So I’d like to start off by saying that when I travel I like to be very efficient, I don’t like wasted time on planes, in cars or on trains.  Efficient packing and travel is what I strive for before I start any journey.  Obviously sometimes is all goes out the window and I adapt.

So strollers!! I have a love/hate relationship with them and also love buying them! Before my first kid, I researched every stroller and the ones that hadn’t hit the market (crazy, yes!), ultimately I probably spent way too much money and should of just bought the ones I knew I wanted regardless of price.  I’ll do another post on strollers later!

For Car Travel: if you have room and are going somewhere (like a city) where you will want a big stroller, just bring your normal one.. if the place you are driving to is more like a resort or you are staying in one place, bring a travel one (for naps at dinner etc.) – any one is fine since you don’t have to worry about overhead compartments (so umbrella strollers, etc.).

For Planes and Trains

Plane travel with kids, I recommend that if your kids can walk and don’t get tired after 2 steps, let’s say over the age of 3 years old, buy the Stokke Jetkids BedBox!!! You won’t regret it, this helps with the 3+ year olds as the youngsters won’t be able to sit on it comfortably (because it is tall).. but I bought this and it is as easy as strolling my suitcase and contains my energetic child!!

Note: I would advise to skip the Trunki – yes, I know it’s tempting with the price, but I found that I always ended up carrying it and it wasn’t intuitive to open while traveling and actually was more annoying when my kid was on it then if they were walking or we were holding them.  The wheels don’t swivel, making it impractical for travel.

I have the GB Pockit Stroller, I love it!!  It folds up so small and goes right in the overhead bin. Way smaller than any carry on bag!  Don’t let any airline tell you it can’t go on the plane – they are idiots or they don’t have kids, it is allowed on the plane!!  You can also use it as an umbrella stroller later on when kids grow out of your other main one.  Alternative one is the Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller, more of an investment but has more functionality (can turn into a bassinet, can put a car seat in it and can be your everyday stroller if you have 1 child).

I’m against gate checking anything related to kids:  The reason I love the strollers above are because they stay with you on the plane just like your carry on would, so no delay.  When you bring larger strollers that you have to gate-side check, be prepared to wait.. if you booked first class forget it!  They sometimes come out fast but most of the time you are waiting on the jetbridge forever and the whole plane will have de-planed by the time you get your buggy/stroller.

Other ideas (think about where you are going):

• Going to a resort: Try bringing the baby in a Baby Bjorn or carrier for the plane vs a stroller.
• Grandparents: If you travel there a lot, buy a stroller that you only use there and then don’t fly with one.

When we fly with kids, I always get transportation from the airport to our destination and only book with companies that provide car seats… OR rent a car with car seats.  If you are bringing a Car Seat.. CHECK IT unless you have a seat for the baby and are using the car seat for that.  

Places that you travel too will have car companies that provide car seats just google it!!  I have recommendations for London, Boston and Spain.. message me!