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Travels and Tribulations

Surviving Travel With Small Children

By Shel Franco

We made the 30-hour trip in record time. We stopped more for the dog than we did for the baby. In fact, our angel slept most of the way. Finally, after six months, we mastered car travel.

Then, a family emergency required us to fly. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from my son. He was a toddler on overdrive. On the advice of friends, I loaded my purse with tasty treats and sippy-cups of soda and packed a carry-on bag full of new toys.

Takeoff was a breeze with help from the soda. Once we reached cruising altitude, the fun began. In 10 minutes, my son tossed aside two busy books, five board books, a set of keys, some measuring cups and a dozen rattles. Just when I thought the flight was doomed, my son discovered the melting point.

When a stewardess left an extra cup of ice behind, I placed a chunk on my son's tongue. His face was filled with wonder and amazement when the ice melted. I started to say, "Here's a piece of ice. Just hold it for Mommy, but don't you eat it." Five seconds later, I asked for the melted ice, and my son giggled uncontrollably. When the stewardess came around, we passed on her offer for juice and asked for more ice instead.

We conquered cross-country car and air travel just in time to move to the Midwest. Soon after, our family grew. Fortunately, this new little boy liked the car much better than his brother. While there was no screaming baby, there was a miserable preschooler. "It takes a long time," he whined. We sang songs and told stories, looked for farm animals and trucks. But the whining didn't stop unless he fell asleep.

Want to see more?

• Kids Wanted: How to Find a Child-Friendly Hotel
• Flying With Babies and Toddlers
• Camping With Your Toddler: Tips to Keep Young Explorers Safe
• Are We There Yet? Car Games to Keep Kids Occupied
• A Safe Ride: 10 Tips for Keeping Baby Secure in the Car Seat
• Traveling With Toddler: A Quiz for the Parent Who Dares
• Talk about it!

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