Traveling when you are single is a fairly easy affair but if you are moving with the family you need to plan ahead with military precision at least two weeks in advance.
The first step is making lists and checking and double checking travel arrangements. See that you have all the documents together.
Check flight times.
Plan your departure times.
Timing is everything and it is always better to arrive early for your plane than rushing to the airport and arriving late. If you check in online or early you will have time to relax before your flight.
Wear comfortable traveling clothes especially if you are traveling long-haul distances.
Whilst it is ever temping to pack for every eventuality, wherever possible, try to pack light. Men are better at this than women; lugging around heavy baggage can put a strain on the back, particularly if you are not used to carrying or lifting heavy loads. If you need to lift hand luggage into an overhead locker of a plane, bend your knees and hips — not your back — and try to prevent bending and twisting at the same time. Taking care of your back is important when lifting and traveling.
Take everything you need. Although many airlines may offer a very good in-flight service, children, especially infants, do not travel well when their routine is compromised. So take your own nappy supplies, milk powder and baby food. When my children were small I used to ask them to leave their hand luggage travel bags out the night before the flight and a travel fairy would come and fill them full of little toys, books and new activities to keep them amused during the flight.
The final golden rule is to be deeply calm as you travel. Although there can be all kinds of anxieties, the children will look to your face for calm and confidence that all will be well.
Stay calm — smile at your children.
Try to get some fresh air and exercise the morning before your flight. Keeping mobile during the flight is vital especially if you are on a long-haul flight. Walk the aisles to prevent blood circulation problems and swelling in the legs which can be dangerous. Take off your shoes and rotate your ankles and wriggle your toes.
Dehydration contributes to a surprising number of illnesses. Remember that some drinks, such as caffeinated tea and coffee, actually dehydrate the body — the best way to keep your levels topped up is to carry a bottle of water with you and sip it throughout the day. In many countries you will need to buy your water after you have gone through security.
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This is not OK and it is important to eat fruit. The switch from whole fruit to fruit juice can only be made at the expense of full nourishment and health. The skins of whole fruits like grapes have actually been studied for their ability to help lower risk of cancer. In addition to the skin, the pulpy part of the fruit is also a source of fiber (and other nutrients). You can usually get children to eat fruit salad but a clever and healthy idea is to serve fruit kebabs. Use fruits in season, such as melons, berries, oranges, pineapples, or grapes. Children and adults who don’t eat enough fruits will often reach for a fruit kebab simply because they look so delicious.
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