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I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at th I mean c’mon there is not one reason, look at this view from the top of the Kloof Corner hike! The biggest way we’re able to afford traveling so much is by letting the deals dictate where we go. Cape Town has been on our bucket list forever but with flights typically costing $1,200-$1,800 it hasn’t been a priority. But when Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going, I don’t like the new name but that’s besides the point) dropped this Cape Town deal for less than half of what it normally costs we jumped on it!

So often I hear “but there are no deals during school breaks”, YES THERE ARE! We went to Cape Town for Thanksgiving and the girls get the entire week off of school so they missed no days. Plus since there seasons are opposite it was late spring and the weather was amazing. Scott’s emails deals directly to your inbox for the airports you choose (we select our home airport and airports we can easily fly direct to and always have cheap flights because sometimes it’s worth flying to a city for a deal (known as a repositioning flight). They offer a free version but you don’t get all the deals so we have the Premium subscription which costs $49 for a year and you can tap the link in my bio and use code TRAVELINGCHILD20 for 20% off. They have an Elite membership level for business class seats. Because someone always asks, yes they give deals for nonstop flights but please remember you can’t fly everywhere nonstop. Beloved if you’re going to Thailand from the US you’re going to have a layover.

Anyway when in Cape Town you must hike, there are so many amazing ones! This Kloof’s Corner hike is perfect for sunset. It’s not stroller or wheelchair accessible as there are stairs but if Jordyn and Kennedy can hike it in 40mins (one way up) I promise you don’t have to be super fit!

P.S. when booking a flight from the US you have 24 hours to cancel & get a refund (on flights booked 7 days in advance). So many ppl told me they hesitated on this deal because they had to see if they could get off work/what dates worked for their travel partners. Always book first, think second & just cancel within 24hrs if you can’t make it work! What’s the best flight deal you’ve booked?
Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s every Hello from Cape Town, South Africa! Here’s everything you need to know about getting into South Africa (save + share this post):

1. Your passport must be valid for 30 days after your scheduled date of departure.

2. You must have 2 consecutive empty pages in your passport.

3. There is no visa required for US citizens for visits less than 90 days.

4. There are no shots required to travel to South Africa, unless you are traveling from or transiting through yellow-fever deemed countries, then a yellow fever shot is required. You can find a list of these countries online.

5. South Africa has opposite seasons than the US so our winter is their summer. December to February are peak travel due to the weather but if you visit in November like we did you’ll get good weather and avoid the massive crowds of peak season.

Have you visited South Africa? If so, which part? If not, is it on your list?
Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners Because why do y’all do this to us trip planners? Are you the one in your group that plans the trip or do you just show up? If you’re the planner tag your friends 😅. If you just show up do you look at the itinerary or ask all the questions even though the info was given to you 👀?

Original reel idea credit goes to @kryssedeal, sis really nailed exactly how I feel!!
#sponsored Last year we were able to cross some am #sponsored Last year we were able to cross some amazing places off our bucket list. We want you to do the same so we’ve teamed up with @vrbo to give you the opportunity to win $3,500 and turn your bucket list trip into a book-it-list one! 

Just head over to the giveaway post on @vrbo, make sure you’re following them and tag 3 people you’d want to join you on your trip! 

So what is your book-it list vacation this year?

*T&Cs apply – link in bio

 #VrboTogether #BookItList
Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post Things to do in Istanbul (save and share this post):

1. Visit the various houses of worship like Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque. Suleymaniye Camii, Ortakoy Mosque, Chora Church and the Camlica Mosque

2. Tour palaces like Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, Beylerbeyi Palace

3. Climb the Galata Tower for amazing views of Istanbul. You can even enjoy a meal here at the restaurant on the top floor.

4. Take a cruise of the Bosphorus to see both the European and Asia side of Istanbul.

5. Visit the cities Bazaars, the Grand Bazaar where you can shop your heart out and the Spice Bazaar where you can eat your heart out. Don’t leave without trying a Turkish delight!

6. If you want to go shopping Istiklal is the place to do so. They have a wide range of stores including international chains like Zara.

7. See a Dervish show at Hodjapasha.

8. Walk across the Galata Bridge to see fisherman at work and then walk under it to taste their fresh catches.

9. Take a day trip to the Princes’ Islands.

10. Experience a Turkish Hammam.

11. Explore the neighborhood of Balet, enjoying the colorful building and have some traditional Turkish tea or my favorite Apple Tea.

12. Turkey has some amazing food so go on a food tour or take a cooking class. If you don’t do either just make sure not to leave without having a traditional Turkish breakfast!

I recommend at least 5 days in Istanbul but you can easily spend a week or more exploring the city.

Have you been to Istanbul? If not is it on your list? For those that have been what was your favorite thing to do?

#istanbul #bucketlistadventures
Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post): 3 n Our Egypt Itinerary (save + share this post):

3 nights Siwa: Shali Fortress, 4x4 safari in the Great Sand Sea, sunset on Fatnas Island, emple of Amun and Temple of the Oracle, take a look or a dip into Cleopatra Spring, Mountain of the Dead, House of Siwa Museum, float in the salt lakes.

5 nights Cairo: Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx,  Egyptian Museum, Saqqara, Khal Al Khalil, Old and Coptic Cairo: Hanging Church, Mohamed Ali Mosque, Al Azhar Mosque and the Fortress of Babylon, see an Al Tannoura Egyptian Dance Heritage Show at Wekalet El Ghouri. For a break from the historical things with kids spend a day at Dreamland Park, Kidzania, or Ski Egypt. Stay at Marriott Mena House.

3 nights Luxor: Hot air balloon ride, Luxor Museum, Mummification museum, Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor, Colossi Statue of Memnon and Hatshpsut

3 nights Aswan: High Dam, Temple of Philae, Nubian Villages, Sail on the Nile by Felucca, Nubian Museum, Abu Simbel

On the way to Aswan from Luxor you can also stop to see the Temple of Horus and Kim Ombo Temple. If you have extra time visit Alexandria, Bahariya Oasis, and White Desert National Park to see the White Desert.

Have you been to Egypt? Is it on your list? There is so much to see outside of Cairo! 

#bucketlisttravel #cairoegypt #luxoregypt #aswan
OUR MOROCCO ITINERARY (save + share this post):

🇲🇦2 nights Chefchaouen- painting class, hiking, enjoying the Blue City and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Fes- Royal palaces, Moroccan dance class, visit the tannery and more

🇲🇦6 nights Marrakech- Majorelle Gardens, explore the Medina, explore the various mosques, stay in a riad, take a Moroccan cooking class and more.

🇲🇦3 nights Sahara Desert- ATV tour, sand boarding, Bedouin experience and more.

For all the details of each trip tap the link in my bio for the itineraries of each city. Have you been to Morocco? Is it on your list?

P.S. the girls were 3 and 5 on this trip

#moroccotrip #thisisafrica #travellingwithkids

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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.

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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!

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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.

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