Flying, across the country, to see my husband Graduate from Basic Training. It will be the first time that I've traveled by myself with two little kids. I traveled alone with a toddler, once before with just my oldest, but it's been a while. And, I highly doubt that I'll luck out with either getting an entire row to myself or having such wonderful and understanding people sitting next to me. Also, I'll be arriving at an airport I don't know , have to get my luggage and rental car, while juggling 2 toddlers. This should be fun!
Knowing how hard it was with just one, I'm preparing myself for twice as much trouble this time. Alsom I figured that I'm not the only one dealing with this sitatuation, or one like it, so I figured I would write a "How To" about my experiences. This way other's can avoid making the same mistakes, that I am sure to make.
Let's talk about Preperations.
~I first started my prep work when I was making my hotel reservations. I made sure to ask for them to reserve a port-o-crib for me. A lot of hotels have this service available for FREE.
Yes, you read that correctly, there is NOT a charge for a port-o-crib!(at least I haven't come across one with a fee yet) This will save you a LOT of "lugging" around time and energy.
~Second, while I was still on the phone with the hotel, I asked what they had for complimentry toiletries.
I learned this from my husband, who learned it from his father, who used to travel weekly for business. You can get, not only shampoos and soaps, but shaving razors, shaving creams and even mini sewing kits. You just have to ask.
This one is especially important, because of all the regulations on liquids in carry on's and rising costs for checking baggage.
Now obviously, hotel shampoos don't have the best reputaion, but I've noticed that they're getting better. And, for a trip that lasts a week or less, I think it's worth it. I don't use a lot of other styling products. But if you do, you can now get in all of your favorite styling gels and sprays, and still have clean hair to work with :)
I learned this from my husband, who learned it from his father, who used to travel weekly for business. You can get, not only shampoos and soaps, but shaving razors, shaving creams and even mini sewing kits. You just have to ask.
This one is especially important, because of all the regulations on liquids in carry on's and rising costs for checking baggage.
Now obviously, hotel shampoos don't have the best reputaion, but I've noticed that they're getting better. And, for a trip that lasts a week or less, I think it's worth it. I don't use a lot of other styling products. But if you do, you can now get in all of your favorite styling gels and sprays, and still have clean hair to work with :)
~Third, find out what the Baggage Fees for your airline. You can find these at their websites.
The nice thing about looking these up is that they sometimes offer a discount for paying for your bags in advance. It's only a few dollars, but think of it as money to buy the kids a treat to keep them happy during the layover :)
The nice thing about looking these up is that they sometimes offer a discount for paying for your bags in advance. It's only a few dollars, but think of it as money to buy the kids a treat to keep them happy during the layover :)
~Forth, while you're at the website, see if you can check-in online. Some airlines are now offering online check-in, even if you're checking a bag!
They do this so that their lines are shorter, making it so they don't they have to pay for extra people to be on staff.
But in turn, it helps you because it's one less line to have to wait in with the kids screaming, and other such wonderfulness :)
I still have a ways to go. This is just the beginning :)
They do this so that their lines are shorter, making it so they don't they have to pay for extra people to be on staff.
But in turn, it helps you because it's one less line to have to wait in with the kids screaming, and other such wonderfulness :)
I still have a ways to go. This is just the beginning :)
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