Travelling with newborns or infants

Wow !  Travelling.  We likely have all done it.  We usually all want to do it...... however, most people with newborns or infants would not even consider doing it.   Well,  as someone with two young boys who has travelled with them to Europe every year since they were born..... you need to have a few golden rules in place.

Our first son was born back in 2005.   After the initial oh my gosh we now have a child phase, we were presented with an interesting (and to then become frequent) situation.  One side of the grandparents lived in Europe.....  Well,  we were in the position to travel from a health perspective and monetary perspective so we filled our duty to go and visit the grandparents.

Total time from door to door was 24 hours...... YES<<<<<   24 hours with a 6 month old boy...  and my wife was breastfeeding and having a tough time with being a new mother.

Here are some ideas and suggestions that are good for new parents travelling overseas to consider.

1)  You don't need to get to the airport for an international flight within the "defined 3 hours " before the flight leaves.   Seriously,,  when you are seen in the line with a young infant, most good, competent airlines will see you there and help you out by fast tracking you thru check in.  For us we don't get to the airport but 2 hours before takeoff.

2)  Pack any and all needs on the plan carryon.   Diapers, suplements, medical supplies, frozen breast milk, food, wipes,,,, etc,etc...  Even with airport security,,, and going thru screeners,,, you will open your carry on and any security guard will assess the situation that you need these things, so don't be afraid of airport security in advance and not pack these items.   You need them on the plane !!!!

3) Fast tracking thru customs....  Most airports have a fast track for frequent and business travellers....  But did you know that with infants any young kids you can use fast track lanes when connecting to more flights.  Heathrow Airport is a great example.  Fast track counters are usually at the far end of a customs pass thru and connecting flight checking area.   So, when you arrive and have to connect with your young kids,,, look around and see for the fast track lane.   If you don't see one,,, look to catch eyes with a porter or airport attendant so they see you have kids.  Worst case, kind the airport attendant and ask if you can be fast tracked as you are with young tired kids...  It always works and saves huge time and crankiness with young kids...

4)  In flight entertaining of kids is easy these days ,,,,, if you don't mind you child watch upwards of hours and hours of tv or videos.  But,,, what if you are a parent ( like us ) and you don't want your kids watching all this tv on the plane.... how do you entertain them.   One of the best ideas is one my wife started before any long flight.  She would go to the Dollar Store several days before our flights and buy the easy traveller and cost effective pocket games.  We would pack them in our carry on luggage and pull them out once the boredom started to show up.  Usually we found the attention span was a about an hour a game, or you could play a game with them for an hour before needing to either start something new or pull out a new game.   Honestly,,,, this has worked many many times for us and our kids are always happy.  It is something new and a small little present at the same time.  As if flying on a plane isn't cool enough.

Hope you found this helpful.  If you have comments or generally found this helpful or like it, please let me know.

Best,

Meals, meals and more meals

So what a great thing to travel with kids overseas. One of the best things in my opinion. So much to learn and explore. I saw an ad in a magazine once and it said " what's your return on Life".... It was a quote in a travel magazine..

So many times we are focused on the rat race and the worries of the world and life for us and our families. I saw that quote and it hit me that things in life are not just based on what you can accumulate via money but rather what can you accumulate via memories and experiences.

So,, you are out and about with your kids,,, and whoa,,,, hunger hits.. But,,, you have no idea what's good to eat yet alone where to get it.

I remember being in Hungary searching for a place to eat and we came across a simple and small restuarant, where no English was being spoken. Thru a variety of hand gestures and smiles,,, we were served a wonderful and memorable meal. Now,,, that was before we had kids,,, so if you have hit the meltdown stage what do you do..

Sometimes with the kids,, just the simple handheld foods can be a good lunch fix.... Pizza, calzone, or something like that is quick to get and you can carry on or sit on a bench to enjoy. If you do have time and kids are relatively ok, ask someone for a recomendation, or quickly hop into the hotel lobby if near a hotel and ask them where to go. Ask if kids are allowed... things like that can be helpful in finding a place quickly.

As an idea for insurance purposes, we always have some snacks on hand in case lunch becomes and issue,,,, even dinner for that matter. Breakfast is usually an easy solve as if you are staying in a hotel you usually will eat at the hotel as lots include breakfast.

However,,, back to the insurance purpose for food idea..... We would grab snack bars or pastries if we see a shop and possibly grab a few extra and pack them along for continuing on our outing or for the next days outing.. It always helps to have them as you never know when hunger hits with the kids... Drink boxes are also good to have on hand as well.

If you are eating at a restaurant,,,,, let you expecations go.... seriously.... the last thing you need or want is expecations for restaurants you are regulars at.... if you do this you will likely be dissapointed..

Now,,, we always ask the waiter what locals eat and or drink and start from there. For the kids, we ask the same,,, what do kids usually have at your restuarant... If nothing comes for kids,,, usually snitchzel, or something thereabouts works well with a side to go with it. Chances are you won't get a grilled cheese sandwich .... so don't bother asking for it or even trying to explain how you would want it made for your kids.

Sit someplace quiet or a little bit out of the noise or traffic area so in case the kids do act up.... you are seperated not only for the other patrons of the place you are at,,,, but also for yourselves....

Hope this helps. Please comment and post other great ideas.

Best