Join travel advisors and destination experts Ryan and Julie as they share essential tips for navigating airports with young children. From pre-trip preparation to boarding strategies, this episode covers everything parents need to know to make family travel less stressful and more enjoyable.
Key Topics Covered
Pre-Travel Preparation
- Working with travel advisors for comprehensive packing lists
- Essential gear: strollers with travel bags, baby carriers, and separate backpacks for kids' items
- Prepping children mentally for their first flights through books, toys, and step-by-step explanations
Airport Navigation Strategies
- TSA PreCheck benefits for families (kids included under 18)
- Seat selection importance - budget for assigned seating
- Southwest Airlines family boarding tips and restrictions
- Document requirements: birth certificates for children under 2
Packing Essentials for Kids
- Snacks (multiple varieties)
- Comfort items: stuffies, blankets, loveys
- Layers and change of clothes
- Entertainment arsenal: activity books, fidget toys, magnetic tiles, reusable stickers, mess-free coloring kits, building toys, and tablets with downloaded content
Security and Boarding Tips
- Stroller handling through TSA
- Baby carrier protocols
- Gate check procedures for strollers
- Managing boarding passes and parent assignments
- Ear pressure solutions: avoid lollipops, use crunchy snacks like goldfish
Transportation Planning
- Budget for hourly airport parking vs. shuttle services
- Plan transfers in advance (airport to hotel, hotel to cruise port)
- Consider car seat requirements for ground transportation
Expert Advice Highlights
- Start with shorter flights for first-time flying families
- Keep kids in strollers until reaching the gate
- Choose iced coffee over hot when chasing kids
- Maintain low expectations to reduce stress
- Proper preparation prevents most travel disasters
Where in the World
This week's featured listener location: Tupelo, Mississippi - birthplace of Elvis Presley, featuring his childhood home, museum, and memorial chapel.
Want to plan your next family adventure? Visit Wonder and Beyond Travel for personalized travel planning that takes the stress off your plate.
Next Episode Preview: Sports travel - how to cheer on your favorite team or attend bucket list sporting events.
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