Planning for a flight with kids

Recently, we were planning to go on a trip to North Carolina (our old stomping grounds), and we realize our strategy for flying (which, when it was just the 2 of us, was cheap as possible), has changed now that we have two kids in tow.

I thought we should share a few things to consider about flight planning(some are obvious, but we find it's always good to have a reminder)

Time of Day: what is the best time for YOUR kids. Our experience is that waking our kids up to catch a flight (early AM) works OK, but betting on them sleeping on a late night flight does NOT usually work for us. It's also important to remember that late night flights can be delayed INTO the next day (nightmare!!). Meal times are another factor to consider when flying with kids also - especially with the lack of 'amenities' on flights these days.

Non-stop: always worth it if not too expensive. We love not having to worry about missing connections (especially ones with short layovers), and the earlier in the day that the flight is, the less chance it's delayed.

Price: We'd be lying if we were to say price does NOT play into our decision, but with travel with kids, there are some things worth a little extra. We always consider nearby airports (our kids do well in a car too), as well as the schedules, days of travel etc.. We feel each family should weigh the pros and cons of the cheapest option vs. the pricier ones, or which of the one(s) in between offer a good cost/benefit ratio.

Rental vehicle: We recommend shopping before hand. Once you are at your destination, they have a 'captive' (desparate!) audience. I often search on sites like Expedia.com and Obitz.com; find the cheapest deal (for the smallest vehicle that is still appropriate) and then go directly to that company's site to see if I can get it even cheaper. Don't forget to search for those COUPON CODES!!

Bring/Borrow/Rent: With airlines charging for anything extra(so it seems) these days, we are often forced to think about what we have room to bring, what we may be able to borrow (from friends?), and what we can rent for cheaper than/similar to paying for an extra piece of luggage.
For example, we usually bring the bottom part of our kids booster seats (they are 5 and 8), as this lower part fits in checked baggage pretty easily. However, if you have toddlers or babies, sometimes its easier to just add this on to your car rental. We recommend researching the kid car seat laws of where you are traveling to. You can search the web, or try these for starters.....

• List of US State's Policies

• INTERNATIONAL Information

Other things we try to borrow/rent include kid's backpack carriers (these are bulky). however, we always pack our own Ergo Carrier, as we can carry either kid in this piggy back style. SUPER-handy.

There are many companies that specialize in renting baby gear, whether you are staying at a hotel/motel or a rental home or a relative's home. Check out companies like JETSETBABIES for delivery to wherever is most convenient!

Next post we'll discuss planning activities etc. for the trip itself!

Saving Money on a little trip to NYC

For the first time, I am headed to the New York International Toy Fair - VERY EXCITED. I have reserved a hotel for 3 nights just 1/2 of a block from the Convention Center where it is held (at a modest $200 a night for nothing noteworthy!?). Then, it struck me that this is happening during my sons' and husband's February vacation so why not make a family trip of it?! They can go see some nearby sights (Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Empire State Building etc.), while I spend a couple of days trying to find the next wave of really cool items to include for KidsTravelHappy.com (kids, ironically, are NOT allowed at the Toy Fair, and this is an IN the industry show, but if you are a retailer- see you there!).

Then, came the task of figuring out how to make the most of our 4 days and 3 nights in NYC. To drive from Maine means 6-8 hours (or more, depending on traffic and weather), but fairly inexpensive way to go. Our kids (3 and 6 years) are seasoned travelers so the time isn't a problem in that sense, but did we want to spend all that time IN the car with so little time overall on this trip? Then, there's the hassle of what to do with the car in the city, paying to park, navigating around etc. SO, I then looked into plane tickets, on Orbitz and Expedia, finally settling for JetBlue.com, as the show offers a 5% OFF coupon for those attending the show. It ended up being about $450 for 4 of us to fly from Portland, Maine to Laguardia Airport, NY. We booked and are relieved that this will offer the max amount of time at our destination with a minimal amount of travel time.

Next, the task of how to save on the other major 'costs' of travel with a family to a city.

• FOOD - we love to dine out, especially in a place with so MANY unique options, yet, we are not used to the 'NY' pricing. Our strategy? We have a hotel with a microwave and a refrigerator, so we plan to make good use of them for snacks, breakfast, and lunch, and splurge on dinner out each day. We have had fun surfing around the internet for kid friendly places in and around the Toy Show (Times Square, Rockefeller Center area). Another great option is to pack laptop lunch/Bento style snacks for on-the-go/around town snacking.
• TRANSPORTATION - we have decided to fore go driving into New York (as mentioned above) and use the abundance of public transportation. More on this after we go! While I'm at the show, my husband and boys will concentrate on the sites nearby, as that will help save cost as well - there are so many things to see, there is no need to go too far anyway.
  
• WATER - we are fans of Sigg, Crocodile Creek, or similar reusable BPA bottles, and with studies showing that bottled water is not better or worse than tap water, the investment in a nice Steel Bottle is worth it when you can fill it for FREE! This is especially handy in an airport where bottled water can be somewhat astronomical in price - just make sure it is empty for security, or you'll be dumping it out! You can fill once inside.
  

In a few weeks I'll have a report on the show, what were good things to do (and, not), as well as fun stuff I found and learned at the show. To be continued.....

Family Lines at Airport Security

As of the 20th of November (LAST WEEK!), airports around the U.S. are supposed to offer 'family' lines for Airport Security. The thought is that the business traveler (or many other travelers in a hurry) will not sigh at the sight of the family ahead of them. Instead, families will line up at their own area, and hopefully avoid the stares and frustrations of those who may not understand the 'family travel' process (or have forgotten!).

Personally, we have not experienced this convenience, but are curious to know what others who have, think about it. Seems like a great thing.

When we traveled to Hawaii last April, it was chaotic - shoes, clothes, belts, kids, and carry-ons everywhere. I remember apologizing to a man whose laptop we had inadvertantly buried within our stuff (which, honestly, really wasn't that much 'stuff', it just seemed to 'explode and multiply' at the security check!)....

A few things that have made navigating airports with our kids a bit smoother

• make sure they are fed, and have gone to the bathroom (or diaper!) before embarking upon any airport 'line' activity
• have a few simple toys, or games as a distraction for long lines (we've bought a lot of time with a slide puzzle, NAMiTs Cards, or tell me a story activities)
• put kids (and yourself!) in shoes that are easy to slip on and off, better yet, something an older child can do on his/her own
• try to avoid belts, this will just save that extra step of taking it off and putting it back on
• if you have several children, varying in age, put an older one in charge of a younger one, to help with the adult's responsibilities
• make sure the adult carry-on is the only one carrying electronics that need to be removed
• make sure water bottles are empty before heading through security
• explain to children old enough to understand what is going on. We found that our now 5 year old is a sponge for information, and was content just chatting about the happenings around us - while we wait for our ticket, our turn at security, or in line to actually board the plane (no additional props necessary!)
• if you are traveling with young ones, we found it most helpful to make sure each child could be carried (not in just 'arms') or pushed in some shape or from . This allows for the adults to have one or two hands free - try a soft backpack, a simple umbrella stroller, or a Trunki (ride-on-top luggage!) they will save you many headaches, and increase your family's overall travel speed through an airport!

Check out these articles if you are heading out for travel this Holiday Season for more information on the family security check lines.

• From CNN.com
• From the TSA blog
• Bradley Locks Airport

I'd be curious to hear what people have to say about it! Safe Travels, and may your kids travel happy!