— Flying direct is ALWAYS preferred.
— No matter how many toys you bring, playing with the fold-up tray is more fun.
— People who are not handicapped or traveling with children SHOULD NOT SIT IN BULKHEAD SEATING. This means you, annoying woman with the Soap Opera Digest and WWJD bracelet. I’m just guessing here, but I’d venture that Jesus wouldn’t plop down in bulkhead while 3 older women in wheelchairs and 2 families with small children shuffle into the back aisles.
— Southwest is a good airline for family travel: priority open seating, kids’ activity books, willing to fill zippy cups early in the flight before beverage service, give drinks with lids and straws to all members of the family (for when that rouge toddler kick knocks everything off your tray).
— Raleigh Durham airport gets a big thumbs down. There is no gas station within 5 miles of the car rental return. We had to drive far away (in morning traffic) and search for a place to fill-up. (Thank goodness we were early.) Then, the rental agency van drop-off is 50 meters from the terminal — separated by a landscaped divider with STAIRS. Big stroller, 6 bags, 2 kids… couldn’t we have been dropped off closer?? Then the Smart Cart dispenser ate our $2 without giving us a cart. I called the 800 number to “request a refund” — not in my best moment, I described the “b” in my name (for which I usually say “b as in boy”) as “b as in bullshit”.
— Flying with kids is really nothing to be scared about. It’s just more of a pain to pack for flight (versus throwing a ton of stuff in the car) and get from each point in a timely fashion when you’ve got kids to worry about.
— Having an extra bedroom and kitchenette in a hotel makes a TON of difference. Free high speed internet (for streaming WWOZ when you need some New Orleans in your day) is a big plus.
— Kids can’t handle long car trips without plenty of stops and exercise. Maybe this is just my kids, but they really can’t be held down too long without all of us suffering.
— We really love minivans.
{ 2007 04 26 }
Head Lima Bean | 27-Apr-07 at 5:27 am | Permalink
hooray for minivans!!! they’re monsters but are lovely for road trips…ours was packed to the max to and from williamsburg and we all remained very comfortable!
Chris S. | 27-Apr-07 at 8:33 am | Permalink
From my experience, people who flaunt their WWJD bracelets are the ones who need the most reminding. Maybe that’s why they wear them.
Hi-Lo Tone | 27-Apr-07 at 2:36 pm | Permalink
Hi-lo tone is back.
Holly | 28-Apr-07 at 7:00 am | Permalink
WWJCD… What Would Jackie Chan Do?
Glad Hi-Lo tone is back.
We have a ton of reasons to upgrade the car, but a couple of really good reasons not to. I was seriously impressed that the wagon was able to haul all our stuff, 2 kids in car seats and 3 adults…
Anonymous | 30-Apr-07 at 8:55 am | Permalink
I’m the volvo driving liberal with only one kid who normally is drooling over the hybrid vehicles out there…I was seriously impressed and envious of the minivan Holly was driving.
We are most likely renting one the next trip to DC to see what the fuss is all about.
It also looks like mini-vans have very easy seats for installation of the car seat!
🙂
-eli
Holly | 30-Apr-07 at 9:04 am | Permalink
I’d admit that it didn’t drive like our poor-man’s BMW (Passat wagon) but for a very basic, no frills, Dodge Caravan… it was surprisingly nice.
Without the extended cab of the “Grand” Caravan, the space was equal to (or maybe less) than the space in our wagon. Taking out the third row would make *a lot* more space, obviously, but with the third row folded (no under-floor hiding here) the space was roughly equivalent. I like captain’s chairs although they weren’t the most comfy seats around (some sort of back support would be necessary for long trips).
We still want to hold out for awhile. (Eli: we’re with you — one of the big reasons to hold back back is to see what hybrids will do in the next 2 or so years.)
Kak | 30-Apr-07 at 10:41 am | Permalink
We took the plunge on Friday and bought our first minivan – a 2002 Honda Odyssey and immediately headed out of town – already planned prior to purchase of the van. We LOVED it! I don’t know when I’ll go back. So much space and pretty good gas mileage too. Plus the third row seat stows in the floor, which is a huge space increaser.
Come on in. The water’s fine in Lake Minivan!