Mom Travel

In just a few short hours my family will be boarding a flight to Florida for Easter! I am so excited, but the idea of traveling with four kiddos 6 and under can be daunting - especially for those sitting near us on the plane. We're that family that everyone stares at and hopes doesn't sit near them. However, I must say, I think my kids are pretty well behaved though our 18 month old is a bit of a wild card. Admittedly, I am biased about their behavior; however, I do a lot to prepare, gone are the days where all I needed was a book, trashy magazine and my id!!

Here are the top 5 tips that I've put in place over the past couple of years:

1. Every kid is responsible for their own carry-on. I am not carrying anyone else's stuff. They pack it with a couple books, special treats and ear phones (we LOVE jetBlue). Again, they can't overpack -- if it is too heavy I remove items. Caroline is the exception, but at 2 years old even Peyton had her own bag.

2. I hit the dollar store and get each kid one or two "presents" for the trip, they don't get these unless we're on the plane and they've made it through security "on their best behavior."

3. I've got a couple sippy cups for the younger girls so I don't have to worry about them spilling the drinks that the flight attendants distribute.

4. I also pack a little plastic grocery bag to put some of our trash in -- the ex-flight attendant in me wants to make the effort to not leave our row looking like a trash can.

5. Security -- this is the worst part of traveling I think... I make sure my id and tickets are on the outside pocket of my carry-on. Just think ahead -- shoes that are easy to remove, coats off and in the carry ons and put medicine/liquids in bags on the top of your carry-on so that they're easy to take out. I've also traveled alone with the kids and most airlines will give Chris a pass to go through security to help out which is nice. He says the looks he gets when he leaves us at the gate are priceless :).

I'd take pictures to illustrate during our trip, but I pack my camera in our checked luggage - one less thing to hassle with during the flight and I still haven't gotten around to getting my iPhone :).

Happy travels and happy Easter.