I quite often get asked the question “How do you do it?” Mum of 3 girls, husband who tours a lot, working part time, running a house, serving in church etc etc….  Even as I’m listing some of that I can see that it definitely appears crazy.  But when you are doing what you’re built for – there is most definitely a grace and an ease that comes with it.  We’re in that zone. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea and that is totally ok – but find your sweet spot and gracefully embrace it.

Anyway – after travelling with the 3 kids for 2 summers in a row, both 6-8 weeks adventures with approx 10-12 flights in there, I reckon I can throw in my tuppence worth when it comes to the whole travelling thing.  I should add that a lot of this was on my own – extra experience points for me.

I’m hoping that my experience and mainly mistakes (of which there where plenty) will help you avoid the pitfalls of life on the road.

Here we go…

Check in

If you can do this online it can save a whole lot of unnecessary waiting around.  It can also give you a chance to check where you’re sittting. In spite of knowing our DOB’s, it was amazing that some airlines thought it was a genius idea to split us up as a family with our 2 year old in between 2 burly men.  Personally, I was quite excited at the prospect of getting 8 hours to myself and suggested that I give the cabin crew their belongings to assist them when needed – they quickly found us seats together.

If possible – all children that can be contained or strapped tightly but comfortably should be. These moments are not the time for insane toddlers to explore the airport as you are engaging with the folks at the desk.  Strollers are lifesavers in an airport, although prepare for the whining from the not so tiny humans who would love to be in one and regret filling their carry on with stupid stuff that they never look at the entire holiday.

That leads to…

Luggage/carry on bags

I made the mistake of thinking my older 2 girls could share a case the first year we travelled. What was I actually thinking???? They can’t share anything. There was a method in my madness. 1 less bag to try and move around, their clothes are so small anyway a whole case seemed wasted, plus it meant 1 extra bag on the way home for all the potential stuff I was going to buy.

This created numerous sagas – which lead me to get them separate luggage for year 2 of travelling. The important thing to note is that this luggage needs to be handled by a tiny human so select carefully. We picked cases that had 4 wheels, were super light and in fairness provided an easy means of transport when at the airport as they both gracefully glided themselves and their lugaggage through the masses.

Backpacks and carry on luggage  however are a different story.

1. Double check the contents and triple check it – it’s amazing what kids sneak in them.  Josie my little creative genius thought that craft on a plane would entertain her on a long flight. Unfortunately for her, scissors in your hand luggage are frowned upon and it held us up in security lol. No scrapbooking for you young lady.

2. Don’t give any tiny human the responsibility of carrying the snacks (they will disappear)

3. Ban any opening of bags until on the aeroplane – it’s amazing that we almost left Ireland without having precious medication on board for tiny human 1, because tiny human 2 was checking to see she’d brought her “whacky” AKA snuggle blanket comforter thingy. Thankful to our driver for returning with all the right stuff that was left on the back seat of his car

4. Check the weight of tiny humans backpacks. They might not feel heavy but walking around an airport for 5 hours those things might as well be smuggling elephants – which leads to constant whining.  Also don’t pile the stroller with all the bags no-one has the ability to carry any more – your toddler may end up looking at the ceiling at a weird angle when the stroller tips. Amen for straps though. (I have failed)

5. Change of clothes for everyone. Of course I have never ever needed these for anyone ever but wouldn’t you know – the one time I don’t pack spare clothes we’re stranded because of storms and guess what? No spare clothes. Typical.

6. Buying a stroller bag to put your stroller in at the gate can save a gut wrenching moment when you see your amazing stroller that you love covered in scrapes.  They’re cheap and easy to store when not in use.

Snacks

Oh boy,  I have made many a blunder in this area.

“Bring small foods for toddlers” they said, “something that takes a while to snack on like cereal or raisins” they said. NEVER package these in bulk. For the love of your sanity make small snack packs. I thought I was being an epic mum packing a rather large box of raisins, totally forgetting that my toddler doesn’t stop eating them until they are literally all done. I couldn’t take her screaming for the box any longer so let her eat them – ALL – WOW!!! What a rookie error.

Those same raisins came out of her in full force 5 hours later standing in the line for immigration, covering her stroller, clothes and entire back.  I was however thankful on this occasion to have packed spare clothes. Always smile and look for the positives in these moments.  Laugh off the mistakes – it helps – a lot!!!

I still haven’t figured out the exact amount of snacks to bring – but running out is a terrible thing. Trust me – just have an endless supply of “something” whilst trying to pack light which I know is impossible lol. The challenges are real lol

IPads/Tablets

It took us a long time deciding if iPads for the older 2 girls was a good investment or not.  We had a lot of pro and con discussions and concluded that embracing our media driven culture within good time boundaries would make it a yes!!

I was thankful for these devices and they saved us from many hours of boredom in airports and on flights that had no inflight entertainment (first world parental problem I know).

Things to remember:

1. Charging those things becomes part of travelling prep.  My kids are obsessed with whose is charged the most – and have the incredible ability to leave chargers behind. Label those suckers.

2. Make sure everyone has the right apps, similar apps and apps that they love and don’t decide to download stuff on the way out the door. Movies take a ridiculous amount of time to download and travelling without Frozen or Peppa Pig installed on something is not an option for the 2 year old. Be prepared.

3. Having headphones that fit tiny human heads can save all sort of tantrums. The in flight ones don’t fit 2 year old skulls – lesson learnt the hard way.

4. ‘Drop proof’, ‘water proof’, ‘shouldn’t belong in tiny human hands proof’ cases are essential.

Long drives

See all of the above and pray – hard!

Add on an hour at least (minimum) to destination time – you will stop more than you want to but embrace it!

Finally….

Embrace the adventure – the journey is just as important as the destination, so have fun. See adventure in every opportunity, including the flight delays.  Airports can move at a fast pace and it can seem chaotic – just breathe, there is an art to staying relaxed and calm in a crazy environment – and I’m still learning that art in all things.

So what do you do?

As much as I’ve learnt from my many mistakes I have a long way to go.

All tips and tricks are very much appreciated.