Guest Post by Rita Strange
Meet Rita Strange
Rita Strange lives in Oakdale, California with her husband and three young children. Both Rita and her husband Steve work in education. Rita loves traveling, supporting her husbandâs wrestling teams, crafting, and celebrating her Portuguese heritage. Ritaâs adventurous kids have already been on many flights around the U.S. and across both the Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Her 5 year old son has already been on 39 flights, her 3 year old daughter has been on 27 flights, and her 1 year old daughter has been on 12 flights to date. âïž
Top Tip for Traveling with Babies & Toddlers đ¶
Q: How do you manage long flights and road trips with babies/toddlers? Any tips for keeping them comfortable?
A: Long flights and road trips with a baby or toddler can be daunting, but with a little preparation, they can also be enjoyable! Hereâs how I manage to keep the kids comfortable and entertained:
- Entertainment as a “Special Treat”– Our kids are allowed to use their Amazon Fire Tablets exclusively during flights. This makes it feel like a treat and keeps them excited and engaged for the duration of the trip. Pre-loading the tablets with their (parent approved) favorite movies or educational games is key, as well as making sure they are well charged. We are not fans of screens in our home, however we feel for the sake of others on the flight, it is worth the exemption.
- New Toys and Activities – I always bring a few new toys or activity books for the journey. The novelty factor works wonders in keeping them interested. One cheap item is an LED drawing pad, which is versatile and entertaining. Itâs perfect for endless games of Tic-Tac-Toe, “boxes,” or free drawing,
- Family Road Trip Games– For car trips, we lean into family games that are fun and thought-provoking:
- Animals A-Z: Naming an animal for each letter of the alphabet (e.g., Umbrella Bird, Narwhal â yes, you’re welcome!).
- Name That Tune: I play a variety of our ‘favorite songs’ and they have to guess who sings it.
These games encourage interaction and help make the journey a bonding experience. We do not allow screens in the car, so we want to have several strategies for keeping them engaged them in other ways.
- Comfort is Key– Snacks are non-negotiable! I pack a mix of their favorites and some travel-friendly options like fruit snacks, granola bars or crackers. Also, frequent breaks on road trips give everyone a chance to stretch, reset, and recharge. If we know we are traveling far, we may plan a stop to visit a friend, family on the way. We travel through Fresno alot, and always make it a priority to visit my sister and her family, this checks several boxes, even if it’s just a quick visit.
Our approach transforms travel time from a challenge into an adventure, with memories to cherish along the way.
Q: What are your must-have items when traveling with a baby/toddler?
A: When traveling with a baby or toddler, my absolute must-have item is my City Select double stroller with its convenient scooter add-on in the back. This stroller is a game-changer, especially when managing three kids on my own. It allows me to navigate airports, parks, and resorts seamlessly, keeping all the kids comfortable and secure while minimizing my stress.
The strollerâs ample storage underneath is incredibly practical for holding essentials like snacks, extra clothes, or shopping bags. Iâve also added carabiners to carry the kidsâ backpacks or our diaper bag when necessaryâsuper handy for staying organized on the go, especially if I need to have quick access to things and do not want to dig through the bottom of the stroller.
When flying, we gate-check the stroller, ensuring itâs ready as soon as we land. A word of advice: donât forget to grab the travel tags at the gate! On one trip through Dallas Fort Worth, our stroller was mistakenly sent to baggage claim. That turned into a challenging adventure, carrying three exhausted kids and several bags across the airport. Lesson learned!
My husband Steve is also a super fan of the backpack carrier. Each kiddo has survived some hikes up in Calevaras Big trees, as well as Wrestling tournaments and even practice in them. We currently have the Luvdbaby, which has lasted very rugged trips and on our third kiddo.
Having a reliable way of carrying the kids around comfortably makes traveling more manageable and keeps everyone happier.
Q: How do you balance sightseeing and taking care of the babyâs/toddlerâs routine (naps, feedings)?
A: When it comes to balancing sightseeing with a baby or toddlerâs routine, we take a âgo with the flowâ approach that keeps everyoneâs stress levels low and ensures we can fully enjoy our time together.
- Flexible MindsetOur primary mindset is that this is our family time, and itâs okay if things donât follow a strict schedule. Vacations are about making memories and enjoying each other, so we let the day unfold naturally. In meltdowns and frustrations, my husband and I often look at each other… smile and say⊔have kids they say… it will be fun they say.” đ
- Vacation Style Suited for LittlesMost of our vacation trips with young kids have been to all-inclusive resorts, which offer the perfect blend of relaxation and flexibility. With meals available around the clock and plenty of space for napsâwhether in a lounge chair by the pool, in a quiet cabana, or back in the roomâwe can adapt to their needs without feeling rushed.
- Traveling for Wrestling CompetitionsA big part of our trip involves supporting my husbandâs wrestling team throughout California and sometimes other states. These trips often mean long days in school gymnasiums, but weâre blessed to be part of a wonderful team of families who help out with the kids. They entertain and engage the little ones, making even the busiest competition days manageable and fun. When I was still nursing, we had several parents with RV’s so I could sneak away and take care of the baby.
Ultimately, our philosophy is simple: enjoy the journey, be present, and let the little ones guide the pace. Itâs a much more enjoyable experience for everyone when we prioritize connection over a rigid schedule.
Q: What are your tips for choosing baby/toddler-friendly accommodations or destinations?
A: When choosing baby- or toddler-friendly accommodations or destinations, my go-to preference is an all-inclusive beach resort. Destinations like Cabo, Cancun, and most recently Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic have been perfect for traveling with little ones. Hereâs why and what I recommend:
Why All-Inclusive Resorts Are Ideal
- No-Stress Dining: Having food available around the clock is a lifesaver for unpredictable toddler appetites. Many resorts also offer room service, so if the kids need a quiet meal time or snack, itâs as simple as calling room service.
- Kid-Friendly Amenities: Resorts often provide cribs, high chairs, and play areas, making it easy to keep your little ones comfortable and entertained.
- Relaxing Environment: With everything in one place, from pools to activities to dining, thereâs no need to pack up and leave the resort to enjoy your vacation.
Planning Ahead
- Call Ahead for Amenities: Before booking, I always check the website or call the hotel or resort to confirm what they provide, such as cribs, pack n’ plays, or bathtubs. This helps reduce what we need to pack. I do always remember to pack a few of the kid medicine especially such as Benadryl for any allergies, or Tylenol, I usually never need it, but paying for some of those items at a resort is usually 150% marked up.
Travel Day Convenience
- Drive-Up Pickups: For travel days, services like drive-up pickups at stores like Target/Walmart are fantastic. It allows me to stock up on items that are difficult to fly with (like bulky packs of diapers) without needing to unload the kids from the car. Most recently we visited some friends in South Carolina, landed, got our rental car, and picked up diapers, wipes and snacks for the kids so we were stocked before getting to their house and did not have to pack all the extra items.
Choosing accommodations and destinations with your kids in mind doesnât mean compromising on relaxation or funâit just takes a bit of planning to ensure everyone has a stress-free experience!
