Traveling with young kids doesn’t have to be a nightmare.  Due to my husband’s job as a aviation defense contractor I am often traveling with the kids alone.  While it hasn’t always been smooth sailing, I have found with a few good traveling tips and some awesome products, traveling with with littles can actually be pretty easy!

Ten MUST HAVE items to help make traveling with babies and young children a lot easier for the whole family!

1. GoGo Kidz Travelmate

Why carry your child’s car seat when you can wheel it with ease?  The GoGo Kidz Travelmate easily and quickly attaches to the back of a convertible car seat allowing you to push or pull it one handed through the airport!  You can then use the Travelmateas a stroller for your child, or (my favorite) put all your carry-ons in the seat with the straps around the handle and wear baby/toddler.  This gives you one hand free to do things like eat or attend to older children!

2. Baby Carrier

If you are the parent to a young baby or toddler a quality baby carrier is essential to traveling.   Not only does it leave you hands free to carry bags, load up cars, hail taxis, or wrangle older children, it also keeps you from having to worry at all about your baby.  Baby is safe and snug, has a place to nap on the go, and won’t be crawling around on the germy floor!  For newborns I recommend a stretchy wrap or Nuroo, and for older babies and toddlers a soft structured baby carrier is key.

Note: It is possible that some TSA will ask you to remove baby from the carrier although this has NEVER happened to me.  Instead they just ask to swab my hands, but you should be prepared for it if it happens.  However, when flying most airlines may ask you to remove baby for take off and landing as it is a rule of theirs. I have found that I can get around this by asking if it is okay if I just unbuckle the carrier… with a newborn it isn’t a big deal to remove them from the carrier especially a wrap where they will snug right in!

3. CARES Harness

If you are flying with a young child and not using a car seat you must have the CARES Harness. This is one of the most brilliant and easy to travel with products I own.  After my first son turned 2 and I had to buy him his own ticket, I was frustrated to learn my car seat was too big to fit on the small plane we were traveling on to see family.  Trying to keep my son in his seat for 4.5 hours was exhausting.  Since we were staying at my mom’s house for a period of time I immediately ordered one of these for our plane flight home.  Since then we always travel with our Cares Harness. Created for children 22-44 lbs it weighs less than a pound and fits in my diaper bag or purse.

4. Reusable Bags

From snacks to keep your young ones occupied and satisfied, to a place to put those “accidents happen” clothing – if you have young children you will find a quality reusable bag invaluable!  I love the Itzy Ritzy line of Snack Happens and Travel Happens bags.  They are fun and colorful, while being waterproof and spill proof!  My older son likes them because he knows exactly where to find his snacks in the diaper bag!  I use the wet bags for cloth diapering, but also for a place to store all the yucky stuff that happens while traveling.  We may have even had to use one as a car sickness bag…

5. Disinfecting Wipes

Kids touch everything, worse yet babies put everything in their mouths!  While I don’t always sanitize everything (kids have to be exposed to some germs to build immunity), when it comes to traveling I am a fan of wiping down EVERYTHING with Wet Ones Antibacterial Hand Wipes.  Especially when we get on to the plane.  The arm rests, window shades, and tray tables all get wiped down with my Wet Ones travel sized wipes.  Any toy that accidentally or purposely hits the ground also gets a good wipe down.  While I am sure they are still getting exposed to some germs, I feel much better knowing I am cutting the risk of getting sick way down!

6. Toddler Busy Bags

If you are traveling anywhere that takes more than a few hours to get there I strongly recommend creating or purchasing a busy bag for your young child.  I love the Packed 4 Fun bags in all sorts of themes (dinosaurs, things that go, and toddler fun pack) when it comes to traveling!  For $24 you get a backpack filled with new and engaging toys and activities for your young child.  Plus because it is all new it tend to hold your child’s attention longer!

