Parenting after 35

International Travel with a Toddler

Anyone done it? Any advice. DH and I have decided to take a trip to England in late winter/early Spring. At that time Fiona will be about 17 months old. Of course the flight will be overnight, so hopefully she will sleep. As we're planning now, I'd appreciate any advice or tips anyone has on traveling with a toddler...what to bring, how to travel..etc.

We will be heading down to Tampa in February, so we will have a test flight of sorts to see how she is on the plane. Last time we traveled via plane she was only 6 months old...that was a breeze.

Re: International Travel with a Toddler

  • The overnight flight is a piece of cake, it's the return day flight that there might be some issues.  Be prepared for her to walk all over the plane and want to meet and talk with everyone.  If you can, if you're flying the Boeing double deckers, get seats upstairs (it was $50.00 more for me), much, much quieter and much less room for her to walk around and "get lost".  While some are equipped with their own seat DVD, try to bring one filled with cartoons, it'll occupy her for hours.  If you can, bring a "real" stroller instead of an umbrella stroller.  We traveled a lot of old villages with dirt roads and/or pavers and were SO happy we had a real stroller with big wheels that went everywhere.  Yes, it was heavy, yes it was a PIA to lug around, but the plane puts it in cargo and we put it in the trunk of the rental and bottom line, N was happy.  If you're renting a car, they might have a rental car seat you can rent as well, although it will run you cheaper to either bring your own or just buy a cheap one over there.  We bought one for $40.00 and gave it to a family member who was expecting.  If she'll still be on formula, try to bring as much as you can.  When N ran out, he hated every formula we bought.  If you have any questions, let me know....  :o)
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  • No advice, but tell me about your Tampa trip. I live on the other side of the bay, next to Clearwater!
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  • Thanks Bea. Some great tips there.

    Carla: We stay in Treasure Island. Is that close?

    My husband's parents rent a condo down there for a couple of months, so we go down to visit and escape the blustery cold weather here.

  • Yes - that's one of the barrier islands.  Clearwater Beach is maybe 10 minutes from me (all depending on the time of year/time of day).  Just because of all the slow island traffic, Treasure Island is maybe 30-40 minutes - but a beautiful drive!  

    Let me know if you want to meet up! 

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