Family Travel

Dorothy said it best, “There’s no place like home” and in Southlake we live this statement all year long. All year, except for a few weeks, two (lucky) to three (very lucky) where we take our lives and our families on the road for some much deserved R & R. When school’s out, so are we enjoying Spring Break and Summer Vacations just like we did as children. In fact, an outsider might think that Dragon’s Spring Break is a citywide holiday as so many of us are “out of office” during this wonderful week in March.

Most of us are no strangers to travel boasting elite status of every precious metal this side of Kryptonite, yet just as our growing families brings new activities to our daily routines so to do they create fluctuation in our family travel routines. Thus, our goal here is to share some tips aimed at getting as much out of family life outside of Southlake as we do in it.

Before you go.

So you’ve done all the work, booked the rooms, the flight and even your ride to the airport. You are ready to travel…right? Well, kind of…there is still much you could do ahead of time to get the most out of your down time.

Check out the hotel before you check in:

There’s more to traveling than just booking a room and a massage. We suggest really digging into the amenities of where you will be staying. What a resort has to offer can actually have a bearing on just about every portion of your trip from packing to daily activities. Some things to look for:

Laundry facilities – no one wants to do laundry on vacation but when faced with junior’s wailing over spilt milk on their “lifeline” of a blanket …a quick spin and tumble could make all the difference.
Order the crib ahead of time – and a good resort will have it already in the room upon check-in allowing you the opportunity to rest your little ones while you unpack.
Children Clubs and Activities– more relaxing than an hour at the spa could be a few hours sans toddlers. You could be doing everyone a favor, including your kids by giving them a few hours with some new friends in the “playroom”.
Don’t forget to check the weather there too - just because you are going to the beach in January doesn’t necessarily mean its going to be all sun-block and swimsuits. It’s a must to glance at the forecast just before you get ready to pack. Deciding weather to bring extra Coppertone or a Crew Neck could be just a few clicks away.

What not to pack:

Family Travel Hey, you wouldn’t live so close to the airport if you weren’t already a traveling pro, so we’re not going to waste your time with motherly “pack socks and underwear” type advice. Instead let’s go over some ideas of what not to pack. The rules are simple; don’t pack what you don’t need. Ask yourself some questions; does the hotel provide blow dryers already? Do I really need 5 pairs of shoes for a week? Determining what not to bring is a lot easier when you don’t have the immediate attention of an entire line of weary travelers looking over your back.

Don’t pack something that the kids can carry either. Instead…get them involved by allowing them to pack a small wheeled suitcase they can fill with items that will keep them busy on the flight and in the resorts. We recommend a few “old favorites” like an old familiar stuffed animal, their favorite bed-time stories and some coloring tools. These are all noise-free items that could keep them busy as you, and those near you, anxiously await reaching the all important cruising…I mean “DVD” altitudes. What’s better upon arrival these familiar items will give them a sense of security as they adjust to an unfamiliar hotel room.

Why not leave an entire suitcase at home? Here’s a suggestion that may spare you some of your luggage load…pack a cardboard box of perishables, things you will not be taking home with you. A box full of diapers, swim diapers, baby wipes and some dry snacks can be checked just like normal luggage (although you may have to fill out a damage liability release form). Once the week is over and the items disposed of you’ll have that much less to worry about.

In transit.

EZ cart…easy go:

The first step towards recovery is realizing you have a problem. The sooner you accept it the sooner you can overcome it and move on. For this traveler, gone are the days of a weekend duffle and whatever I could stuff in my golf bag. Now-a-days I have benefited from taking the “first step” after the realization I could no longer carry all of my family’s luggage, a stroller and two car seats without help from others, or even worse…the little pay carts. Yes, it was a moment of lost dignity, but take my advice- a few dollars spent at curbside check-in or… e’hem…the EZ-Go cart stand is a few dollars well spent.

Please be seated:

Those with kids know air travel with children under two years is far from a vacation. The only consolation may be that their flight is on the house…so to speak. No matter the age, get this right and your trip could be off to a tremendous start!

2 & under – book yourselves in the window and aisle and leave the middle seat for your “lap sitter”. Normally the middle seats are the last to go and those near infants are at the very end of that list. Worst that could happen…you trade that lucky traveler his middle for your end seat and your right back to where you started. Except now you did your “row mate” a favor and possibly earned some goodwill that could come in handy later on in the flight.
2 and over – whether anyone likes it or not you are all going to the same place. Those who board first just happen to be the same group who wait the longest at baggage claim. Relax and take some time to let the kids burn off a little more steam at the gate. Afraid you may not secure prime overhead space? Then send Dad ahead of the group with as much as he can handle. He’ll get everything organized while you entertain the little ones. Best of both worlds.

Sleep when your kids sleep:

For you moms out there this should sound familiar. It was probably the first piece of good advice you received upon bringing home your new bundle of joy. This advice is just as important now that he’s grown into your little “bundle of energy” who is coiled and ready to strike the unsuspecting guy in 7B.

Smart travelers learn to mimic their travel schedules with nap times. It’s your best chance for airline survival. If and when the kids “zonk out”…follow their lead. Put the book down and catch a few winks. A little snooze could make a huge difference if the kids have a little jet lag or just can’t fall asleep in their “new” bed later on.

The mile-high club:

A long time ago this may have had another more exciting meaning, put that aside because you’re a parent now! What this term has evolved into for many of us is the fact that you should make more frequent potty breaks. Plenty of these breaks will not only spare you a minor disaster, it will give the little ones a chance to stretch their legs and occupy their minds for a few minutes. The average potty break could eat up 15-20 minutes and believe it or not a few minutes out of the seat could re-invigorate their curiosity for what is in the back seat pocket.

A decent descent:

Little travelers are not able to gracefully handle the change in cabin pressure as the plane begins its descent to your destination of choice. Be prepared for two things; your children’s ears will be irritated and at least one of your travel neighbors will suggest giving them something to drink or suck on. It is true that sucking and or swallowing can help relieve the irritation due to cabin pressure. So take our advice and have a bottle ready for the little ones or maybe some candy or gum if it is age appropriate.

Hooray you made it!

De-planing or not…that is the question:

The plane is now at the destination gate. Ding! Everyone from row 1 to 31 jumps up and gathers their belongings ready to make a mad dash for the exit. This is an Olympic year but unfortunately there is no gold medal for the “Get to Baggage Claim Dash”.

Just like the boarding process, getting off the plane doesn’t necessarily need to be a rush job. Once again, take your time and make sure you have packed all that was unpacked during the flight. Now is the time to make sure all toys, snacks, movies, and appropriate cords and bags are back in their rightful places.

Bags in hand:

A pre-arranged “transfer” is heaven on earth and brings your mental vacation to you that much sooner. It may cost a few extra dollars but when your family and your bags are whisked off to the resort shuttle you can actually start to relax and enjoy the show!

The trip is half the experience:

Traveling with the family is something we all look forward to each year. Just like most things in life the extra effort is well worth the rewards in the forms of great memories, mementos and family photo albums. Pat yourself on the back…with a little sunscreen that is. You made it and hopefully with a few of these tips you traveled with Style!

Simon says… “I could never just make widgets” and as the Vice President