7. Tablet

Let’s face it – all kids love technology!  A few free apps and a fun case (like the iGuy ) for kids and you can claim a few hours of quiet time. Our favorite free iPad apps include Preschool Monkey Lunchbox, Angry Birds, Jake and the Neverland Pirates, and PBS Kids.  I especially love putting a new movie or TV show on my iPad for my son who tends to fight naps while traveling.  Usually 10-15 minutes in he’s fast asleep.  A great set of kid’s headphones is also very helpful here!

8. Baby Playyard.

If you have an infant or toddler having a playyard while traveling is a must!  Not only does it provide a place for your child to sleep, but it also gives them a safe space to play.  I especially like the 4 Moms Breeze because it is so easy to use!  (Seriously, even my 4.5 year old can assemble this playyard!

9. Backpack Diaper Bag

Forget anything that is going to take more hands away from you! If you are traveling with young kids a backpack diaper bag is the way to go! I’m a big fan of timi & leslie 2-1 Joey Backpack and it has gone traveling with us on several vacations now.  I especially like that it has a wipeable changing pad for on the go diaper changes!

10. aden+anais swaddle blankets

Truth be told I NEVER go anywhere without at least one or two of the aden+anais swaddle blankets in my diaper bag.  They are super thin and don’t take up a lot of space, but they can be used in so many different ways!  From a blanket, to a nursing cover, or even a pillow there are 101 ways these blankets will be helpful while traveling.  They aren’t just for baby – I love to use them as a scarf when I get cold on the plane!  My son likes them rolled up to support his head when sleeping, and the baby just wants to snuggle with them.  Plus since they are muslin cotton they will help keep you warm but not too warm!

With the proper planning and a little help from the best gear on the market you will find that traveling is nothing to be afraid of!

What is your must have when traveling with young children?

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I grew up listening to Mannheim Steamroller ever single Christmas since I can remember.  My mother was a big fan, and I have many fond memories in our home of reading, relaxing, and even cleaning/cooking while Manneheim was played (often loudly) in the background.

When I heard that they were going to be coming to Las Vegas for a special 6-week engagement I was excited to attend with my husband.  The music was everything I remembered it to be and more.  The show was fun, and creative.  The music will keep you entertained the whole time, and don’t be surprised if the Mannheim Steamroller is the only place you find snow in Las Vegas!

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas in Las Vegas!

It’s the music that revolutionized the sound of Christmas – Mannheim Steamroller! For this exclusive six week engagement, Grammy Award winning composer/musician, Chip Davis has amplified his renowned program of signature Christmas classics and state-of-the-art multimedia effects specifically for Las Vegas.  Davis and his “technical wizards” are adding a 20 piece orchestra, choreography, flying angels, winter snow and even more Christmas magic than ever before, to create an unforgettable holiday experience!

When:

November 20 – December 30, Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – Las Vegas will be performing nightly at 7pm with additional performances scheduled Dec 25, 27 and 29 at 9:30pm

Buy Discount Tickets and Give Back!

Buy 2-FOR-1 tickets and Mannheim Steamroller will donate $5.00 to Easter Seals Nevada!

Holidays are a time for giving!  Give the gift of entertainment and your charitable contribution will make the holiday a little brighter for the children assisted by Easter Seals Nevada. Use CODE: ES241 when ordering your tickets online, over the phone or in person at any Venetian-Palazzo box office and receive a 2-for-1 discount on all price categories.

In addition to this special holiday discount, $5.00 from each ticket purchased with this unique code is donated to Easter Seals Nevada.

Hurry – If you are a Mannheim Steamroller fan, than this is the perfect holiday show for you!

Disclosure: I received tickets to check out the show, all opinions are 100% honest and my own!

Recently my son and I headed down to the strip to play tourists for the day.  My Aunt and Uncle were in town visiting as they do every year for my Uncle’s birthday.  They always stay at one of my favorite Las Vegas hotels – The Bellagio.

We just love visiting the conservatory.  Every season is simply magical as the entire exhibit is made from flowers and other botanical that are maintained every morning. This exhibit is completely free and just always a show stopper. Currently they are displaying the Fall Harvest! While you are there don’t forget to step outside and enjoy the fountains as well!

They had several giant pumpkins.  I couldn’t believe how big these were!

