Traveling With Kids: Deals and Steals

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Earlier this year, I wrote about our experiences traveling with 6 under 6 to Las Vegas – it was a lovely and memorable vacation.

In just a few short weeks, however, we’re traveling again… and this time our journey will be a bit more challenging. We are taking our 4-year-old son and our 1-year-old daughter with us to Spain for 2 weeks. It all begins with sightseeing in Barcelona, and then move on to a 1-week family reunion in Girona. On the way there (we are flying out of LAX), we will have an 11-hour flight to London, and a 2.5-hour flight to Barcelona. The flight back will be a direct 13-hour flight from Barcelona back to LA. 

I am thrilled. I am nervous, too. 

I need to be prepared for just about anything when traveling with kids, and I wanted to share my planning and progress with my fellow mamas!

The Toys for Traveling with Kids

My mother traveled often with us as kids, and we would each receive a small bag filled with surprise travel-friendly toys for the journey. They kept us occupied when we were feeling squirrely. I remember how excited I was to open my gifts, and how much it helped me to enjoy traveling in general. I’m going to carry that tradition on with my children!

The Target $1 Bin

toy for traveling with kids

This was my first purchase – 2 of the $1 lacing toys from Target. Each contains 6 lacing shapes and 4 laces. They are excellent for hand-eye coordination.

Whenever you are traveling, check these bins first! I also spotted some felt activities, scented pads, pencils, tote bags and really cute hats.

 

 

 

markers for traveling with kids

 

Next up – mess-free marker activities. These are AWESOME. I’ve seen them at Target, Barnes & Noble, and online. Basically, they will not mark up your clothing, the plane seat/tray, or anything else. When they are swiped across these special pads, they reveal beautiful pictures. For kids, it’s like magic!

 

 

 

 

Barnes & Noble Finds

sticker books for traveling with kids

Stickers and gel clings are always a must for long plane rides. These packs from Barnes & Noble contain a whopping 555 stickers each – along with scenes where the stickers can be applied. We let the kids play with stickers for a while, and then ask our older son to illustrate and tell us a “story” created using them.

 

 

 

playing cards for traveling with kids

 

Playing cards are an excellent choice for kids 3+. They can also be used by our 1-year-old, however, if she wants to practice learning her colors. The bright imagery and large card size also help. These were in the Barnes & Noble bargain bin – less than $2!

 

 

Our family always has to bring a couple of books. I chose this one because A) our kids are both obsessed with animals, and B) it folds out to animal-covered posters 4x the size of the book!

 

 

 

 

 

Finally, I found these activity packs at Barnes & Noble. One for each kid, with dozens of activities encased in an easy-to-transport aluminum tin. Each one has 3 books, 4 markers, a poster and over 50 stickers! Wow! (And they were each less than $10!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our other must-have travel items:

  • Kids backpacks (yes, they will carry their own toys – especially my 4-year-old! I think he’s going to like his backpack.)
  •  The iPad, stocked with cartoons and a couple of movies. 2 pairs of comfy headphones, and a splitter. (Here is a good headphone review or two. At less than $4, this headphone splitter is a steal, and this one accommodates an entire family!)
  •  Snacks that travel well: Dried fruit, pre-made cheese sandwiches, sealed food pouches, gummies, crackers/goldfish, nuts. Some of our favorite brands and products include:

Want more tips on meal prep, mom life, raising toddlers, and recipes? Join me on Instagram!

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