Traveling with a 2 1/2 Year Old

NO QUESTION - GO!
We travel with our 3 kids 2-3-4 years old. On the plane I pack a special backpack that have all new toys (dollor store) in it. I also pack a lunch with lots of food and snacks (no liquids per airlines). I always hide the backpack unitl we are airborn and it is needed. One fun thing I bring is their leapfrog game pad with headphone. I also bought a cheap CD player and they love listening to the head phones.

Enjoy - take lots of pictures.

I understand the drama of the thought of leaving your son. I had the opportunity to leave my daughter when she was 6 months old and go to Paris. (Taking her was never and option) I immediately declined the trip because I didn't want to leave her and be gone so far. Things came up and I did end up going -- it was a wonderful experience that I'll treasure forever
If it is likely this opportunity won't just pop up again, reconsider going -- without your son. I wouldn't recommend taking a toddler that far... I think it would be more stress than fun at that stage.
It be really good for all of you. You get an amazing trip with your husband, and it could be a great 'adventure' for your son if you leave him with friends or grandparents... they could plan a special activity.
I understand if you still don't go -- just reconsider before you pass up an amazing opportunity!
Have a great New Year!

I am not sure. Since he's a good traveler I would consider it. Before making the decision I would check with the hotel you are staying at to learn more about the accommodations, it may be kid friendly? I would check to see what type of documentation (e.g. passport) is required for children. If it works out I bet he would enjoy a trip to the outback!

Go!! If at all possible book your flights so you leave during the late afternoon/evening. This way your son can enjoy the first part of the travel then he will fall asleep and hopefully sleep through most of the flight. During take off and landing offer your son something to eat and drink - This usually helps with the ears. Pack a back pack just for him - have a few favorite things and snacks then add new toys/books to unwrap and play with. Portable DVD players are great too! If the Flight Attendent isn't to much of a stickler for the rules - go for walks up and down. I have traveled numerous times with my now three year old daughter since she was less than a month old. What a wonderful opportunity - Go and enjoy!

I have traveled with my daughter when she was 11 months and about 15 months. I wouldnt recommend it.

we were waiting in a very long line for customs in jamaica and there was a young child in line ahead of us... crying hysterically "go to bed" he was sooo tired and overstimulated... It was late at night and the airport was hot and many flights were delayed. the child was not having fun on his vacation.. and neither were the parents.

Young children -even those well behaved children- need to nap and who wants to spend several hours of their vacation stuck in a hotel while the baby sleeps.. Also the child needs to go to bed early - so again you are back in your hotel room so the baby can sleep.

Kids dont enjoy fine dining so going to fancy restarants wouldnot be part of this trip. And kids dont care for sight seeing...

for the few years that the kids are very young.. go on vacation to th places where they want to go.. like disney world... or someother kid friendly place... go to austrailia alone... or take your son when he is older and will enjoy it.

I would go and take your son--who knows when he or you will get a chance to go again. I travel alot with all three of my kids (ages 8, 5, $ 3), we started travel when my oldest was under a month old, and have gotten it down pretty well. Pack his carry-on with stuff to make him happy, snack, drinks, toys: dress him in real comfortable clothes (I sometimes take my kids in PJS)--I would for sure try to leave out in the evening like someone else suggested. When we go on prolonged trips that is the only time we leave---take lots of pictures and enjoy!!!

I think you should take your son, Yes it will be more stressfull than going with just your husband but if he is a good kid than it will be an unforgettable experience. As for the plane ride, I would suggest buying one of the portable dvd players and bringing some favorite movies. Bring something for him to snack on and drink (to help with the ear poppin)

And for while you're in Australia, remember his schedule. I'm not sure of the time difference there, but it will take him some time to get used to it. And if he still takes daily naps, try and still get those in.

Good luck with whatever you choose to do!

Definitely take him and take lots of pictures. My son has an amazing memory and still remembers events from when he was 2 b/c we took lots of pictures and we sit at the computer and revisit all our vacations and mini-vacations as time goes by.

Hi S. - i agree with the other moms - go for it! we traveled with our 2.5 year old to MAUI (from Chicago) and he was terrific. it sounds like your son is already a good traveler so i'd go for it. in our case, we talked about the flight for weeks ahead of time, showed him the globe, read him books about travel ("Lisa's Airplane Trip" is adorable) and made him feel like he was a "big boy" for getting to go. i think that helped.

one suggestion a friend gave me that also helped was to buy a bunch of little toys/books/crayons etc... from the $ bins at Target. so we had a little goody bag of new things to keep him occupied and we used some on the way there and some on the way home. plus at that price, you won't mind if you lose one!

he wasn't a huge tv or video watcher at that age, but we did bring a portable DVD player along which helped too. but on those long flights they are bound to sleep for a good long time. have fun! yeah for travel with kids!

Hi S.,

I would go in a heartbeat! I have 2-1/2 year old twin boys and we travel by plane all the time. And usually my hubby has to stay home and work, so I tend to fly 4-5 times a year all by myself with the boys. Mind you, my flights are usually only 5 hours, but it is doable if you are prepared. Pre-plan and make it a kid friendly trip, try to remain calm even if you feel stressed out, and in the long run I think it will be a great vacation that you will be glad you shared with the whole family.

Hi S., I have a 2 year old and have traveled quite extensively with her on an airplane. It can be very stressful, however I wouldn't have done it any other way. I would go... with or without your son. This opportunity may not come up again.
Whatever your decision... just feel good about it and don't look back and wonder "what if" at a later time.
Happy New Year