Little things can make a big difference, here's things to bring/do that can make your life a whole lot easier no matter where you are traveling to!
1. Change of clothes & toiletries in your carry on
If you are traveling through multiple airports, and on long flights, you should always pack a change of clothes for each member in the family. If traveling with an infant, you might want to make that multiple changes of clothes due to many additional risks including, but not limited to, blowouts on top of your only sweatshirt that result in you having to buy an "I Love NYC" sweatshirt in the JFK airport.
As far as toiletries go, bring toothbrushes, mini toothpastes, travel size hand lotion and face wash.
2. Reusable luggage tags
Lost luggage is an unfortunate but very real risk that travelers take on. One way to increase your chances of that luggage making it back to you is to get reusable heavy duty luggage tags to attach to every checked bag. Here are the ones we use!
3. Rolling luggage - or roller bag attachments.
You want luggage that has rotating wheels, this mean you can pull it forward or push it sideways. Ideally, you should find luggage pieces that can be stacked easily as well, either on a luggage cart or even just on each other (Ie. A duffel bag that can be connected to the handle of a roller bag, bungee cords to connect them, or a roller bag attachment to turn a duffel into a rolling bag). Affordable luggage is hard to find - my best recommendation for this is to read reviews of nice brands and then try to find them second hand!
4. Universal travel converter/adapter
It is very important to research the plug types and electricity types of the countries you will be visiting. England uses different plugs than Switzerland, and Singapore uses different plugs than Cambodia.
This article is helpful to figure out what you need, but you can also get several Universal Adapters to make sure you are covered no matter what. Click here to see this highly reviewed one.
Note: You also need to make sure you aren't bringing electronic items that will not be compatible with the electricity in the country you're going to. Ie. Baby Monitors, etc.
5. Portable charging bank
Many airlines now let you download your boarding pass to your phone - which means not running out of battery is crucial. A portable charging bank can save you in a tight spot - just make sure to charge it completely ahead of time and buy one that does not contain lithium batteries, since TSA will take it from you.
6. Fanny pack or hip bag
This is to provide easy to access passports & other important items. Another benefit, can often be hidden under your clothes, and can give you confidence to fall asleep at an airport or on an airplane without being worried about those important things!
7. Emergency Cash
Credit and debit cards are easily used in most countries, but just to be safe you always want to have some emergency cash. Larger bills can be hard to split, so make sure to carry smaller bills. I recommend having at $50-$100 cash.
8. Global Entry
If you are traveling internationally as a US citizen getting Global Entry is an absolute must.
When you are reentering the US you will have to go through immigration lines. These lines, depending on the airport, can take hours. We stood in line at JFK for 3 hours with a crying 9 month old, and that memory haunts us to this day. On our last trip, we had Global Entry, and we got through in less than 5 minutes.
Global Entry costs $120 per person, includes TSA Pre-Check, lasts for 5 years, and several of the major travel credit card brands will reimburse you for the cost of one application. Best part? Children under 18 are free to apply. Apply here!
9. Lounge Access
If you can sign up for a travel credit card that allows for lounge access, this will make traveling through airports with children a whole lot more enjoyable. Airport lounges provide a variety of free drinks, snacks, and some even provide full buffet options. They also have charging stations, comfortable seating, and some even showers! See an article explaining all your options here!
10. Research!
Pre-research the airports you will be traveling in! Many international airports have kids play areas, or special things to do and see, but those can be hard to find on the fly. Look those up ahead of time and make a list! (The picture at the top of this post is from the butterfly garden inside of the Singapore Airport!)
Have questions? Thoughts to add? Leave them in the comments below!
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