The Gritty Details of Planning, Packing, and Flying (Part 2)

Packing:

Packing for a three month trip for a family of five was a challenge.  Our airline allowed one free bag (50 pound limit) per passenger.  We packed our clothing in plastic vacuum compression bags, which really helped save space, but put us close to our weight limit! We ended up with three suitcases of clothing, one suitcase of our son’s schoolwork and books, and one suitcase of toiletries, shoes, and random items.  We each carried on one backpack.  We also brought a diaper bag and an umbrella stroller, which was gate checked. The backpacks turned out to be pretty fun for the kids.  They were each allowed to pick a stuffed animal or two and a couple small toys to put in their backpacks.  Before we left on our trip, Madam Salade visited a local used book store and stocked up on new children’s books for the backpacks.  Our kids love to read and new books will keep them interested for quite a while.  When the kids weren’t looking, we also added a few special “travel toys” that they had not seen.   We found some fun and compact toys at Barnes and Noble, which included a travel memory game by Melissa and Doug and monster finger puppets.  Of course, we provided a new coloring book and pack of crayons for each child.  Also a must: snacks.  At home, snacks are pretty limited and usually consist of a yogurt or piece of fruit.  Pretty boring!  On the plane though, we brought goldfish crackers, cheerios, gummy fruit snacks, and candy.  Hey, you do what you gotta do to keep them happy sometimes.  Or should I say, keep our plane neighbors happy and Mom and Dad sane?