Are you planning a trip over the holidays? Perhaps a cross country drive to visit family or, if your feeling extra adventurous, maybe you've booked a flight to spend Christmas abroad.
After 2+ years of Pandemic restrictions, traveling has become significantly less glamorous. Understaffed, overcrowded airports, delayed flights & endless health screenings can make even the most seasoned traveler wish they'd never crossed the revolving doors of an airport.
While the CDC (Center For Disease Control) has relaxed many Covid 19 restrictions on travel, it is still recommended to stay informed of the details and health policies of any country or airport you plan to travel to.
STEP 1:
GOT YOUR JABS?
The World Health Organisation and the CDC recommend being up-to-date on your COVID19 vaccinations, bringing along masks and washing your hands frequently. While many airports have relaxed their mask policy, you may still be routed through places that require the usage of masks, and being caught without one could pose extra hassles and time delays you don't need.
STEP 2
PACK FOR PANIC
Ok, perhaps it's not panic, but try and picture your worst outing with your child. Standing in line with a fussy baby, no diaper, or with your screeching toddler wanting a snack and all you've got are breath mints.
The best made plans have a tendency to go awry, particularly when you're traveling. Just because you've booked and planned your travel itinerary miteculously doesn't mean there won't be hiccups. Delayed flights, unexpected layovers and lost luggage are all factors to consider.
Be sure your carry on bag is packed with the items you might need in a pinch.A stroller or infant seat, diapers, a fresh change of clothes, a pre made bottle, and a small bag of medicine is essential. If you're traveling with a baby, remember that airport changing rooms are often unseasonably cold, and certainly not clean. Bring your own changing station with you, and don't forget that extra teething ring.
STEP 3: BYOF
Food at airports is notoriously over priced, and the selection is also meagre. Many international airports also close during night time hours. Landing in the middle of the night hungry and thirsty, staring at the closed grates of a Starbucks is not the ideal way to pass a layover. The tip: bring your own snacks along. Make it festive and pack some extra treats. Just make sure the food you bring is easily transportable and as healthy as possible. You don't want grease stains seeping through your baggage, or your child bouncing off the walls from a sugar high either!
An ideal travel meal for young children could be: Trail mix, dried fruit, banana or carrot cake, organic juices, milk boxes, crackers, cheese sticks, fresh fruit, seaweed and plenty of bottled water with Royal D or electrolyte sachets.(nutrition in powder or dust form) Pack some 3-in-1 coffee and tea bags for yourself as well.
Even if your child is old enough to walk, they may likely get tired from threading through crowds and want to be carried. Pack a sling if you're trying to travel light.
STEP 4: DRESS IT UP OR DOWN
While you may dream of your child appearing at arrivals in a cute button down outfit or a frilly dress, your little one's mind is far removed from fashion. Children, just like adults, want comfort when they travel.
Avoid fussy buttons, scratchy chiffon, lace or other clothing that needs extra care. Struggling with denim buttons and zippers as your child squirms to use the bathroom is one extra hassle you don't need. Pick light, breathable clothing and slip on shoes. Drawstring pants are a lot easier to finagle with than denim. As a double ensure, select brightly coloured clothing (if your child lets you) to make sure you can spot them at all times.
The same goes for your own wardrobe. Go with practical over fashionable, always. Non-wrinkle material is your friend for long haul flights. Even if there are no temperature changes where your going, it's still helpful to bring layers. Planes and airports are often drafty, and the thin blanket provided on airplanes is of little use if your extremities are freezing.
STEP 5
UP IN THE AIR
And finally, beating the last hurdle: How to keep your child occupied, and quiet, during take off, landing, and the hours where in-flight service is tucked away in the back. Most parents dread it with good reason. The change in air pressure is miserable for children, and the time spent traveling in what essentially amounts to a tin box with less than a foot of room between you and your fellow passengers is enough to test the patience of every child.
Prepare some travel games to occupy your child's attention. Don't expect your iPad or phone to work as a distraction during these times, although if it does, bonus!
Teach your child how to relieve air pressure in their ears by making it a game, and purchasing some child safe ear guards. Do not let your child sleep or eat during take off and landing. Distract them with talking, games and reading, and have them yawn as often as possible as this helps 'pop' air bubbles in their ears.
If your child is older and can understand and cooperate, have them chew some gum, wiggle and flex their jaw, and yawn at least 4 times.
Once in flight, stagger the activities by 15 - 20 minutes. This mimics your child's preschool routine and helps them stay focused on individualised activities. You don't want to exhaust your game routine in the first 10 minutes.
Have a Scavenger Hunt: Print out the list below before your trip and works as an educational game as well. You can start playing from the minute you're inside the airport and through the flight as well.
Get it at the Resourceful Mama.
"Who Am I" is another great way to pass the time. Use a list of your child's favourite story book characters, family members or famous people.
Create a story and kick your child's imagination into high gear. Each person names one word like "Watermelon" "Playground" or "Blanket", and try to make up a story using all three words.
Happy Travels!
-- LS (Graphic and text contribution submitted by C.S)