Editor’s Note: We love this piece from travel expert, Sue Slaght, and think you will too.
Traveling with our own children decades ago typically meant long road trips to Grandma’s house. My travel trick resume includes performing finger puppet shows behind my head for hours on end. Now with our own grandbaby on scene, traveling with grandchildren is the latest chapter in adventure travel.
How we could possibly be old enough to provide grandchildren travel tips remains a mystery.
Pack Lightly
Children have a lot of gear. A baby going on a one hour flight may require more luggage than the average client on an African safari. As the accompanying grandparent extra hands will be some of the most valuable tools you can offer.
Strollers, stray blankets, dropped teddy bears all will need picking up not to mention wailing babies and toddlers determined to live in an airport for the rest of their days. Check your luggage and come with a small personal item. There will be many things to keep your hands occupied.
Arrive early at the airport
Travel comes with its own set of stresses. Travel with children adds more variables to the mix. The last thing parents need to wonder about as they attempt to herd the crew into a security line up is where Grandma and Grandpa are.
Don’t be needy
Unless you are in the midst of a heart attack keep your aches and pains to yourself. Imagine that Mommy may not be interested in the fact you slept poorly when she was up three times feeding baby. Be chipper, put a smile on your face and breathe deeply. Remember these parents may be the people who pick your nursing home.
Can you say fun? The traveling with grandchildren motto
No matter what happens when traveling with grandchildren, and surely surprises will happen, enjoy yourself. Have fun with these sweet little people. Make faces, take them to the play area, show them the planes. Be the master of distraction. You may not be quite so cool when they are teenagers. Enjoy it while you can.
