Traveling with Kids

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Let's ditch the idea of calling it a "vacation" when you're traveling with kids and just call it what it is: parenting in a new locale where exhaustion is guaranteed.

We've racked up quite the mileage over the years, dragging our first baby overseas at a mere 6 weeks old—talk about a surprise! Fast forward through three more kiddos, and we've covered ground in places like China, Korea, Greece, Italy, the UK, and then some. Sure, a chunk of these trips were work-related, but hey, the kids or at least one still tagged along for the ride.

So, here's my oh-so-sage guide on the art of traveling with kids—complete with packing tips and sanity-saving strategies.

Let's start with luggage. While some superhero parents manage to cram everything into a carry-on, that dream hasn't quite materialized for us. Then there are the folks who lug around what seems like the entire nursery—seriously, do they plan on reenacting a battle scene? I've never quite grasped the need for that much gear, but hey, to each their own! With my daughter boasting a shoe collection rivaling mine, we had to up our luggage game. Gavin and I affectionately refer to our bags as "body bags" because, well, they kinda resemble them. Recently, we tested out the Samsonite duffels for our Italian adventure, and they held up like champs amidst the chaos. Each of us got a "half," though I may have creatively redistributed some space from Leo's share. Gavin, anticipating encounters with sketchy airlines, even splurged on AirTags —they turned out to be a lifesaver in the labyrinthine airports of Italy.

Next up, a golden rule I live by: each kid lugs their own backpack or it stays home. We implemented this rule when they hit the ripe old age of 2. In those backpacks? Activities and headphones—essential for preserving parental sanity. If they dare to grumble or refuse to carry their load, tough luck, it gets left behind. With each of my brood boasting different interests, packing their backpacks was like a mini-Olympic event. Luca’s as a little one was all about subway cars and tunes, Bowie can't go without her markers and magic coloring books, and Nico's inseparable from his motley crew of action figures.

As for moi, I'm the guardian of snacks, meds, and the diaper bag. Rule number one: pack more snacks than you think humanly possible. Seriously, snacks are the unsung heroes of keeping kids calm amidst the chaos. Dried mango, gluten-free pretzels, Pirates Booty, yogurt pouches—you name it, we've got it. I divvy up the goodies among the kiddos to lighten my load, reserving space for the heavier artillery. Med-wise, always pack a stash of kid-friendly Tylenol—lesson learned from past mishaps of a fever on flight and no way to bring it down. And forget those harsh hand sanitizers; I swear by Colloidal Silver gel and spray for its antimicrobial prowess. Decon 7 also earns a spot in my arsenal—it's a lifesaver for impromptu hand cleansings in less-than-sanitary locales.

When it comes to crossing time zones, we opt for later flights and dish out liquid melatonin to the troops—way better than the Benadryl-induced hyperdrive we experienced once upon a red-eye. And now, behold the black hole that is my diaper bag. Organization is key, people! Ziplock are MVPs for separating clean clothes from the dirty ones, while wipes and diaper cream have their designated slots. And let's not forget the essential toys—three max, plus some trusty painters tape for impromptu entertainment. Oh, and a stash of freeze-dried milk—lifesaver for this lactating mama.

Now, for my personal survival kit: perfect bars, bone broth, and amino powder. I recently heard on a podcast that fasting during flights can ease the stress on your body. Trust me, I've felt way better adopting this strategy than nursing a headache and swollen ankles upon touchdown. As the kids age, the ease of travel inches upward—five seems to be the magic number when they can handle their own entertainment sans parental intervention. And let's not forget the game-changer: the Doona stroller. Usually fits in the overhead compartment, doubles as a car seat, and saves us from sketchy rental options—what's not to love?

Now that Leo's toddling around, I'm back to pacing the aisles, dodging questionable snacks from the floor and fending off well-meaning strangers. Wish me luck as I attempt to heed my own advice and keep calm amidst the chaos.

So, there you have it—a survival guide for traveling with kids. Embrace the chaos, set your expectations low, and don't forget to laugh when it all goes haywire. Trust me, most fellow travelers have been there, done that, and will offer a sympathetic smile rather than a scowl.

Happy travels! xxRM