficult to eat well or healthy when you travel, but that doesn't mean it's impossible. With some planning, you can totally do it. One of the hardest places to eat well is at the airport. There are tons of fast food restaurants, making it challenging to avoid eating a crappy hamburger and fries that cost three times as much as they do at home. You could pack your own snacks – which is not a terrible idea – but sometimes you just want to kick back and let someone else do the work for you.

Airports with the best foods

Boston Logan airport is where you go to find amazing fresh seafood. It's healthy and delicious and Legal Test Kitchen gives their own modern twist on all sorts of ocean dwellers, including crab & avocado salad, baked Boston scrod, and a tuna burger.

Chicago O'Hare mixes sandwiches with your favorite Mexican food that people clamor for at Tortas Frontera. Chef Rick Bayless has created "tortas" like garlic shrimp and the Chochinita Pibil with braised pork.

Denver International pulled in the city's famous restaurant Root Down to give flyers great farm-to-table meals as well. Look for delicious and healthy dishes like the baby beet salad, mushroom tart, and green chili and smoked lentil soup. That doesn't mean they only have vegetarian dishes, you can also indulge in steelhead trout, Korean short ribs, and lamb sliders.

Miami International has the taste of Cuba right in the terminal. Versailles is one of the most well-known Cuban restaurants and now you can eat there no matter where you are in the airport, as there are five Cafe Versailles locations throughout. Enjoy scrambled eggs & croquettes, plantain soup, and empanadas when you've got a hankering for a unique cuisine before you flight.

Minneapolis St. Paul International has a lovely and chic venue with a menu by Andrew Zimmern. You won't find the Minnibar menu packed with bizarre foods though. You order via iPad and can get your favorite classics with a twist, including a grilled cheese and a steak sandwich. Need a little fortification before your flight? Order the Bloody Mary that comes with a ton of additions that you may just want to claim you had a salad.

San Francisco International, unsurprisingly, has something for everyone, including vegetarians. The Plant Cafe is where to go for a healthy and flavorful meal on the go. In one place you can order an immune-boosting juice or smoothie, a colorful quinoa bowl and a mango lime chicken panini. 

What to look for

Just because a restaurant has salads doesn't mean it's uber healthy. In fact, many salads have more fat and calories than a burger. Don't use all the dressing and avoid things with anything fried. 

Look for veggies, even if you aren't a vegetarian or vegan. The extra vitamins will help your immune system deal with all the extra germs you're being exposed to on a travel day. 

Avoid as many fried foods as possible and instead opt for something like grilled chicken or seared fish. It won't weigh you down and make jet lag more probable on long flights. 

I love carbs, but eating too many when I'm traveling makes me tired and blah. It's the same as when I eat fried foods. I want to arrive at my destination feeling refreshed and ready to go. And if I get there at night time, I want to be able to sleep well. 

What to pack

I always pack snacks in my bag, whether I plan to eat it on the plane, at the airport or while I'm off sightseeing. Some of the best things to bring are fresh and protein-packed. 

• Nuts are easy to eat and don't make a mess, plus you don't need that many to squash the hunger pangs. 
• granola bars, which you can buy, but are better if you make them yourself. They are super easy to make and customize for your tastes. 
• Whole or cut up fruits. Do you love apples? Cut them in slices then soak them in a bowl of cool water with a tablespoon of lemon juice for 15 minutes, then you can toss them in a baggie without worrying about them browning. 
• Carrot sticks, broccoli and celery are all great travelers. If you have some room in your 3-1-1 bag, include a packet or peanut butter for dipping and extra energy.
• Dark chocolate can give you a natural boost of energy, just don't stuff your whole bag with it, because a little goes a long way. 

Where do you like to eat at the airport or what snacks do you like to bring along when you travel?