As much as we love the holidays, it's a given that travel will be stressful, especially with winter storms covering the Midwest and Northeast.
If you're getting ready for your annual "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" experience, pack as light as you can to help keep your cool.
One way to add space to your suitcase is to send flowers ahead to whomever you'll be staying with. That way, you'll know it's there, even if you arrive late.
Sending flowers ahead of time means less to pack and less hassle at the airport.
For some other travel tips, I checked in with blogger and flight attendant Mary Jo Manzanares. More of her tips and advice can be found at flyawaycafe.com, theseattletraveler.com and travelproductguide.com.
Here's our Q&A on traveling smart with kids.
Q Can you share your behind-the-scenes perspective?
A It's important to understand that federal regulations govern the airline industry. No one is being mean by making a child sit in a seat with a seat belt fastened. Please understand that flight attendants are not picking on your or your child. We empathize with most predicaments, and we're trying to balance your needs with our requirement to do our job.
Q What are some essentials to think about in terms of planning and packing?
A Check bags so you don't have to manage people in addition to stuff. But if the kids are old enough to be responsible for their own bag, let them back a carry on. Let them bring a "buddy" or two (stuffed animal, doll, etc.). Having something familiar will help alleviate the anxiety of the new. Depending on the age, bring a change of clothes (or just a change of shirt or something) in case of spills or accidents. Parents are responsible for setting the mood, keeping the kids busy and engaged, and having fun on the flight. If they make travel fun, they'll be instilling a life long interest in traveling in their kids.
Q Do you have advice for handling flight delays or unexpected changes to a trip?
A Try to take non-stop flights whenever possible. If you're still stuck with a delay, get food and drinks for the kids. Find an area of the airport to let the run around and run off a little steam (most airports have some kid-friendly play areas now). Try not to let your anxiety and frustration spill over onto them. Make them think it's an adventure, and maybe you'll convince yourself that it is, too.
Q What are the biggest mistakes you've seen people make?
A Parents still need to keep the kids under control and respectful of other people and their space. It amazes me how many parents let the kids control a situation and throw up their hands asking "what can I do?" Arggghhh! People make good and bad choices.
Q Can you elaborate on those choices?
A Good choices: planning to be self sufficient (there won't always be people available to help), checking bags, bringing things for the kids to play with, packing some snacks for adults and kids, being involved with your kids. Bad choices: not bringing things for kids to do, not having snacks on hand, expecting flight attendants to baby-sit the kids, getting angry and yelling.
Q What is the No. 1 thing to keep in mind when traveling with kids?
A They're kids! They have neither the knowledge base nor attention span of an adult. They are curious about things and want to ask questions. The unknown can be scary, so try to explain what's happening to them in a non-threatening or scary way. Plan to interact with them and keep them busy, and they'll have fond memories of their travels.
