travelhappyfamily

You've received all the good information/advice already, but let me just chime in that if YOU get stressed your child will react to that. Keep calm, have fun and just roll with it. Our kids have been traveling with us since they were 3 months old (they're almost five and eight now). We've been to Hawaii (from NC - three planes and connections. Ack!), Alaska, 30+ states (driving and flying). In the Caribbean, we've done the Bahamas, St. Thomas/St. John, Aruba and Puerto Rico/Vieques. My son (almost eight) is in love with the ocean due to all those trips and is planning to be a marine biologist (we hope he sticks with it!) Keep traveling with your little one - you'll be amazed by what SHE gets from the trips (culture, meeting new people, history).

Good luck!!

huntington

The wonderful advice continues to pour in...thank you!

So I have some time to decide whether or not to bring a car seat on the plane... In the meantime, I found this -- http://kidsflysafe.com/index.php

Has anyone used it? It looks great (as long as your child is the appropriate size)!

danisunshine

I took my daughter (then 1 and a half) by myself from Chicago to Bahamas last yr. I took carseat, stroller, playpen to sleep in and luggage all by myself. Every piece was worthwhile! She slept in the plane both ways but make sure to talk to your kids and get them excited about flying and where you are going so they are not scared when they enter the plane. It's going to be so fun, etc. Really worked for me!

Also bought new toys for the airplane--didn't need because she slept but I used them when the plane was delayed for 3 hours! Stroller was great for keeping her contained where there were a lot of people. She was already walking.

I don't like big resorts but Atlantis was excellent w/ a one and a half year old.

This yr I'm taking her to the Caribbean again. We will even take the ferry because I'm leaning toward St. BArths.

Have fun, relax, buy a few small,new toys, and get your kids excited before hand about flying/the trip!