Flying with Kids: How to Make It Easier for Everyone
Traveling with children—especially younger ones—can be stressful. Airports are busy, airplanes are cramped, and kids don’t always cope well with either. But with a little planning and preparation, you can make the whole experience smoother for your child, yourself, and even your fellow passengers. Here’s how:
1. Prepare Your Child Mentally
If your child is old enough to understand, talk to them ahead of time about the flight. Let them know what to expect—from airport security to how long they'll be in their seat. Include them in the planning by letting them pack their carry-on with a few favorite toys, books, and healthy snacks.
2. Time It Right
When possible, book flights that align with nap time. For long-haul flights, consider traveling overnight so your child is more likely to sleep through much of it.
3. Keep Bedtime Routines Consistent
Help your child wind down by sticking to parts of their regular bedtime routine. Put them in pajamas, brush their teeth, and read a story. Bringing a small pillow and blanket from home can also help them feel comfortable and cozy on the plane.
4. Consider Buying a Seat for Your Infant
If your child is under 2 and it's financially feasible, booking them their own seat is well worth it. If they’re an infant, bring an airline-approved car seat so you can safely strap them in. You’ll appreciate having your hands free, and your baby will likely be more comfortable, too.
5. Boarding Strategy Matters
Most airlines offer early boarding for families with young kids. Take advantage of this if you're traveling with a baby and need the extra time to get settled. If your kids are older, it might be better to wait and let them move around and burn off energy until the last minute.
6. Choose Seats Strategically
If you’re traveling alone with your child, book the window and middle seats. The window offers entertainment, and sitting in the middle lets you buffer your child from other passengers—always a smart move with little ones who might get restless.

I was thrilled to meet with  Marsha Mowers  and talk about Travel Best Bets.

Travel Market Report Interview

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The shift in travel planning among affluent millennials marks a significant change in how trips are conceptualized and executed. This demographic prioritizes experiences over destinations, leading to a more dynamic approach to travel. Here are some key implications of this trend:
1. Destination Development Destinations will increasingly focus on creating unique experiences to attract younger travellers. This could include specialized tours, immersive cultural experiences, and exclusive events that resonate with the interests of this demographic.
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2. Tailored Packages
Travel companies will likely develop more customizable vacation packages that allow for greater flexibility. This means travellers can mix and match activities and accommodations based on their preferences, rather than being locked into a predetermined itinerary.

3. Advance Planning and Booking As younger travellers are more inclined to book activities in advance, there will be a push for platforms that streamline this process. This could lead to innovations in travel technology, enabling easy access to reservations and last-minute adjustments.

4. Increased Competition Destinations and providers will face increased competition as they strive to offer standout experiences. This could lead to better pricing and more varied options for all travellers, not just millennials, as companies cater to a wider audience.

5. Social Media Influence
With the rise of experience-driven travel, social media will continue to play a crucial role. Destinations that leverage user-generated content and influencer partnerships will likely see increased interest from this demographic, shaping their travel decisions.

Conclusion As affluent millennials redefine travel planning, the industry will adapt to meet their desires for unique, experience-based trips. This shift not only enhances the travel landscape for younger travellers but also sets a new standard that could benefit the broader market. Expect to see an evolution in how travel experiences are marketed and delivered in the coming years.

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