more travel tips

As we draw near to our summer vacation things like packing are on my mind. When making my packing list I always make a separate section for carry-on luggage. Carry-on luggage can be a bit tricky; number of pieces, what counts as a piece, weight, prohibited items, etc. Our flight will be about 13-14 hours. That's a long time to be up in the sky. So we want to make sure we pack all the essentials while following the rules and keeping things light.

We usually take one small suitcase, one book bag, a small bag for little guy, and my purse. Here is a list of our must haves for long flights:

• An extra set of clothes (including an extra set of undergarments & socks)...you never know...things can spill or you could even end up in an overnight delay and need a change of clothes (this has happened to me before). Pick light weight clothing that can be rolled up to save space.
• A jacket or hoodie...the airplane can get chilly and unless flying first class, airplane blankets will not do.
• A small medicine bag...I use a small make-up bag for this and use travel size bottles. We always include Tums, Tylenol, Pepto, Neosporin, some Band-Aids, Children's Fever Reducer, and Nose Spray. Just remember that all liquids/gels need to be 3 oz. or less and in a quart sized sandwich bag.
• Toiletries...I always pack travel size shampoo, soap, lotion, toothpaste (and brushes!), deodorant, perfume, contact solution, etc. I have two reasons for this. 1) in case we have to stay overnight in a hotel and 2) this gives us enough supply until I get to the store once we arrive at our destination.
• Misc items...there are always those extra things that make all the difference such as Q-tips, comb/brush, lip balm, eye drops, dental floss, and gum.
• Make-up...I pack a small make-up case with just the basics.
• Electronics...digital camera, laptop, etc.
• Valuables....I don't like taking a lot of jewelry with me. But any pieces that I do take go into the carry-on.
• Important docs...you'll need a safe place for passports, tickets, money, etc. within your carry-on luggage.
• Little guy's bag...when traveling with children extra things are definitely needed. Little guy gets extra sets of clothes. I usually put a set of PJs on him once the seat belt sign comes off. I change him into a new outfit shortly before landing. I always pack a fleece blanket for him as well as a hoodie or jacket. He also gets to have some books, small toys, and some coloring books with crayons. I also like to pack him some snacks and drinks (although the drinks are not always permitted). This will be his first year as a "big boy" (meaning he's potty trained...lol). I will be sure to pack extra pants and underwear, just in case. And I also plan to pack a couple of pull-ups for any emergencies that could arise. Side note: When traveling with a baby you'll need a diaper bag filled with many additional items.

Looking at this list it seems like quite a lot to take. But it's not as bad as it looks. Especially because everything is travel size. Our airline is awesome with supplying us with things. We get socks, toothpaste and brush, ear plugs, eye mask, etc. And little guy gets a book bag filled with small toys and a lunchbox with snacks. But you just never know. They could run out or you could lose something. I always think that the one time I don't bring my own things will be the one time they won't have supplies. And not all airlines are the same. My experience last year proved that to me.

A few extra tips:

• Keep your quart sized bag of liquids in the front zipper compartment of your bag. This makes it very easy to take out for security. It can not be in your bag during screening.
• Wear slip on shoes....easy to take off and put back on for security. And ladies, do not wear heels. You are traveling, not walking down the runway. ;)
• Carry a cross shoulder purse...it is much safer for you and keeps your hands free.
• Once on board put your essentials into your book bag and keep that under the seat in front of you. Everything else can be stored in the mini suitcase and stored in the overhead compartment.
• Keep things like tissues, wipes, and a small bag (for garbage) nearby.
• Sleep as much as possible. It really makes a long flight feel a lot shorter. If traveling with children try to find a night flight so that they will be able to sleep (unfortunately this year we had no such luck).
• Don't forget to get up and walk around a few times. It's not good for circulation to sit the entire flight.
• If you're a regular like us, set up a routine. Ours is usually something like this: take off, seat belt sign off, drinks are served, watch a little TV or read (little guy plays), eat dinner, bathroom, settle down and sleep, wake up, bathroom, freshen up, breakfast served, organize belongings/pack up, seat belt sign on, landing.

So those are my helpful little tips based on my experience. If you stay organized things are usually pretty smooth and easy going. As with all our trips, I'm praying for an easy flight this year. God knows we've made this trip enough times. Even little guy is a pro by now! :)

image via abcteach.com