The busy holiday travel season will soon be upon us, which means crowded airports, higher airfares and -- if you're not careful -- hefty baggage fees. Traveling light when you have kids in tow can be challenging, but not impossible if you have the right gear and a streamlined mindset.
1. Wear it. When traveling with a baby or toddler, do you bring your handbag or a diaper bag on the plane? Airlines impose strict carry-on bag limitations, but an Idaho-based clothing manufacturer offers a clever end-around solution.
2. Mix 'n match it. Less is more when it comes to packing, which is why veteran travelers downsize to a capsule wardrobe -- a small number of coordinating tops and bottoms that can be paired in different ways to create multiple outfits.
3. Carry it on. The right luggage can make all the difference, and Tom Bihn's carry-ons are the most smartly designed and versatile we've yet to come across. Our go-to choice is the Aeronaut ($250 on TomBihn.com), a duffel-like bag made of tough ballistic nylon whose three zippered compartments are ample enough for a four-day escape for two people or a weeklong solo trip.
4. Ship it. For longer trips with little ones, it can be extremely cumbersome to lug all the diapers, wipes, and other baby products you'll need while you're away. Instead, consider buying supplies from your favorite online retailer and shipping your order directly to your hotel, vacation rental, or grandma's house.
5. Organize it. The packing cubes in Eagle Creek's Pack-It series are not only great for organizing your bag, but they compress clothes so that you can fit more into the same space. They come in different colors, so it's super easy to pack for multiple kids and multiple days.
6. Rent it. Don't want to schlep your stroller, portable crib, and other gear along with you? With over 60 locations in the US, Baby's Away is the largest national baby equipment rental company, and there are similar locally-based services in many destinations.
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