I know there is a big debate about traveling right now. Some of you feel like its irresponsible, some of you are scared the airlines are packing it in, and some of you are worried because your little ones touch everything in sight.

I totally get that and I think that in this situation, every person or family needs to do what feels right for them. The purpose of this post isn’t to convince you that its safe or tell you what to do.

Our family always has and always will travel. It’s a huge part of our lifestyle. Between Jackson’s job and my inability to sit still, we are always on the move.

Since the beginning of Covid-19 in the United States, we have traveled for work and for leisure, and I wanted to share what our experiences have been like and what we do to stay safe.

PACKING

Masks:

I always make sure to pack multiple mask options for me and my family. At least 2 cloth options per person stuffed into a gallon sized ziplock type bag.

I really think that its important to have more than one option when traveling with kids. They are so quick to change their minds and you really never know what will throw them off. (I’ve noticed that Presley does really well if the mask hangs around her neck, like a gaiter or a mask with elastic from one end to the other.)

Sanitizer:

I like to pack a half gallon ziplock bag loaded with multiple little bottles of sanitizer. If we are flying I keep everything in one bag until we pass security so that I don’t need to pull out from each bag. Once we are through I make sure that every personal bag has at least one bottle In an accessible pocket.

Antibacterial Wipes:

A pack of “Wet Ones” always comes in handy. I Throw one in my diaper bag and a backup in my luggage (incase I run out). These are great for wiping down tables, highchairs, your seat on the plane.

Other Random Items:

One thing I always need when traveling with Felix is a blanket. I bring a thin swaddle in my diaper bag, and then pack a backup in our suitcase for when we arrive so that anything that was on the airplane can go straight into a laundry bag. You get the idea, so the rest will really depend on you, your family, and your needs.

AIRPORTS:

Let me tell you, i’ve never enjoyed flying more than I do right now. Why did it take a pandemic for people to realize they should give you (a stranger) space?

Right now there are way less people traveling so thats definitely on your side, and there are signs for social distancing EVERYWHERE! Everyone at the airport is required to wear a mask unless sitting at a table and eating. Some airports even have plexiglass partitions between tables on top of the distance.

The airport in Cancun was set up to scan everybody who walked through the security line for an internal body temp, making sure that if anyone came up warm, they would be pulled aside and screened.

AIRLINES + AIRPLANES:

Do yourself a favor and splurge on the better airlines. We have basically only been flying Southwest and Delta because both have made the pledge to continue to block middle seats. This is a huge deal! You will not feel safe sitting arm to arm with a stranger.

Both of these airlines are only serving water right now. Everyone is to keep their mask on unless drinking or eating (you are allowed to bring food with you). They will make multiple announcements throughout reminding you and they will not hesitate to call someone out who is breaking the rules.

Most people I know are really worried about the recycled air on the plane, which is totally understandable. First thing we do when we get on a plane is close our air vents. Airplanes are equipped with HEPA air filters which are a high-intensity system of fibers that filter out all contaminants - dust, bacteria, moisture, etc. This combined with the fact that (southwest for example) claims they do a full exchange of air every 3 minutes, means that the air is cleaner than in most stores, buildings, small venues.

HOTEL OR AIRBNB:

For us, traveling with 3 kids, we will always choose a rental property when it makes sense for the duration of stay and location. We’ve done both and all in all I felt pretty safe in almost every situation. Most hotels are only booking at a certain capacity and are pretty strict on following protocol. My advice is to call ahead and speak to someone at the physical location, as well as read all of the recent reviews (taking place during the pandemic). You can usually weed out the ba ones that way.