A Few Favorite Things: Travel Edition
It doesn't matter how much you plan or prepare there will always be bumps in the road when it comes to travel. Recently, I have found these following items to aid in the craziness of my traveling circus.
It took me too many years to finally figure this trick out. Plus, when I put them in my momiform fanny pack they are so easy to store and grab!
This is all the gear I took for an international six day family trip of four people. Until recently, I didn't understand what a luxury a travel stroller is! We have used a second-hand double Maclaren for years and that was a huge help for a long time. I was given the Looping Squizz to put it to the test and it proved more helpful than my husband, I can say that because I know he won't read this. Ha! I got smarter with each flight and brought the stroller on board with me and stored it in the overhead compartment so I didn't have to wait and recieve it at baggage claim. If you are a travel fam I would suggest investing in a travel stroller, it isn't necessary but it is SO helpful.
I won the backpack at a bloggy event and have totally gotten my moneys worth. That sucker is packed with one million compartments which is great because I stuff it full with electronics, cords, washi tape, mints- all the really important things.
The duffle bag was a forced buy after TSA completely ruined our other suitcase during our travels last Christmas. So really, I should thank TSA for forcing us to actually purchase a new travel bag. TSA is sooooo helpful.
Here's a Mommy Mundo plug because I love her and was really impressed with the selection and large discounts at Expo Mom last month. I tried for a long time to force my children to like the trendy FJÄLLRÄVEN but lets be honest, they don't care, like at all. And yes, they are wearing them in the top photo because...trendy+cute+pinterest+Instagram. Duh. Kids love animals, soft things and small bags that actually fit their bodies! I picked up the two neoprene animal backpacks on the right from QRose Philippines at the Expo Mom for a wicked discount. The little lion Marcus and Marcus backpack was a giveaway at a bloggy event. (Notice a trend, I get a lot of swag to work full time. #worthit #justkidding)
Our minds were blown when we got our hands on a MiFold. HOW DOES EVERY TRAVELING FAM NOT HAVE ONE? You guys, this is a game changer. The compact booster seat can even fit in your back pocket but also protect your childs life. Don't believe me, watch this! It is the ultimate travel car seat. I don't even want to think of the years we lugged our huge clunkers back and forth internationally. Hay naku.
Instagram caption from our Malaysia trip:
As thrilling as traveling is, it can also be ugly. I love sharing the highlights but don’t be fooled that it’s all pretty pictures and smiley faces because it ain’t, if people say that don’t trust them! You’re lucky you can’t smell my hot sweaty mess through your screen. Things you didn’t see on social media: seven hour flight delay, exhaustion, vomit- so much barf and dirty clothes, yells, tears, tantrums. And my personal favorite, Oz peeing in a cup at a playground (unbeknownst to me) and in a water bottle on a three hour bus ride (known to me). *Adults also sometimes throw tantrums and shed tears.
I bought my leather Teva's in The States last summer and was amazed to see them on Lazada here in Manila. I went crazy and bought three pairs (not leather) from Lazada, which I wouldn't recommend because they got all my sizes wrong but that's another story. Is there another place in Manila that sells Teva?
Please, do yourself a favor and get yourself a pedicure before AND after your trip. I love Piandre because it is a swanky salon but pedis are cheap!
Goo Goo & Gaga makes really soft tees and the boys love them, they have for years! If you don't feel like completely dorking-out and dressing your kids in pajamas (like I did, look below) then go for something less in-your-face.
I treat my three boys like triplets, they each have a color theme, animal and personalized items. I enjoy being organized and those simple tips help a sister out. Headsets are cheapies from Miniso, packing cubes from Pink Label Manila and are surprisingly affordable (around 300-400php per set), backpacks mentioned above and lunchboxes are Yumboxes mentioned below.
Given to me from Nest.Ph and I love them! I am not always on top of it enough to have the card in the photo so I am thinking I will easily add them to a picture book. Another plug for supporting my Filipina Entrepreneurs, the Nest.Ph is located in Pasig but is opening in the South this December!