Other giant pumpkins were made completely out of flowers.

Every day the old or wilting flowers are pulled and new ones are replaced. While I have never had a great thumb, I have to admit the thought of their job sounds extremely peaceful to me!

There was even a talking tree.  My son was completely mesmerized by this tree, and all through our lunch asked to go back and talk to the tree again.

I can’t believe how grown up he looks here!

It was nearly impossible once Squishy had seen the tree to get him to pose for a picture…

Every picture we took by the tree he has the same look on his face! He just couldn’t figure out how or why the tree was talking!

The hand blown glass leaves are amazing, and the light pouring in from above helps you to forget just for a moment you are inside a casino!

One of my favorite parts of the conservatory Fall exhibit was the Monet done completely in flowers… Can you name this painting?

How often do you get to play tourist in your city?

The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa and the Westin Lake Las Vegas, Resort & Spa are the ultimate combination for travelers looking to get the most out of their Las Vegas experience. Guests who book the Rock & Rehab package will get 25% off the best of both worlds with rest and relaxation at the lakeside paradise of “The Other Vegas”at the newly re-branded Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa after reveling in the excitement of the Las Vegas strip with a stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa.

The Rock & Rehab package includes:

• Two-night stay at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa
• Two-night stay at “The Other Vegas”^SM, The Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa
• Complimentary transportation from the strip to Lake Las Vegas

Rates start at $97 per night. Guests should book their entire four night stay with the Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa and will automatically be booked for a two night stay at the Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa.  For information please visit www.westinlakelasvegas.com or www.westinvegas.com. To make reservations please contact Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa at 702-567-6000 or Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa at 702-836-5900.

About Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa

Rebranded in March 2012, Westin Lake Las Vegas Resort & Spa in Henderson, Nevada, welcomes travelers to “The Other Vegas”^SM with breathtaking lake and mountain views, a wide array of activities and easy proximity to the heart of the strip. The desert retreat features 493 rooms and suites, each outfitted with the Westin Heavenly^® Bed, world-class resort amenities including two pools, a white sand beach, cabanas, and a choice of water activities. Guests enjoy a range of dining options onsite, including stylish Asian cuisine at Marssa; Continental fare in a relaxed atmosphere at Rick’s Café; selection of gourmet beverages, healthy meals and indulgent snacks at Marrakesh Express; and casual cocktails at Arabesque Lounge. Spa Moulay offers an extensive menu of treatments and services in a gorgeous space. The resort also has more than 94,000 square feet of meeting and event space, including the Casablanca Ballroom with capacity for up to 2,100 guests. For more information, please visit www.westinlakelasvegas.com.

About Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa

The Westin Las Vegas Hotel, Casino & Spa is located one block from the famous Strip and within two blocks of The Forum Shops and Miracle Mile Mall. The hotel puts guests close to all the action and excitement at the heart of Vegas, with comfortable guest rooms and suites featuring great city views and the Westin Heavenly^® Bed. Guests can try their luck at the Casuarina Casino featuring Blackjack, Texas Hold’em, Bonus Poker, a multitude of the newest slots and more. After a long day (or night) on the town, The Hibiscus Spa can provide a relaxing massage or spa treatment to help the stress melt away. The hotel also features an outdoor heated pool; Happy Hour with complimentary appetizers, beer and wine; and 24-hour dining options including the Starbucks Coffee Cafe, Suede Restaurant and Casino Lounge. www.westinvegas.com

Disclosure: This is not a compensated post.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.  Media and descriptions were provided to me to share with my readers.

I enjoy Las Vegas, but even after nearly six years of living here there is so MUCH I haven’t seen or done yet!  When I was approached by Scott and Melanie Russell to review their guidebook “Betcha Missed It- Las Vegas! Find the Hidden Treasures On and Around the Las Vegas Strip (A Las Vegas Travel Guide)” I jumped on the opportunity.

There are so many times I have had family come into town and want a guided tour of my city, and let’s face it, you can only afford a show, fancy dinner, or watch the amazing Bellagio Fountains so many times before you want something more.

