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!

Custom Activity Kits make 'gifting' Easy

We love telling about our travel adventures (near and far) and we like to think that these journeys have helped us learn how to make the trip more fun and interesting for kids.

Do you have a child or grandchild going on a trip? A niece? Nephew? Friend's family? With the holidays coming up (and inevitably holiday travel, whether it's on a plane or off to grandma's), gift giving can get overwhelming.

Not sure what to get? We'd like to think that we have the answer to this dilemma!

We have designed our exclusive Custom Travel Activity Kits - in our own cinch sack which start at $49. All you have to do as the purchaser is answer a few questions to give us some ideas on what to pack, including: gender, age, type of travel, categories to include (or NOT to include), any items you definitely want included, and a couple other questions. It just takes a moment and then we do the rest of the work. (and, if you are NOT sure how to answer the questions, let the child do so buy purchasing a KTH Gift Certificate!)

These kits always ship no later than the next business day as we make them from in-stock items. An added bonus is for kits $99 and up they ship FREE (U.S. addresses), and for kits $149 and up you receive a FREE KTH Essentials Kit (more INFO HERE on that)Don't want to spend a minimum of $49? Well, we also have 'mini' kits that start at $9.99. We can pack this category of custom kits with a fun, economical set of 'classic' toys & games for the budding 'globe trotter' - these also make a great alternative to traditional "Party Favor" bags. (photo is a sample of $9.99 contents)

We've all been in the situation where we hear "I'm bored", "When are we going to get there" etc... These kits are sure to keep these statements to a minimum and will be something to play with LONG after the trip is over. Remember, when "kids travel happy" adults can too!! :-)_

We now have a Bethel, Maine Storefront!

A NEW TOY SHOP !?

It isn't EXACTLY how I written my business plan, but couldn't pass up an opportunity to give it a shot at a location shared with a well-established local Outdoor Business, TRUE NORTH Adventureware, on Route 26 just outside of downtown Bethel, Maine.

If you are in the area please stop in for last minute holiday gifts, get your hands on some of the things we carry online. We have a good selection of our online offerings, and several toys and games to try out. Or, you can shop the FULL selection ANYTIME at our website . If you are local (or know you will be passing through) you can save ALL shipping costs by selecting “Bethel Pickup” at checkout and pick up your order at our shop(196 Walkers Mills Rd) **our entrance is at the left side of the parking lot as you enter the lot – look for the yellow Kids Travel Happy banner over the door!

For now, I am trying to work out my 'one person operation' hours.
Currently, they are:

December 14th Sunday 12noon – 4:30PM
December 15th Monday CLOSED (OPEN by chance)
December 16th Tuesday CLOSED (OPEN by chance)
December 17th Wednesday 10AM-2PM
December 18th Thursday 10AM-2PM
December 19th Friday 12noon-2PM, 4PM-6PM
December 20th Saturday 12noon-6PM
December 21st Sunday 12noon-6PM
December 22nd Monday 12noon-6PM
December 23rd Tuesday 12noon-6PM
December 24th Wednesday 10AM – 1PM

The above are hours I can pretty much 'guarantee'. Please understand that I am trying to balance time between filling online orders and staffing a brand new storefront (and at present, these things are accomplished at different locations, which in time may change!). This is all a little over-whelming, exciting, a little scary, but mostly fun and challenging! Daily the store will have new things, and a new look.

Look for the OPEN flag at our entrance at other times, or call 207-357-1442 to confirm.

CLOSED CHRISTMAS AND DECEMBER 26th

please visit the website for post-Christmas Shop Hours and more info as the store develops and establishes itself in our community. Thank you for your support, and hope to see you online or in person!

Isn't this the coolest, craziest thing?

A SOLO (with a babe) TRAVELER's MUST HAVE

I recently ran across this on the web (another blog?), and couldn't resist contacting the company (Mommysentials) to be able to provide this on my site as a 'travel gear' option.

www.KidsTravelHappy.com as mentioned in previous posts is foucused on providing high quality games, books, activities and toys for kids of all ages for travel, home, and gift-giving, but when we come across strikingly unique 'gear' products like this one, well, we can't resist.

What is this thing?? It's called the Mommysentials Babykeeper Basic. What does it do? Isn't it obvious? It allows Mom (or whoever is on 'solo' duty with the babe) to use a bathroom, grocery cart etc. in a way that keeps the young one safe, nearby and clean! We just feel this is brilliant. And, with highest regards for the creators, we must say this looks hilarious (the baby 'model' upper right is particularly adorable!).

From the Manufacturer "Finally, the answer for when the Mom (or Dad) on the go...
HAS GOTTA GO! The Babykeeper is the only portable, safe and sanitary
solution for what to do with your infant or toddler while
using public restrooms and fitting rooms."

The Babykeeper Basic® is a patent pending infant carrier style seat, that hangs from the stall wall in most public restrooms, and can also be used in many public fitting rooms.
- For babies 6-18 months, who can sit unassisted
- Simple to use harness system keeps baby securely in the carrier
- Made with only the finest materials, to ensure your child's safety
- 2 large metal hooks encased in safety webbing, each lined with non-slip material for added security
- Durable and easy to clean nylon fabric
- Easy to use, and small enough to take everywhere you go

The Babykeeper® also provides you with a safer and more reliable means of restraining your child in a shopping cart. By using The Babykeeper® as a harness, you are making it practically impossible for your little one to climb out of their seat, thus preventing a fall

Visit our site to purchase, and pay only $6 flat rate shipping!

Is YOUR cell phone a Travel Toy??

OK, we’ve all done it, gotten desperate during a long travel day, and handed a child the cell phone, on and ready to go, and let him/her push buttons for as long as it remained effective. Then, mysteriously, next billing cycle you’ve realized that you are now signed up for all kinds of new (and expensive) cell phone services. (well, this didn't happen to my phone, but to my mom's, one time when she was entertaining my kids....oops, I probably owe her!)

Or, maybe it was your wallet, purse, your secret stash of M&M’s? All of those things that are totally off limits in any other situation, but somehow free game during travel.

Through my travels with my husband, and 2 young boys (2.5, and 5 years old) we have found that providing them with brain-engaging activities makes us all much happier, and 'saves' the adult's phone, handbag, and other items. We also have found that the kids have much more fun when there is a 'play surface' for their activities.

This concept has developed into our website called http://www.kidstravelhappy.com/, where we offer 7 different lap tray and lap desk options, and then hundreds of toys, games, books and activities that are indexed according to the type of tray, age, brand, mode of travel and more. There are even options for layovers, rest stops, rainy days and things to do at the destination.

Most items on the site are not traditionally categorized as travel activities, which is what makes them all that much more exciting. The incorporation of a tray opens the travel activity options to a wide selection of unplugged, creativity inspiring, educational activities, toys, books, and games for the young traveler (and some cool stuff for the adults too!). We hope you are able to use the site and have your “kids travel happy”. Heck, you may even get to read that book you always bring along!

So, please join us here weekly for in depth information on some of the products we carry (and why we think they are great for travel), as well as tips from things we've learned from travel pre- and post-kids.