My top travel gear and tips, specially when travelling with kids

This post has long been in my drafts folder. I intended this for summer of 2014, but alas, I've really been sooo busy as you can see from the lack of posts this year (bah excuses, excuses). Hopefully I get to blog about our past family trips one day.

Anyway, hope this post may still be of use specially for those who are likely travelling for the holidays with the family. I'm listing down my top travel essentials and some useful tips for your far away trips with the whole crew. Here we go.

Packing cubes - This is on top of my list or everybody's. Whoever invented these babies is a genius. They keep the luggage organized. It's also easy for unpacking once you've settled in your hotel room. Well actually, I just bring out the cubes and put them in the closet. I always have at least one for each member of the family. It's easier for everybody to get their stuff. The set of four on the right were gifted to us (thanks cousins A&B!) while the others on the left can be found at Daiso.

Travel docs holder - For those family travels, I'd rather keep all travel documents in one handy kit for breezing through check-in, immigration and boarding. I got mine from where else again - the Japanese store. I like that it has various pockets to hold our passports, tickets, vouchers, a notepad, pen and even foreign currency and credit cards.

Toiletries kit - I got this from Landmark for only Php169.75. I like that it has a built in hook and can be zipped up into a small bag. It's handy for outings or campings where you don't have a decent shower area with a counter top or shelves to place your toiletries on. The travel bottles can be found at the Japanese or dollar stores.

Universal adaptor - I'm so lucky to have received this souvenir from one of my firm's events. But you can also purchase universal adaptors from your local gadget shops.

Umbrella stoller - It's lightweight and folds as easy as (well what it's named after) an umbrella. It comes in handy for those public commutes in other countries or places where you're not able to bring your own car. What's nice about our umbrella stoller is that it has a reclining position for when the kids are asleep. The brand of our stroller below is Apruva.

One big luggage - As much as possible, we try to fit all our stuff in our ever reliable Concorde maleta and just bring a carry on. First of all, when you travel with kids and bring along a stroller, it's a hassle to pull along a number of luggage when there's just two adults (you and hubby). Second, it saves you the wait in the baggage carousel if you only have one to look out for. Lastly, you have a compelling reason to pack light and lessen the risk of excess baggage. What we do, is we just pack a folding overnight bag for the pasalubongs and other items we shopped for.

Travel cot and sling/carrier - If you're travelling with a small baby, you may want to consider a sling/carrier specially if you're breastfeeding. I got this cozy sling from The Medical City when I gave birth, but I believe it can be purchased from Landmark as well for around Php600-700 I think. Baby would really feel snug as a bug in this, but this is more advisable for places with cold climates. Our travel cot also came in handy during our Tagaytay trip. If your hotel room does not have a crib on hand or you're not comfortable in using the hotel's, it's advisable that you bring this. I got this from Landmark for around Php1,000.

Travelling with kids is really a challenge. Always be prepared to have extra clothes, snacks and small toys on your carry on. However when the whining and bickering get's out of hand, that's when we whip out (please note only as a last resort) the tablet/Ipad. Also for plane rides with babies, try to nurse them, and give snacks/drinks to the little kids to lessen the ear pressure.

I've had my share of smooth flights with my babies as well as cranky ones. No matter what, always believe in the kindness of other passengers, they will understand. Although you can also flash your brightest smile or apologize beforehand for any trouble your kids may cause. =)

Also, never underestimate your kids. I was amazed at how my four year old was able to cope with a delayed flight and made a new friend in the process. More on that in another post.

But most important of all don't forget your trusted camera, enjoy your trip, and make lots of memories.