I wasn’t sure what I was expecting out of this book, but what I got was a whole lot of great tips, and hidden gems I can’t wait to check out.  This guidebook is something everyone who comes to or lives in Las Vegas should own!  It really has something for everyone!

About Betcha Missed It – Las Vegas!

“We have looked up and down, in and out of most of the Vegas hot spots and discovered things most people never see. Even the “locals” don’t know most of these things are right in their own backyard. Our book, Betcha Missed It! Las Vegas Find the Hidden Treasures On and Around the Las Vegas Strip provides you with information, facts, and most importantly- a game! The book is a hunt that leads you to very cool things to see and do in Las Vegas. Now you can plan on seeing that show and going to a club but you also can fill the rest of your day in Fabulous Las Vegas!” – BetchaMissedIt.com

Yes, you read that right! This guidebook has a super fun game inside!  Who doesn’t love a treasure hunt!  This isn’t your everyday treasure hunt either!  The Russell’s put together a fun and historic hunt that locals and visitors a like will love!  It provides a whole new side to seeing the Strip than what people traditionally think of, and at the very least it gives your pocketbook a break while you have some non-gaming fun!

“Each hidden treasure has been designated a level of difficulty – “Easy” meaning you could practically trip over it, “Moderate” meaning you may scratch your chin a couple of times before you find it, and “Hard” meaning you probably won’t find it unless you are sober.  You are also given recommendations for items to bring with you for each particular hidden treasure (coins for tossing, a camera, your appetite, etc.).”

For instance – can you tell me what and where this is located?  This is one of my favorite places to take first timers in Las Vegas!  It is even a Guinness book world record holding attraction!

Are you ready to start your Las Vegas treasure hunt?!

Buy It

Traveling to, live in, or just looking for a fun Las Vegas Guidebook?  You can buy this book on Amazon:

Win It

One lucky Our Knight Life reader is going to win a copy courtesy of Scott and Melanie Russell of their very own!
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It’s been about a year since we traveled for Florida, so two weeks ago we spent a week in Florida visiting my Dad and Stepmom.  It wasn’t a vacation kind of trip, but we sure managed to have some fun along the way.

I thought I would share some of my favorite pictures from the trip. Traveling with a 3 year old is sure a trip!  I can’t imagine what it will be like once we add a second child into the mix!

Side note: This was Squishy’s 3rd trip to the Sunshine State! If you’d like to see the first two trips check out these posts! Grandpa Fail, Baby’s First Trip To Florida, and Safari Adventures!

My silly little man after eating his Chobani on the airplane!

I think my son looks so much like my brother in this picture.  It’s really neat to see different people in your children’s faces.

Walking back to the car after a successful trip to the beach!  The girls are my step-sister’s daughters – aka Squishy’s cousins!

Fun times at Chuckie Cheese! (At least the kiddos had fun, it was a bit of an anxiety inducing overload for the parents…)

The TV Screen above their ride! This was actually one of the coolest rides!

Baby BriBri in the swing! (She isn’t really a baby at 2, but she was the youngest and is sweet as pie!)

M in the swing! Isn’t she gorgeous!  She is 4.

I like to call this monkey’s in a tree!  I love how their outfits magically coordinated this day even though we didn’t plan for it!

In this picture you can see a bit of each of their personalities!

They all had such a fun time playing together.  Ages 2, 3, and 4!

Hey mom! I have a beard too!

My sweet Squishy boy!

Grandpa Mark and Squishy boy!  Squish loved LOVED playing with his Grandpa.

Yep, I can see the resemblance!

Being silly in Gigi’s wigs!

Did you travel anywhere fun with family this summer?

We are doing well being back at home.  Getting ready for my Mom’s trip here, and enjoying starting solids.  Squishy really seems to like them.  A few funny faces at first, but then nothing but a wide open mouth.  He is also singing/talking while he eats, which I find adorable.  If I can ever get my video camera to work I will put up a video.

(If you want to see pictures from the first half of our trip check out the post titled Grandpa Fail in December.)

First taste of bananas – it got better!