How to Travel With Twins

Traveling with twins can be either a traumatic or a terrific experience. Packing for twins, entertaining twins, and ensuring the safety of your twins as you travel can be a trying experience for parents of multiples.But with a little research, and a lot of planning before you ever hit the road, you can increase the odds that your trip with twins will be a terrific one.To ensure that you have a terrific experience when traveling with your twins, follow these steps to prepare for your travels.

Things You'll Need

• A computer
• A printer
• Internet access
• A phone
• 2 small bags
• Assortment of toys and snacks

Instructions

How to Travel With Twins

1. Create a trip folder on your computer that will serve as an information file for your upcoming trip with your twins. As you do research, make lists, and record notes this file will help to keep you organized.

2. Select a family friendly destination. Choosing a location that is used to hosting families will increase the likelihood that your destination will be childproofed, that there will be activities for your twins to take part in, and that the staff is used to accommodating families and is knowledgeable in local areas of interest that your twins may enjoy. Be sure to become familiar with your host and inquire as to what type of equipment that they may have available for your twins to use. Many destinations offer cribs, high chairs and other big items for their guests use during their travels. Once you have selected a location, create a document in your trip folder with the contact information, FAQs, reservation information and questions that you've asked, along with their answers and who at your destination provided you with them.

3. Research your transportation option. If you will be flying you'll need to know the rules about child safety seats. Some airlines will not allow two seats to be placed in one row. You'll need to make advance arrangements with the airline to secure the best seating arrangements for your twins, especially if you are traveling alone. If you are renting a vehicle, you'll want to know if renting car seats for your twins is an option while you travel and the price it would cost to do so. Create a document in your trip folder outlining your travel information, reservation information, and other important notes about your transportation selection.

4. Plan your packing. It's vital to make a list of what you need to bring with you for your twins. Create a packing list on your computer and save it your travel file. You'll then have the ability to print it out several times as needed. Having a list ensures that you bring everything you need for your twins and helps to ensure that you come home with everything that you brought with you. If you are traveling with younger twins, it may be more cost effective and convenient to purchase supplies like diapers and wipes at your destination or to ship them to your destination in advance. You may also want to consider bringing childproofing items like cabinet locks with you if you have young twins that tend to get into everything.

5. Prepare Activities. If your twins are out of the infant stage, allow each twin to pack a small bag for their travels. In each bag include snacks and drinks, books, small one piece toys, crayons and paper, and sticker books to keep your twins occupied. You may also want to consider packing a DVD player and a selection of DVDs. Type a list of what you'll be packing for your twins travel bag and save it in your trip file.

6. Print our your trip file. Having all your information in one place will help to keep you organized and on track as you prepare to travel with your twins.

7. When you arrive at your destination do a quick safety check. Be sure that the cords to all window blinds are out of the reach of your twins, remove any display items that are breakable and be sure that any hazardous chemicals or cleaners are out of the reach of your twins during your travels.

8. Stick to your twins schedule. When at all possible, try to keep your twins routine consistent as you travel. Ensuring that your twins sleep and eat at their regular time will help to keep them in good spirits on your trip.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are flying with your twins, be sure to arrive at the airport early so that you can board the plane early to get situated.

• If you will be at the airport, consider using your double stroller to travel through the airport with your twins. You can easily check this item at the gate.

• Ask if attractions that you visit offer a discount for twins. Many parks, restaurants and shops offer parents of twins special savings.

• Don't give your twins medicine to help them sleep when you travel. It can often have an adverse affect on them and cause them to get wound up.

• Don't change your rules when you travel with your twins. Your twins thrive off routine and structure and will do best if the rules and consequences for breaking them stay consistent during your travels.

• Do check references if you hire a babysitter to care for your twins when you travel.