• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Work With Us
  • Shop
  • Blog Coaching
  • Disclosures
  • Contact
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Amazon
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
How many of you have heard you will no longer be a How many of you have heard you will no longer be able to travel once you have kids? I find most people who say these things don’t even have kids or if they do they have never traveled with their kids!

I’m not really into counting countries and we enjoy visiting places more than once, seeing the beauty all over the US and right in our state too. You don’t have to travel far to give your kids amazing experiences but you can also take them wherever you want. Y’all know my motto, if kids live there kids can visit!! 

Where have you been that people said you were crazy for taking your kids (or your parents for taking you) but you were so glad you didn’t listen to them and went anyway.

#travellingwithkids #familytravel
Everything you need to know about visiting Chichen Everything you need to know about visiting Chichen Itza, one of the 7 Wonders of the World (SAVE + SHARE this post).

Chichen Itza is 2.5 hours from Cancun, 2 hours from Playa del Carmen, and 90 minutes from both Tulum and Merida.

You can get here by renting a car, booking a private tour on Airbnb Experiences like we did, coming on a tour bus or for budget travelers taking the ADO bus. 

Most tours from Cancun are all day long, leaving as early as 7/8 am and as late as 9 pm drop off. This is because you’ll visit cenotes outside of Chichen Itza and the town of Valladolid. Since we only had 4 days in Cancun we didn’t want to spend a full day on the road but also really wanted to visit so booking private transportation allowed us to skip all the other stops and just go there and back. We were picked up at 9 and back at the hotel by 4 so we could have a relaxing evening.

Current admission is $533 Mexican pesos for adults, $80 for kids 3-12 and free for kids under 3. That’s about $30 US for adults and $5 for kids.

Once inside there is the main attraction that everyone comes to see but there are also other Mayan dwellings and a cenote. I recommend coming with a guide or hiring an official guide once on site so they can give you information on the history.

Have you been to any of the 7 Wonders? If so, which one(s)?

Hubby and I climbed the Great Wall of China together in 2007, Jordyn, James and I have been to the Colosseum in Rome, the girls and I have been to Petra and we all visited Machu Picchu, Christ the Redeemer, Chichen Itza and the Great Pyramids of Giza together!

#chichenitza #7wondersoftheworld
Today is the last day of school and I could not be Today is the last day of school and I could not be more proud of Jordyn! Look at all those awards she racked up at her end of the year ceremony. She’s reading 3 grade levels above hers, was only 9 points away from a perfect score on her state reading test and made the Honor Roll every quarter of the year. It’s time to celebrate, let summer begin!!!
We’ve been to 34 states and while we haven’t v We’ve been to 34 states and while we haven’t visited them all yet these are 4 states you should consider visiting this summer. (SAVE + SHARE this list for inspo)

📍Idaho- Last year we explored Southern Idaho and it blew us away. City of Rocks National Reserve, Kayak to Shoshone Falls, white water rafting, and walking behind Perrine Coulee Waterfall are musts!

📍Alaska- We visited the South East part of Alaska, Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan and WOW talk about stunning. You’ll love exploring ice caves, walking on glaciers, canoeing through ice bergs, seeing the volcano and hopefully spotting some bears!

📍Utah- From the famous national parks like Zion and Bryce to the lesser known areas like Kanab, Utah is stunning. You can’t miss sand boarding through Coral Pink Sand Dunes and ATVing through the gorgeous landscape.

📍California- Where else can you surf and ski/snowboard in the same day? California has the most national parks in any state so you know the beauty is beyond amazing. Having lived there for 3 years I’ve explored so many cities and there is something for everyone!!

Would you like me to share my website link for our itineraries for each of these trips in stories? Have you been to any of these? Which state intrigues you the most from this list? What city/state would you like to see us cover?

