How would this work? (Vacation/ travel related)

GuitaristsGirl · June 2011

We have generously been offered use of a beach cottage. It's in a location that we've always wanted to visit - it seems too good to be true! But it's also in a location such that we would *have* to fly.

It seems crazy to pass it up! But, at the same time, how in the *world* would we make it work with 2 LOs? I'm thinking very basic right now - where in the world would they sleep?! (They're both still in cribs) Not like we could take the pack n play on the plane Then there's diapers and groceries and etc. (which we could get when we get there, I suppose). . .

It's privately owned, so it's not like it's a big complex that has cribs on site to bring in.

Think this is worth trying to figure out?

pandabearlover · June 2011

Google the area and see if there's a rental company that can rent cribs. We are going to Disney next week and we are renting a stroller. The company I found also rents carseats, high chairs, pack n plays, etc. And they deliver.

Where is it?

Nicole. · June 2011

Can't you just check the pack n plays in? We just did this with Jake and it worked well. We just flew Continental and even though Jake was a lap child he was allowed to check one bag or free, in addition to DH & I. We ended up not paying at all for checked bags since we had two suitcases and a PNP. If you fly with continental or an airline that has the same policies you could get the first 4 bags (2 being PNP's) free.

LuckySunshineBaby · June 2011

I wouldn't pass up the free beach cottage! I agree with pp about either a rental agency, flying with your PNP's (or walmart has them online for $44, which you could buy one for your older one and bring a travel bassinet for your LO). You could arrange shipment to the location or have it shipped site to store the a walmart near your destination or nearby the airport. You could freecycle the PNP so you don't have to fly home with it or donate it to a local shelter or church (I'm sure they'll send someone out to get it).

I would totally do it! Lots of travel wise gals on this board can help you with the logistics. We haven't traveled a lot with LO, but I wouldn't pass up the chance!

madybug · June 2011

I would go. When my first was little I bought a cheap pnp and checked it with our baggage. I bought a cheap one b/c I didnt want my expensive nice one getting broken or tossed around. When we got home I gave it to MIL. For the baby you could look around for the small travel beds to pack.

charmcitygirl · June 2011

pandabearlover:
Google the area and see if there's a rental company that can rent cribs. We are going to Disney next week and we are renting a stroller. The company I found also rents carseats, high chairs, pack n plays, etc. And they deliver.
Where is it?

This! Definitely go! It would be a great opportunity to get away.

sasa625 · June 2011

Go for it!!

When we traveled, we were able to find a really cheap PNP (not graco though) on clearance at Target. We bought it in store and sent it home with my brother, but you could always have it shipped. I would definitely look for a company that will rent one first though... you could always even ask the owners if they know anyone that could loan these items.

We are going to Disney soon and our friends let me know that there are companies that will deliver groceries to your home at a specified time... there is probably something like this in the area too if you won't have a car. This includes diapers, wipes, etc, but you can also pack those in a suitcase. That's what we did.

You an definitely make this work out!! I wouldn't pass up the offer of a beach vacation for anything!!

sommerrayne · June 2011

I mean this in the most loving, sweet, compassionate way but I don't get what the challenge is here. PNP's get checked for free on all airlines (they're considered an infant "bed"). You could get 3 tickets, have 1 lap child and get a whole row. Diapers are sold at your destination.

Maybe I'm missing the real anxiety but the challenges you've posted are really easily solveable. My daughter (3) has been on 26 flights - the majority of them have been me alone with her and I checked a PNP, bought diapers at the destination, gate checked stroller & car seat (all for free), etc...

MyShellyBelly · June 2011

I like the idea of checking for a near-by rental place. Good luck and have fun!!

GuitaristsGirl · June 2011

sommerrayne:
I mean this in the most loving, sweet, compassionate way but I don't get what the challenge is here. PNP's get checked for free on all airlines (they're considered an infant "bed"). You could get 3 tickets, have 1 lap child and get a whole row. Diapers are sold at your destination.

Maybe I'm missing the real anxiety but the challenges you've posted are really easily solveable. My daughter (3) has been on 26 flights - the majority of them have been me alone with her and I checked a PNP, bought diapers at the destination, gate checked stroller & car seat (all for free), etc...

I've never heard that before re PnPs, nor did I realize that strollers and car seats were free. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of *stuff* needed for 2u2, especially with the addition of beach things. Thank you for the info re all that we could take with us, I really never would have thought to try to do so. Now to just visualize getting all that (times 2!) and the kids through the airport without a pack mule . . . !

dusk42 · June 2011

GuitaristsGirl:
I've never heard that before re PnPs, nor did I realize that strollers and car seats were free. I'm a bit overwhelmed by the amount of *stuff* needed for 2u2, especially with the addition of beach things. Thank you for the info re all that we could take with us, I really never would have thought to try to do so. Now to just visualize getting all that (times 2!) and the kids through the airport without a pack mule . . .

For this situation with luggage, I think it is an excellent time for DH to drop you and the kids off near a skycap, let them take care of checking all the "stuff", give them a nice tip, and be on your merry way.

In terms of carseats, you can buy folding luggage carts (or a magnacart) and bungee a carseat and whatever else you need to it for the ride through the airport if you bring a carseat on. You just want minimal stuff with you for the trip through the airport. I bring a diaper bag with her stuff and mine, stroller, and carseat (carseat (Scenera) is secured to the stroller (Aria) with climbing webbing).

Depending on the cost, you could also consider shipping some of the "beach things" in advance if that works logistically.

Good luck!

sommerrayne · June 2011

Each airline has a list of their checking policies (on website) but the only company I've ever had to fight about it was Southwest and they gave in when I whipped out the printed copy of their policy (be prepared!). I have flown almost all of them.

Some airlines (read: the @$$holes at Southwest) can ask for the birthcert. of a lap child (to prove age even if they're "fresh outta the chute").

To check stuff - have DH pull up to the curb for check in, buy two of those 5.00 cart things and start stacking. Stand there with the easier kid until DH can go park and bring the harder kid, then check in together (checking in separate can screw up seat assignments). Arrive early, bring a carrier for little (like an ergo or moby - whatever your posion), pack fun snacks, and know you'll have to take your time.....divide and conquer (you and DH - take turns running the older one out of gas).

It will be super ok! I promise!

RoxBride · June 2011

I would get a Regalo My Cot for the older one.

Pack a minimum of diapers to get through a day.

Go to the airport, go to the curb, put the luggage with the sky cap, and leave one of you and the kids there with a stoller with your carry ons.

THe other parks the car.

Use the stroller to deal with your carry on stuff, and take your time.

Gate check the stroller.

Get 3 seats, and have one lap baby.

When you get to your destination, all go to baggage claim. Get a luggage cart, and get your rental car.

Drive to WalMart. Buy diapers, play stuff, the 40 buck pack n play, beach goodies, groceries.

Enjoy your vacation, and at the end, leave the pack n play in the beach house.

CMM05 · June 2011

100% go!!!!

A cottage/beach house is the easiest type of place to stay for a vacay

Just get everything there. Pack the minimal amount to get you through the plane ride and buy everything you need once you get there (diapers, formula, food, etc).

Ditto on the kids rental place......or maybe the people who own the cottage have a crib/PNP already there?

If you can't find a rental place......just check them like everyone is saying

Have fun.....jealous!!!