Family travel expert Jen Carr, known online as The Travel Mum, has highlighted a common hand luggage mistake she sees parents making before they even reach the airport. It is not about weight or bag size, but what actually goes into the bag.
Speaking exclusively to the Liverpool Echo, she said: "I think some people, if they're organised, might bring one change of outfit. But have quite a lot of outfits! Especially for babies' poops and vomits."
Parents Should Pack Spare Clothes for Themselves Too
Jen also urged that it is not just about spare clothes for the kids. She added: "For you as well; have a change of outfit! We had one flight where I was babywearing and [my son] pooped, it leaked out of his little dungarees, shorts set, and then I had poop on me. I didn't have a change of clothes then either, but I learned my lesson."
Jen has gained nearly 350,000 Instagram followers thanks to the practical tips and eye-catching deals she shares on social media.
Entertainment and Cheap New Toys Recommended
To make the journey as easy as possible for everyone in the family, Jen recommends making sure you have packed enough entertainment for the kids. She explained: "Always take activities because you can keep them occupied with snacks, activities, iPads. We have little headphones and all the shows downloaded for [my son] to watch, because it's just survival, isn't it?"
She quipped: "We try and get new rubbish for every trip. Leo, he's seven, and gets really occupied by those little hoops where you press the buttons to blow bubbles and hook the hoops. He will spend hours trying to get all of the hoops on different things."
According to Jen, you do not need to spend a fortune on new toys, but it is worth buying "things that are cheap and they've not seen before, and there'll be a bit of a novelty towards it". Her must-have? "Magazines with stickers! My son is a bit old for that now, but he used to really enjoy just magazines with stickers, unpeeling them and sticking them everywhere."
Jen Carr, family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, shares the best affordable holiday deals for families throughout the week. Her new book 'Yes You Can Travel With Kids' is available now.
