Traveling With Kids Survival Tips
At The Airport/On The Airplane 
At The Hotel
- Try to pack light and not carry too much on the plane with you. If you have carry-ons, a bag for the child, in addition to a car seat and stroller, you’ll have a lot to balance as you make your way through the airport. The stroller will help you get all those things to the gate, but it’s still quite cumbersome. Check all that you can. The other plus to traveling light: If you get searched, you’ll have less stress as you are searched and have to keep an eye on a curious child.
- If you have a child under 2, you can get away with not buying a seat and just holding the child on your lap. But it’s safer to bring the car seat and pay the money for the ticket -- safer for the child and more comfortable for you. If you do bring a car seat, call the airline ahead of time to make sure the car seat is airline-approved. And when you arrive at the gate, make sure the gate agent checks the seat and attaches a carry-on sticker to it.
- On the flight, bring a water bottle or cup that doesn’t leak so your child can sip little bits to combat ear pressure problems. And remember the airlines don’t have unlimited snacks -- bring a few of your own.
- Keeping kids occupied during a long flight is tough. Before your trip, buy a bunch of small, quiet toys (books, games, coloring books, etc). Pull them out of your bag as the flight progresses.
At The Hotel - Call your hotel ahead -- you might be able to leave the pack-n-play at home. Some hotels have cribs and high chairs you can use for your stay.
- If you have a young toddler, it’s a good idea to bring outlet plugs along, and other home safety devices.
- Many hotels, especially the all-inclusives, offer supervised children’s programs. They are typically for ages 6-12. If you’re traveling in the off-season, call ahead to the hotel to make sure the programs are operating during your stay. They sometimes will go on a hiatus.
- In any public place and especially on vacation, take steps to easily identify your kids should you become separated. Have a recent identification photo taken before you leave. If there are many kids traveling, have them pair up with a travel buddy, or have them wear similar shirts or outfits.
- Single parents traveling with children -- whether you are married and just traveling with your child and your spouse had to stay home, or you are divorced or widowed. You need to have a notarized authorization from your spouse to take your child out of the country, or a notarized copy of a death certificate or other proof that it’s OK for your child to leave the United States with you.
Content Provided By NWA WorldVacations and Worry-Free Vacations.
The views expressed are not those of News4Jax.com, WJXT or its affiliated companies. This is a community moderated forum. (Please note the 'Like' and 'Report' tabs.) By posting your comments you agree to accept our Terms of Use.
blog comments powered by Disqus
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office is investigating the after a man is found dead at a road construction site in Palatka.
Thousands came together in Orange Park Saturday to help out the family of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.
A Clay County woman has been arrested for reportedly trying to kill her own child.
Investigators say a Bradford County woman who got pulled over for speeding tried to work her way out of a ticket by offering sex to the officer who pulled her over.
Thousands came together in Orange Park Saturday to help out the family of 7-year-old Somer Thompson.
Watch more highlights from the first round of the Florida playoffs and second round of the Georgia playoffs on Football Friday on 4.
A 22-year-old man shot by an undercover police officer is rushed to a hospital with life-threatening injuries.
The holidays are approaching and you and your family may be planning to travel. Do you know the steps to protect yourself while a guest at a hotel?
Twenty eight NFL and NBA cheerleaders use their dance skills and personalities to raise the morale of soldiers both at home and overseas.
Check out these lookers who ran into the law.
Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled.
Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'
A five-vehicle wreck -- one an ambulance and one a police cruiser -- on the exit from Interstate 95 north to the Main Street Bridge blocks traffic into downtown for hours.
Email Alerts
RSS News Feeds
Mobile
Live Streams
Slideshows
Video
Search