#visittheusa #bucketlisttrip #travellingwithkids
We have been traveling with our girls since they w We have been traveling with our girls since they were 6 weeks old. Is traveling with kids always easy? Nope! Are there added costs to traveling with kids? Yes! But having status with World of Hyatt has helped elevate our travels, making things a little easier and saving us money, here’s how (SAVE + SHARE this post).

1. Being a family of 4 standard hotel rooms can be kind of cramped. Having status with World of Hyatt means we’re eligible for free upgrades when available including suites as a Globalist.

2. Eating out for breakfast everyday on a vacation starts to add up really quickly. As a Globalist we get free breakfast for 2 adults and 2 children.

3. At hotels with club access Globalists also get free access which includes drinks and snacks, the perfect way to hold kids over until dinner without spending money.

4. I don’t know who decided 9 or 10am was a good time for check-out, hello we’re on vacation, we want to sleep in! Having status with World of Hyatt means you qualify for late check out at 2pm or 4pm depending on your level of status. So whether you sleep in, hit the pool or use the other amenities at the hotel you can enjoy a little longer. It especially helps us when we have flights later in the day.

5. After paying for our hotel room we hate having added fees. Thankfully when you have Globalist status with World of Hyatt resort fees are waived on free night awards and/or eligible rates.

6. Free hotel nights! There is nothing like booking a hotel and not paying a penny! Having joined World of Hyatt we rack up points (on more than just stays) and the higher your status, the more points you earn to get free stays faster.

7. As World of Hyatt members we even earn American Airlines miles on our Hyatt stays, getting us free flights faster to save even more money!

From being more comfortable to finding more ways to earn, you’re missing out if you haven’t joined World of Hyatt!

@hyatt #HyattPartner
4 Ways to Redeem Points at Hyatt Hotels & 7 Ways t 4 Ways to Redeem Points at Hyatt Hotels & 7 Ways to Earn World of Hyatt Points & (SAVE + SHARE):

Ways to Redeem
1. Redeem points for rooms at Hyatt hotels. There’s nothing like experiencing luxury without the cost, so glad I could redeem Hyatt points for this stay with one of the best views of Tokyo.

2. Redeem points to cover your meal at participating restaurants at Hyatt hotels.

3. Redeem Hyatt points to cover your spa treatment at participating spas at Hyatt hotels. 

4. Redeem points through World of Hyatt FIND experiences. With over 200 experiences like cooking classes, tastings, & walking tours there are so many activities to choose from!

Ways to Earn
1. Are you an elite member with American Airlines? If so, you can earn 1 Hyatt point for every $1 spent on AA flights. These are in addition to the normal miles you’ll earn on American, just sign into your AA account & link your World of Hyatt account.

2. Rent a car through Avis & can earn 500 Hyatt points per rental. Just provide your Hyatt membership number when making the reservation & use AWD code K817700.

3. Book a FIND experience by World of Hyatt and earn 10 points per $1 spent. Hyatt offers over 200 experiences such as culinary classes with celebrity chefs, hot air balloon ride in Arizona, guided bike tour over the Golden Gate bridge and more.

4. Even if you aren’t staying at a Hyatt property, if you eat at the hotel restaurant or book a spa treatment you can earn 5 points per $1 spent. We actually ate at a Hyatt restaurant in Kyoto & even though we weren’t staying there I gave my World of Hyatt number & received points!

5. Earn points on everyday spending with a World of Hyatt credit card: 2 points per $1 spent on restaurants, airline tickets, local transit, rideshares, & gym memberships plus earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

6. Transfer points earned on other credit cards who partner with Hyatt such like Chase Sapphire Preferred, Sapphire Reserve, Freedom Unlimited & Freedom Flex. 

7. Book a cruise with Lindblad Expeditions & earn 5 points per $1 spent.

Are you doing any of these?

