 What to Pack?
Traveling with the kids means a little extra pre-trip preparation. When it comes
to packing, there's no doubt that less is more. This axiom is especially true
for a Caribbean vacation with kids, where the order of the day is casual and
cool. Most guests are comfortable in shorts and T-shirts in the day, switching
to something "elegantly casual" in the evening hours: smart shorts sets or
simple sundresses for women, khakis and polos for men,
and "school clothes" for kids.For your family island getaway, don't forget:
- 3 pair of shorts,
1 pair of jeans or casual pants
- 1 pair beach shoes, 1
pair sandals, 1 pair sneakers,
1 pair swim shoes
- Dinner outfits, similar
to school clothes
- If you'll be horseback
riding: 3 T-shirts
- 2 swimsuits (one to wear and one to dry)
- Old
t-shirts for the kids to wear while swimming
- Beach
toys
- Plenty
of sunscreen, at least SPF 15
- First
aid kit with aspirin, stomach medicine, bandages, children's aspirin
- Insect
repellent
Parents with infants will find
baby needs readily available on most islands. In a few cases, disposable
diapers are difficult to locate (on small islands like Little Cayman). If
you have favorite brands, bring them from home. Prices are likely to be
steeper on some islands, and the selection can be limited.
Helping Your Kids Enjoy Flying
Talk to you kids about flying, from the sounds they'll
hear to the layout of the plane and the behavior that will be expected of them.
Here are some tips to make flying with kids a pleasant experience:
- Book seat assignments early so the family sits
together. (If you're flying on a charter carrier that doesn't pre-assign
seats, get to the airport extra early to ensure that your group will stay
together.)
- Order special kid's meals from the airline
reservation number at least a day in advance. Special meals, available at no
extra charge, contain kid favorites and also help make children feel part of
the trip.
- Minimize your luggage. You'll travel lighter
(remember the "lug" in luggage!) and check-in will be faster.
- Arrive at the airport early. Check in for
international flights is at least two hours before departure.
- Consider preboarding if you want to get seated
before the mad dash onto the plane begins. However, if your child is restless,
this will only add to total time on the ground
before takeoff.
- Bring bottles and pacifiers for young children
to ease the pressure on the inner ear during take offs and landings. For older
children, bring chewing gum.
- Pack some special activities in a secret
"goody bag" or two you keep out the child's hands until the trip is underway.
- Bring extra batteries for older children's
electronic games and headsets.
|
|
|
