Mini Get Aways

Long weekends are the perfect opportunities for embarking on adventures. But every Queen Bee knows that traveling with kids is an adventure onto itself. Whether you are traveling by car or airplane, your planning and your packing can make a huge difference in the amount of stress and frustration, or jubilation that you experience.

Plane Trips

• When traveling by plane for a 3 or 4 day trip, the key is to pack as lightly as possible.
• You save a lot of time and trouble when you don't have to collect baggage (though admittedly, sometimes, it is great to have your hands free) .
• You are usually allowed 1 - 2 pieces of carry-on for each paying passenger, so although your lap baby is not entitled to any carry-on, your 2 year old (and up) is.
• We always make sure to pack outfits that can be worn interchangeably, but we also always plan to stay somewhere we will have access to a washing machine (the only bad thing about packing light with kids is that they are prone to have...accidents).
• We try to make sure that the we and the kids are travelling in their bulkier pieces (sweaters, jeans, boots) so we don't have to fit them in the bags.
• We also make sure to pack empty sippy cups (to avoid the liquid scrutiny at the security check point), snacks and entertainment (books, games, toys) to keep the kids busy on the flight.
• Nowadays, it is critically important to get to the airport at least 2 hours early - this way you have time to make sure to get the kids to the bathroom, fill those sippy cups and re-adjust yourself after the security check.

Here are a couple of stylish a functional options for kids' luggage (Both come in styles for boys and girls):

Car Rides
Car rides are a completely different story. You don't need to worry as much about how many bags you pack as much as you need to plan for activities and rest stops.

• Try to include rest stops that double as sight seeing opportunities - there are many tourist attractions to be found en route in most cases.
• Make sure to include the rest stops in your travel time - if you need to arrive at your destination at a certain time, give yourself plenty of wiggle room.
• Come prepared with a list of car activities, Moms Minivan.com has a great list of them!
• Pack lots of snacks!
• Allow for the kids to enjoy different activities (portable DVD players, video games, or mp3 players - all with headphones)

Pre-planning, smart packing, patience and a sense of adventure (and realistic view of what kids are and are not capable of) will ensure that you and your family have an awesome trip!