📍Andaz Tokyo

@hyatt #HyattPartner
If you visit Lisbon or any mainland city in Portug If you visit Lisbon or any mainland city in Portugal I highly recommend adding a trip to Madeira! It’s an island off the coast of Portugal, actually closer to Africa than Portugal. Here’s how I spent 6 days in Madeira (Save + Share this post):

🇵🇹Day 1: Pool day at my hotel (NEXT Hotel) for most of the day and then I went running up the crazy hills of Madeira to see Funchal by foot.

🇵🇹Day 2: I explored the NW part of the island visiting Seixal Beach, Ponto Moniz, Fanal Forest and Ilheus da Ribeira da Janela.

🇵🇹Day 3: I went on a sidecar adventure where I explored Valley of the Nuns, the Cabo Girão Skywalk, and the fishing town of São Pedro with @madeirasidecartours.

🇵🇹Day 4: Whale and dolphin watching tour but we only saw dolphins. In the evening I did an Airbnb Experience at a locals farm house where he cooked a great dinner where 90% of the items were picked directly from his gardens that day. He also taught us how to make poncha, a favorite local drink. The tour should already be linked in my Maderia story highlights.

🇵🇹Day 5: I toured the SE part of the island visiting Ponta do Garajau, Monte Palace, and ended the day at the most beautiful views from Pico do Arieiro (the shots of me on the clouds).

🇵🇹Day 6: I watched the sunrise from Miradouro Ponto do Rosto and then did an 8 mile hike of Levado do Caldeirão Verde. After the hike I relaxed at the pool!

If you want photos taken in Madeira I recommend @robframing.

Honestly Madeira was everything and I don’t see it dropping out of my top 5 international destinations anytime soon.

The Traveling Child

If kids live there, kids can visit!

  • Affording Travel
  • Destinations
    • Africa
      • Kenya
      • Morocco
    • Asia
      • Singapore
      • Thailand
    • Australia
    • Caribbean
      • Aruba
      • The Bahamas
      • Barbados
      • Cuba
      • Grand Cayman
      • Jamaica
      • Puerto Rico
      • Trinidad
    • Central America
      • Costa Rica
    • Europe
      • Austria
      • Belgium
      • Denmark
      • France
      • Italy
      • Spain
      • The Netherlands
    • North America
      • Alaska
      • Arizona
      • California
      • Colorado
      • Florida
      • Georgia
      • Hawaii
      • Idaho
      • Illinois
      • Kansas
      • Louisiana
      • Mexico
      • Nevada
      • New York
      • South Carolina
      • South Dakota
      • Tennessee
      • Texas
      • Utah
      • West Virginia
      • Wisconsin
    • South America
      • Brazil
      • Colombia
  • Travel Tips
    • Tips on Traveling with Kids
    • Trip Planning Tips
  • Reviews
    • Airline Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Product Reviews
  • Lifestyle
  • Buy Our Book
  • Blog Coaching

8 Tips for Flying With Babies

September 21, 2016      Tips on Traveling with Kids

This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more information. All opinions are my own.

​When we first got pregnant we knew despite what so many told us our travel days would not be over. There are so many reasons to travel with kids that we took our eldest on her first flight at 6 weeks to Miami. Then we took her on her first international trip at 8 months to Jamaica. When we had our second daughter her domestic flight was at 11 days. While this was due to extenuating circumstances babies can fly this young, you can read the rules here. Still her first international trip was at 10 weeks to Cartagena and Medellin, Colombia. Since then we’ve traveled to 24 countries on 6 continents including many states. Here are our tried and true tips for flying with babies.

Tips for Flying with Babies: Book Your Flight Around Nap-time

If your child is on a schedule book your flight to take off around nap-time and hopefully you will have the most peaceful flight ever. The same goes for trying to book a flight late in the evening around bedtime so you child will sleep through the flight.

