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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.

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5 Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience With Kids

June 30, 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.

You finally booked that trip with your child and made it to the airport, hopefully on time. We all know getting through security as an adult is a pain and now you’re adding on a child! Find out the best car seat carrier to use and four other tips for a smooth airport experience with young kids.

Documents Needed When Flying with Kids

Before you head to the ticket counter to check in make sure you have the proper documentation for your children.

Domestic Flights: For unpaid lap infants you will need to carry proof of age in the form of a birth certificate, immunization records, or passport. I personally have never been asked to show it but I have seen firsthand a father, who didn’t have proof of age, denied boarding for his flight unless he paid for a seat for his daughter. Buying a ticket at the gate is no small fee so better to be safe than sorry.

You May Be Interested in Reading: Tips on Flying with Babies or Tips on Flying with Toddlers

International Flights: All passengers regardless of age require a passport to travel internationally (read how to apply for a child one here). If both parents or legal guardian(s) are not traveling with the child you are required to have a notarized document giving you permission to take the child out of the country alone or proof that you have sole custody. Although only required for entry to some countries, airlines, cruises, and immigration officers have the right to ask you for this documentation as they try to reduce kidnappings and human trafficking of children. Throughout our travels I have been asked for this form twice, once by Royal Caribbean and another by Delta Airlines. We’ve always gone to our bank to get the forms notarized. Although it can be a pain, I’m glad we took the precaution to get it done so we didn’t miss out on those two trips.

You May Be Interested in Reading: Surviving Long-Haul Flights with Kids

All passengers require a boarding pass, even non-ticketed infants. Some airlines such as Delta will have a notification like “Infant in Arms” on the adults boarding pass that they are linked to, others like JetBlue have separate boarding passes for the infant. Some airline apps allow you to access the infant boarding pass from it just like your own but others will only show the adults so you will have to stop by the check-in kiosk or ticket counter so allow extra time!

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.

Kids Luggage Allowance

On most airlines parents of lap infants will be allowed to check in both a car seat and a stroller at the ticket counter or at the gate, free of charge. You will also be able to bring a diaper bag on board in addition to your carry-on allowance. If you purchased a ticket for your child they will have the same luggage allowances as an adult. Airline rules vary, especially when traveling budget airlines, so be sure to check the website of the airline you’re traveling. Print a copy of what’s allowed and keep it with you in case you are challenged by an uninformed gate agent or flight attendant.


Getting Through Airport Security with Kids

Children under 12 do not have to remove their shoes, light jackets or headwear when going through the metal detectors, thank God! Unfortunately you still have to remove yours. I recommend wearing easy slip on and off shoes as you will likely be juggling with a car seat, stroller, and/or carrier or a combination of the three.

Traveling with Food and Breast Milk

Can you take food through airport security? Yes you can bring food through airport security as long as it isn’t restricted from being brought from the country you are leaving to the one you are heading to. Don’t worry there will be plenty of signs letting you know what those are.

What about bringing drinks through airport security with kids? When traveling with an infant or toddler you are allowed to carry milk and juice for them and these liquids do not have to follow the 3.4oz. Keep in mind these liquids will be subject to additional screening so give yourself an extra 15-20mins for this.  Pack these items in a separate bag to make it easier. Once at the x-ray machine take them out or your luggage and put it through the machine separately.  There is no limit on the amount of breast milk or formula you can bring on the plane. Do not let a TSA agent tell you otherwise, some of them unfortunately just don’t know the rules. Ask to speak with a supervisor if you get push back and read more on traveling with breast milk here.

You are allowed to have ice packs, freezer packs, etc. to keep these items cool. However, if your ice packs are not frozen TSA can make you toss them as they are now liquid so be sure they are frozen. To avoid this altogether consider traveling with a gallon sized zip lock bag. Once you get through security you can ask someone at a food counter or the flight attendants to fill it with ice.


Gate Checking Strollers and Car Seats

If you are gate checking your stroller or car seat they will also have to go through the x-ray machine. If they do not fit, they will be hand searched. When using a baby carrier TSA agents are supposed to have you remove your child from the carrier, put your carrier through the x-ray machine and have you hold your baby while you walk through the metal detector. I’ve learned while your child always has to come out of the car seat or stroller, TSA seems to be more lenient with the carrier.

Some agents have made me take my kids out of the carrier while others just let me walk through the metal detector. Whether you carry your baby in the carrier or in your arms you will have to have your hands tested for certain particles. If you aren’t traveling with your infant car seat I recommend using your baby carrier through the airport and checking your stroller at the ticket counter. I love my Ergobaby 360 and highly recommend it. You can read more TSA rules and tips on flying with children here.


Getting To the Gate with Kids: The Best Carrier For Car Seats in the Airport

Being hands free and having your children confined is the fastest way to get through the airport. I like to carry as little as possible so my infant is always in the carrier. When traveling with a car seat the easiest way to get it to the gate is to use a car seat carrier for the airport. We have the SmartMove by Brica and it is absolutely a lifesaver.

The car seat carrier we use in the airport

 
​
If you have an infant you can use the Brica Cover Guard Car Seat Tote to either carry your infant car seat like a backpack or roll it. It’s also fits convertible car seats so if you’re not using your car seat on the plane you can use this to protect your car seat. You’ll want to do this before gate checking it so it doesn’t get dirty and filled with germs.

 

mom with baby in carrier and pushing other child in the stroller
Best carrier for infant car seats in airport


If you aren’t traveling with a car seat using a carrier or Mountain Buggy Bagrider is the perfect option for getting your infant and toddlers to the gate. You’ll easily be able to carry your luggage and other items since you don’t have to hold anyone’s hand.

dad pulling suitcase with toddler sitting on top of it


​Killing Time Before Your Flight with Kids

Before getting to the airport check if there are any play areas for kids. This will keep you sane, especially if there are any unexpected delays.  If not, lounges have saved our lives! Lounges offer free food, drinks, wifi and comfortable seating. We get lounge access via our Priority Pass, which was free from one of our credit cards. Learn more about Priority Pass here and which credit cards offer a free membership here.

kids playing in play area at airport

I hope these tips prepare you for smooth sailing through the airport with your kids in tow. If you found 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. Alison says

    July 4, 2016 at 1:53 pm

    Make sure your ice packs are frozen solid! I made that mistake flying back with breast milk. The freezer in my hotel didn’t work and I forgot to ask the hotel to let me keep my Medela ice packs in their freezer. At security the TSA agent said my breast milk was fine but I couldn’t’ leave the ice packs because they were now liquid. Luckily I always keep a gallon storage bag with me so I asked someone at a food counter to fill it with ice for my cooler which saved my milk.

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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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