When to travel

We recently went on a trip, and it pretty much turned out to be the worst trip we had ever been on.
My husband and I found it to be so difficult travelling with the boys. They were extremely restless on the 3.5 hour plane trip, it was just horrible!
Anyway, I guess my question is, when do you think it will get better, and when should we attempt travelling by plane again?
We have family interstate, and would love to see them more often. We are hoping to try again next year when they are three, but maybe we are being too hopeful.
Has anyone had the same experience and tried again when their children were a little older?
Thanks

 

We had a horrific plane experience coming back from our last trip a couple of months ago and have decided not to even try again until next summer. We were going to go back for Christmas. But I cant handle another disaster and still have the Christmas spirit. So we are not going.

 

We haven't taken our kids on a plane yet. The furthest they have traveled is to Cape Cod with us in the car. We are actually going to North Carolina next month but decided to drive hoping that they will do well on that trip.

 

My two weren't on a plane when they were 2 so I can't compare these two ages, but this year (at 3 years of age) we did go to Florida with a layover in Atlanta and they did amazing on the plane ride! :good:

 

We flew with the twins when they were 13 months old (about a 3 hour flight). Although it wasn't horrific, it still was hard enough that we are not interested in doing it again anytime soon. I was just talking to my cousin recently about flying with kids. They just had their baby and were wondering when they should fly to see the n-laws. Anyways, I made the comment that you could not pay me enough to fly with toddlers. Our flight was difficult enough at 13 months. I think that in some ways it is easier to fly with babies than it would be to fly with toddlers. They are into everything, are mobile and can't sit still for very long at all. Plus when they get irritated, it's not just a little crying (like a baby would) rather tantrums. It is not something I am interested in doing. We are thinking about a vacation, but will definately drive.

My brother and SIL, who have a 3 year old and seven year old, flew with both quite a bit when they were younger. They said it gets much easier around 4 years of age.

 

We started traveling with them at 3 mos. and then they have gone on 2-4 trips a year after that. Mine travel really well simply because they know what to expect etc. I think you'll do better when they are slightly older and you can pump them up about airplanes (with books etc.) and then having some great activities for them on the plane will help.

When they were 2 and 3 I would take Color Wonder markers etc. and stickers and cheerios with pipe cleaners. Now they have Leapsters, so they carry those in their carry ons. I give them a small bag of popcorn for take off (since taxiing takes a while before you take off and sometimes have to wait in line and seat belts must be fastened for a longer period.)

Good luck! :hug:


(p.s. time to update the ticker )

 

We never attempted a trip with both of them until they were 3.5, but I took Sarah on a plane trip at 23 months. Even though she was a very mellow toddler, it was a lot of work, and she did get very wiggly, especially on the return flight. I would not have wanted to fly with Amy at that age. This summer (at 3.5), it was a LOT easier, even though we had both kids. Not only can they listen a lot better and understand what's going on, they can even carry some of their own stuff!

 

Hi:

We've travelled to Missouri by plane (and then a car trip) to visit family every summer since the twins were born. Its a 2.5 hour flight, followed by a 2.5 hour car drive to reach our family.

At 5 months, we thought it was rough, but in hind sight easy compared to the next few years. 15 months was a total nightmare, with new walkers. 27 months was also a nightmare, with 2 year old attitudes and tantrums. I couldn't imagine travelling at holiday time with them, since even these summer trips (with no flight delays and uncrowded planes) were totally exhausting.

This year -- just last week -- we travelled again at 3 years and 4 months. It was SO much easier than past years. We didn't haul the carseats, but rented them with the rental car and used CARES harnesses on the plane, which really helped with the "schlepping" factor of hauling stuff through the airport.

The kids sat still on the flight (with portable DVD players) and we'd explained (in repetitive detail) before the trip what to expect in terms of waiting, security, the plane ride, how we wanted them to act, what they could and could not do, etc. It still had its ups and downs (including a bout of plane-ride diarrhea for one kid) , but it was much easier than before. So.... I think I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and we are thinking (THINKING) about doing a trip for holiday time this fall/winter.

Instead of traveling to familuy (which is pricy, with 4 tickets for airfare and car rental and such), we've been buying tickets for various family members to visit us -- one on one. My mom comes several times a year -- she's been to visit us at Christmas and at New Years (and we celebrate a late Christmas then). My sister usually visits about twice a year and has been for Thanksgiving and Easter. I'm lobbying to get my brother and sister in law (and my nieces/nephews to come). I want my kids to know their family -- even if far away and having some family come to us seems to work -- its not the same as having the whole family together at one time, but up until now, a once a year (summer) trip has been about all that I can handle!

Anyway, I feel for you. I'm hoping that we've turned a corner.

Much peace,

Meg -- mom to 3 year old boy/girl twins

 

We've flown w/ the boys a couple of times, but they were under two. It wasn't "fun" but they did ok as long as we had food and toys. Though, I think it might be easier now than it was then just because we flew w/ them on our laps instead of having separate seats. The hardest part was just keeping them still. They're used to long car rides, so I think if we were to fly now, I'd just bring the DVD player, strap them into their car seats, keep the snacks coming, and hope for the best!

 

All this comes with its set of challenges, and it sounds like you had a tough experience. Reading through bookvip reviews , many families mention that trips tend to become smoother as children get a bit older, especially past the toddler stage. Planning activities and breaks that align with their routine can also help. Trying again when they are three might actually work out better as they could be more adaptable to new environments and routines by then. Every family's experience is unique, but sharing stories and tips with each other can definitely make the journey easier!

 

The best time to travel depends on your destination and personal preferences. For example, if you're planning a beach vacation, the ideal time might be during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny. However, if you prefer to avoid crowds and high prices, you might consider traveling during the shoulder seasons, such as spring or fall. Ultimately, it's essential to research your destination's climate, peak tourist seasons, and any special events happening during your desired travel dates to make an informed decision.

 

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