You May Be Interested in Reading: 3 Things to Consider When Choosing a Destination with Young Kids

Tips for Flying with Babies: Reserve A Bassinet 

When traveling on a long haul international flight you can get a bassinet for your baby so you can be hands free. After booking flights, immediately call the airline and let them know you are traveling with an infant and would like to request a bulkhead seat. These seats give you access to their arm saving bassinets. Each airline has specific rules on age, length, and/or weight limits on the child using the bassinet so speak with the customer service rep when booking for specifics for that airline.

The downfall to the bassinet is if you are traveling with another adult some airlines only allow for one parent to sit in the bulkhead seat as they reserve them for parents with babies. In order to secure the other seat the other adult might have to pay to upgrade to economy plus or hope the seat is empty and move after take off.

baby bassinet on airplane

READ THIS: 6 SOLUTIONS FOR SLEEPING ON THE GO WITH YOUNG KIDS

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no cost to you.

Tips for Flying with Babies: Use Your Carrier

Who doesn’t want to be hands-free? From carrying your diaper bag or carry on luggage to using the bathroom using a carrier will be a life saver. Technically airlines do not allow the baby to be in the carrier during landing and take off so be prepared to hold baby during those times if the flight attendant says something to you. Baby wearing in general tends to keep babies calm and they sleep well in them so I highly recommend this for international flights as well if you are unable to secure a bassinet.


Book a Window Seat

By booking a window seat you can entertain your child by looking out the window. If they are sleeping or trying to sleep it gives you the power to have the window shade open or closed for added darkness. Lastly the window seat gives you extra privacy when nursing.

Ask for an Extra Seat When Flying with Babies

Get to the gate early and ask if there is an empty seat so you can have more space with your baby. Most gate agents/flight attendants are more than willing to help you be as comfortable as possible. If there is and you are traveling with your car seat that is approved for aircraft’s you can even have baby sit in it for the flight for a safer ride.

Tips for Flying with Babies During Take Off and Landing

Remember babies can’t stop their ears from popping due to the pressure of the plane when taking off and landing. If you are breastfeeding, feed baby on take off and landing. If you aren’t, be sure to give them a bottle or a pacifier. In my experience, if they are sleeping they will be fine and it’s best not to wake them.

Come Prepared with Entertainment When Flying with Babies

Pack some toys that will keep your baby intrigued and occupied. Make sure the toy doesn’t make too much noise as to not bother the passengers around you. Babies get bored very easily so bring 3-4 items you can rotate every 30mins.


When Flying With Babies Bring a Change of Clothes for Everyone

Be sure to bring an extra pair of clothes in case your little one makes a mess. Not just for them but for you too, just imagine if by chance they vomit all over you and you have to sit in your soiled cloths the remainder of the flight.

How Many Diaper and Wipes Should You Pack?

Pack 1 diaper per hour in flight plus extra for while you wait to board, for when you land and even more to cover any unexpected delays. If you have a layover be sure to account for that as well. Pack the diapers and wipes in a Ziploc bag so they are easy to access when it’s time to change your baby.

Tips for Traveling with Babies: How Much Luggage Do They Get?

Traveling with an non-ticketed lap infant? What can you bring for your baby for free? Generally most airlines allow you to check both a car seat and a stroller free of charge. You can do so at the ticket counter or if you need either to transport your child to the gate you can gate check either or both and reclaim at the gate once you deboard the plane.

If you plan to gate check, be sure your stroller fits the airlines size and weight restrictions. Some airlines give a broad description of this, like United Airlines, that states large, non-collapsible strollers may not be gate checked where others, like American Airlines, specifically state if the stroller is over 20lbs it can only be checked at the ticket counter.

In addition to the free checked car seat and stroller you are allowed one diaper bag per non-ticketed infant. This is in addition to your carry-on and personal item (budget airlines like Spirit may have different rules so be sure to check).

There are some airlines that will allow you to check a pack n play at the ticket counter free of charge. However, before getting to the airport you should call the airline and ask them to provide a note verifying this rule, that you can print and bring with you. Another solution would be investing in a Phil & Teds Traveller V4 Crib an amazing travel crib which is only 6lbs and comes with it’s own carrying case which fits as a carry-on or in a full-sized suitcase. You can read my full review here.

