I am often asked how to travel with kids. We take the plane to visit our families in Germany and France and even have to change planes (and sometimes airports as well). We love to visit new cities and of course like our family holidays as well…somewhere warm and different.
So yes I would say we travel quite often and have found a few things that help us to make it a relaxing journey as good as possible.
In general there are easier tasks than taking 2 small kids into a plane but it is doable!
My 3 1/2 year old actually really enjoys it by now. We will visit Oma very soon and the one thing she likes the most about it: Taking the plane.

{I have to tell you that I actually do not like flying? I am scared. There was a period I would start dreaming the most terrible plane accidents days before we would leave… it is much better now and flying with kids helps. I do not want to show that I am scared plus I am busy to keep them entertained etc….}

First thing: Be organised.
Have a backpack with the following for the flight:
*Healthy snacks and some fun snacks that you usually do not give. Even if I do not take them out every time it is good to know I have an “emergency snack”.
*A new kids book. Stickers and something to stick them (not the seat in front of you). Stickers can keep kids busy for a reasonable long time. We have this one from mudpuppy which you can re-use.
*Passport and tickets and for these, make sure to give them an easy access place in the bag and stick to it. Put them always back to this place. Easier!
*Changing clothes incl. a top for yourself.
*A bottle of water which you have to buy after security.
*Nappies, wipes and the like depending on the age of your kids. (always bring more nappies in your handluggage as you think you might use)
*A smartphone. One good reason to get a smartphone is to be able to have some fun apps for your kids on it.

Use the toilet BEFORE you board the plane. All of you!

SMILE, OK this sounds a bit silly but it works. Not only when travelling… everywhere. Enter the plane with a smile, the ladies will love it (they see enough grumpy faces already) and your chances to receive a smile back during your flight are much higher… and they will remember you and help you if necessary!{image via here}

I personally LOVE to fly with Lufthansa. The staff is always superfriendly specially with kids. And yes, I have seen different.
They always have little toys, even for different age groups, bring little snacks for the kids and come along to check if everything is fine. Very nice on long haul.
I would love to hear your favourite airline as Lufthansa is not accessable for everybody.

For long haul we like to book overnight flights however I hear from other people they do not like it as much. Some say the kids do not sleep anyway or because they are afraid the kids will wake everybody. I think overnight is more relaxing … people sleep so there is less noise and hard light. Much less to excite your kiddo.

Another thing: I always (if possible) travel without a stroller. All this folding and getting the things that are still in there, hoping it arrives at destination…. and so on and so on. Sling, Mei Tai, Carrier…whatever you prefer… You have your hands free all the time!

NEVER, EVER travel without a little medical kit in which there is a very good supply of children’s paracetamol. We hardly ever touched our kit but it is good to know you have everything you need…by hand! Have some kids paracetamol (I like the liquid one), plasters, antiseptic wipes and sting relief. A nappy rash cream (my daughter never had problems but I always took a cream with us) and if you travel to a sunny country: Sunscreen.

If you travel with a baby, long haul, reserve a bassinet straight after you booked the tickets.

I would like to give you a few links that are very helpful as well…:

A very good article, written by a stewardess, for flying with kids. Here!

We have one and like it. Or better KleinR likes it. Trunki!

A good site to plan and book your holidays!
Crayola does lots of nice little sets for travellng. I always have at least one in stock.

And have a look over at the kidstravelblog!

In general I would say: relax! Of course the times where you could lean back and dooze are over but with a little planning you will be fine.

I would like to hear your thoughts, tips, ideas, good websites… whatever it is you would like to share…
I would like this post to be “open”, so you can just write your experiences, links and anything else you would like to share in the comment section!

One last thing…
When we leave our daughter can choose one new little set from Playmobil. It keeps her very busy. Soon the little brother can choose on as well.
When we come back, she can choose a balloon. You know these fun balloons you can buy at airports with Winnie Pooh, Mickey Mouse & Co.
{The balloon entertains the little brother very nicely as well, oh… we had belly pain from laughing when he tried to play with it}