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Monday, May 2, 2022

My International Travel Carry-On Essentials with Kids

Hi Friends! It's MAY. How, I do not know, but here we are, in the middle of spring, but also just a few days out from the last snow and hail storm that came our way unseasonably late. We are so, so ready for some sunshine, and as some of you know, we're heading out to Finland and Norway for the month of June. We'll be celebrating my sister's wedding in Finland (!!!), and then heading over to Oslo, Lillehammer, and the REAL Arendal in Norway before heading back home. Nothing beats a Scandinavian summer, and I'm already planning, pulling things aside, and starting to get my carry-on ready since I'll be flying with all three kids. I have a handy checklist that I previously made, here, that I'll refer back to, but also wanted to share my absolute 100% must-have items that we wouldn't survive without when on the plane together. New to the line up is my Thule bag, a Mother's Day gift to me that I've been wishing for. It's absolutely perfect for a carry-on and fits EVERYTHING, but also comes with a small detachable day-pack that can be used as a diaper bag once you reach your destination. 10/10 recommend.
Bag: As mentioned above. The VIP in this whole round-up.

Adapter: Always make sure you have your phone charger and a travel adapter in your carry-on in case luggage gets lost! 

Water Bottle: This one is the perfect leak-proof water bottle that comes with a straw for my kids to drink from without spilling all over themselves. We've had good luck with security, who are generally flexible about me bringing liquids through when traveling with small kids.

Clorox Wipes: Self explanatory, but very necessary to wipe down windows, arm rests and tray tables upon boarding. I also buy travel hand sanitizers and clip one to each of the bookbags that the bigger kids carry themselves.

Battery Bank: We've experienced being stranded on the tarmac for over 4 hours before take off, and the kids' tablets were already starting to run low on battery. This bank allows all kinds of electronic devices to be plugged into it to charge while you fly.

Cozy Socks: A must have for all of us! We love to put our cozy socks on when we fly because the airplane is always freezing cold.

Passport Wallet: A necessity to fit 5 of our passports in at once while still keeping them organized. Also fits all of your money and credit cards.

Neck Pillow: I thought I had tried them all, but then my mother-in-law got me this one. Incredibly comfortable and necessary for me to TRY to rest a little bit on our red-eye over the Atlantic. 

Travel Tylenol: Important for adults + kids in case of somebody not feeling well during the extremely long travel day. We also pack kids' Melatonin for the overnight flight for them to get a little bit of sleep.

Wet Bags: Do not skip these. A change of clothes for everyone, packed in a wet bag, is a MUST. We've been burned before!

Tablet: Sure, we pack books, games, and cards, but the ultimate holy-grail are these tablets that keep them entertained the longest.

Now tell me, is there anything I'm forgetting? Are you traveling with kids this summer? I'd love to hear all about your adventures too!

 
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