Here are 3 Reasons to Always Gate Check Your Car Seat and 5 Tips on Traveling with Your Car Seat

Remember to Relax When Flying with Babies

I know that is easier said than done but honestly kids cry and it’s normal. Anyone fixing their nose at you in poor taste just aren’t the nicest people.

Have a toddler too? Here on 5 tips on flying with toddlers. Did you find this article helpful? Please share it!

The Traveling Child is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Share26
Tweet
Pin66
Email
Share
92 Shares

Newsletter Subscribtion

 
Join Our Mailing List
You'll get tips on affordable travel, flight deals and detailed itineraries for every trip we've been on (family, girlfriends getaway, baecations and solo) to make your planning process easier.
Thank you for subscribing!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Alicen says

    March 26, 2017 at 9:17 pm

    Any tips for avoiding the dreaded meltdown or what area of the plane is best to sit with a little one?

    • Monet Hambrick says

      March 26, 2017 at 9:33 pm

      What’s always worked for me with meltdowns is distractions. When my oldest was 15 months we went to Italy/Greece and everytime she started with one I sang Wheels on the Bus, which was her favorite song at the time and it worked like a charm. If that doesn’t work, pulling out a new toy, nursing, or last resort a cell phone always seems to work.
      We’ve sat im the front, middle, and back and I’ve found it really doesn’t matter. The back has some benefits because its most likely to be less crowded if the flight isn’t full as people avoid it like the plague but if you sit in the front you can get off the plane first. If you’re nursing I like the window seat because it gives more privacy and baby can look out the window.

  2. Rhyan says

    May 31, 2017 at 2:22 am

    I’m so happy to have found your Instagram and blog! I’m a wanderluster and new mom and can’t wait to get back to traveling with my 7 month old. Our first trip will be next month, flying from Abu Dhabi to New York (we’ll have two layovers and our travel begins at 2:30am 😳). I’m nervous and excited for my baby to finally meet all of my family. I’ve been reading your blog and tips for traveling with baby and they’ve made me feel a little more at ease. One question: would you recommend bringing my stroller and gate checking it? We have a 2.5 hour layover in Rome and also NYC. I’m worried about having to wait for it and having enough time to get through customs

    • Monet says

      May 31, 2017 at 11:32 am

      Hi Rhyan,
      Aww thanks so much, I am glad to hear you have found it helpful. I am so excited for your trip and your baby to meet your family. I would recommend checking it at the ticket counter. At 7 months it should be pretty easy to use your carrier as your baby is still small. Using your carrier will allow you to be hands free and maneuver through the airport quickly. Also sometimes with layovers in other countries even if you gate check it at your departure city they will send it to baggage claim on your arrival which just happened to us on our flight to Copenhagen and has happened a few other times. Hope this helps!

Primary Sidebar

  • Amazon
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • TikTok
  • YouTube

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

Hi! We’re The Hambricks

If kids live there, kids can visit! That's our motto and you'll often find us exploring destinations most don't find "kid friendly". We've traveled to 35 countries on 6 continents with our children since they were 10 weeks old and share tips to make it easier and affordable. But mom and dad are people too so we also write about solo travel, baecations and girlfriend getaways.

Newsletter

Subscribe to Our Newsletter
You'll get tips on affordable travel, flight deals and detailed itineraries for every trip we've been on (family, girlfriends getaway, baecations and solo) to make your planning process easier.
Thank you for subscribing!

Recent Posts

  • The Best Christmas Markets in Europe
  • The Best Christmas Markets in the USA
  • The 11 Best Eiffel Tower Photo Spots
  • The Best Places to Go for Halloween
  • Things to Do in Southern Idaho

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK

Facebook

FOLLOW US ON PINTEREST

Copyright © 2023 The Traveling Child, LLC.