Ambren Travel Tips

traveling with kids

Electronics: Airlines now allow the use of small electronic devices, such as iPads and iPhones, during the duration of the flight, including take off and landing. Load up some videos, pack the headphones and download plenty of apps! These will be your lifeline. Consider investing in a portable battery backup as well!

Activities: I love the Usborne travel activities! Many of them come with a Dry Erase marker. Pack a sock to use as an eraser! Here are my favorites below.

100 Things for Little Children to do on a Trip | Travel Sticker Book | Travel Doodles | Travel Pocket Puzzle Book | Travel Games Pad | 1001 Things to Spot on Vacation | 100 Things to Do on a Plane | First Sticker Book Airport

Wipes & Sanitizer: It’s always a good idea to have a travel pack of wipes on hand when traveling. Great for sticky hands (lollipops!), and to wipe down the tray table, arm rests, seat belt, etc… before you take off. And of course, a little hand sanitizer to use throughout your journey. Be sure to pack these liquids/gels in your quart-sized bag for going through security at the airport. (See the TSA rules below.)

Identification: No matter how well behaved your child is, it’s best to be overly prepared. Make sure your child has your mobile number either on a necklace (we have actually ordered dog tags and made them into necklaces!), a temporary tattoo, ID bracelet, or just written on their arm. Tell your child if you are separated to find a grown up with a name tag or a grown up in a uniform and show them the identification with your number.

packing tips

TSA liquids/gels rules:  You are allowed to bring one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint per person. These are limited to 3.4 ounces or less per container. Consolidating these containers in the small bag separate from your carry-on baggage enables TSA officers to screen them quickly.

3-1-1 for carry-ons: Liquids, gels, aerosols, creams and pastes must be 3.4 ounces (100ml) or less per container; must be in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic, zip-top bag; 1 bag per passenger and placed in the screening bin. The bag limits the total liquid volume each traveler can bring.

Avoid leaks: Unscrew bottle tops, place plastic wrap over the opening, and then reattach the top.

Keep it fresh: Throw a dryer sheet in your bag - this can help keep things smelling clean, especially if you have packed workout shoes and clothing.

Weight matters: Pack the heaviest items on the bottom of your suitcase, by the wheels, to avoid it tipping over.

other tips

Essentials only: Limit the amount of cash and bank cards you carry with you, so if something does happen, you can easily recover. Never take more than one credit card or ATM card with you.

Make extra copies of your passport and important documents: Don’t forget to email a copy to yourself, too. You never know when you might need to have some sort of documentation with you and might not want to carry your original. Additionally, if your passport gets stolen, having a copy will come in handy for your police report.