6 toddler travel tips: The Long Haul

There are short travels (eg the local shops) and there are long travels (eg long in distance or time), but what makes any travel more pleasurable for any parent is happy, contented child(ren) during this travel. From my experience travelling with babies and toddlers, these are a few things I have learnt to improve The Long Haul.

Ease of access to items, engaged/relaxed children and having "a little to spare" are key to happy travels. As a bit of a nervous traveller, these things mean fewer stressful bits and more relaxing bits for me. Here are my top 6 tips.

1. Toys/books - Take ones that can be attached to you, your bag, buggy, baby carrier and in-flight bassinet (or toddler’s seat belt) with a ‘loopy link’. They will be harder to lose, less likely to be flung around the cabin, and quickly located in mid-flight darkness.
2. Bibs - I travel with the cloth sort that are square and have a hole cut-out for the head. Attached to the bassinet (in flight), my bag, etc. with a loopy link the bib is quickly located and can be dangled from almost anywhere to dry (if/when wet) - think bassinet, change bag, buggy, sling...
3. Nappies/formula/milk etc - use a drawstring bag to hold consumables (including food, if you need) as they are lightweight, will reduce in size as you continue your journey and can be easily attached to the outside of most bags/rucksacks as well as hooks on nappy change tables/washroom doors etc. Some drawstring bags are even partially waterproof!
4. Spare clothes - use nappy disposal bags to contain each set of spare clothes. This saves foraging around to locate appropriate articles and combinations of clothes (eg one top + one bottom) and as you slip out the new clothes you can slip in the soiled ones.
5. Packed clothes - pack ‘similar’ clothes that can be washed together and tumbled dried (if needs be and facilities allow) for a 'worst case' scenario. That is, clothes of similar colours and fabric that will mix and match to be worn and washed so you do not waste precious holiday time separating clothes for each wash (lights, colours, darks).
6. Buy on arrival - buy essentials when you get to your destination; nappies, wipes, food items (formula, baby food, snacks). I travel with enough of these consumables for the journey plus approximately 24hrs - the rest I buy at destination (price point and availability permitting - always check ahead). 

What magic tips, tricks and things have you learnt that make family travelling enjoyable? Please use the comments to share...

Next time: My radioactive baby