When we booked our Disney vacation in May, my inner OCD personality came to the forefront. I began researching, reading, making lists, and planning our first big family vacation. I can’t recall the exact number of websites, articles, and books I consulted over those eight months; however, something happened along the way – I became more relaxed and laidback instead of more wired and strung out. Along with this new found feeling, I realized that with our multiple cross country moves and day trips over the years, I had the knowledge of what and how to pack for all aspects of our trip.
So knowing my ever-growing kids would be ‘starving’ the minute we left the house; I planned out a menu of healthy snacks to bring along to avoid shelling out massive amounts of cash at the airports. [Yes, food can be carried through security as long it is wrapped or in a container, unpeeled, and is 3.4 oz. or less in size (for creamy dips and spreads, liquids)]. Our snacks included:
- A variety of chex mixes (there are some amazing ones on the boxes)
- Apples
- Packets of Justin’s Peanut Butter (for spreading on apples)
- Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
- Bananas
- All-fruit gummy bears
- Granola bars
- Refillable water bottles for after we passed through security.
I placed these snacks in four lunch bags I grabbed on clearance at Target. Each child, and us, had their own “snack bag” and water bottle at their disposal. These were placed in their carry-on backpacks and they could dig into them whenever their hunger struck.
Once the snacks were taken care of, I moved onto packing carry-on bags. Our flights were scheduled to take five hours, and with any flight, delays could (and did) happen, so entertainment was a top priority. I try to pack something new (a book, small toy, etc.) for each child since the newness factor generally provides an extra excitement and longer enjoyment. Here is our travel entertainment list:
· Two reading books
· Crayons and pencils
· An activity or coloring book
· A mini pillow pet and small blanket
· A stuffed animal - for my little girl only
· An iPod or other electronic device with new learning and fun games and videos loaded onto them
Hopefully these tips can help you on your next family trip; for additional information on flying with children, check out TSA’s website.
