luggage and carryon question re: kids

[Schmeck]

With small kids, I'd try not to bring too many suitcases, I'd just get 2 bigger ones instead of 4-5 individual ones. At some point you may have to move the bags yourself (even with DME, skycab, etc) and moving 5 bags plus carryons plus 3 kids... You'd have to be an acrobatic juggler to get all that moved on one shot!

When my two kids were little, we could fit their stuff and mine in one large suitcase, with toiletries/extras in hubby's suitcase. Then each girl had a small backpack carryon/tote and I had a small leather backpack style pocketbook. When they got bigger, we had to go to 3 rolling cases, but by then the oldest was able to pull the smaller suitcase. She did that through Heathrow and Gatwick at age 8.

 

[lovesdumbo]

For our 7 night trip in Aug with me, DH, DD(7), DS(5), DD(3) we had 2 checked bags (22" and 24"). For carryon each kid had a backpack, I had a backpack, and DH had a carryon bag.

We did do laundry once and I did ship a box to resort with pull ups and potty chair for youngest, pool toys, laundry soap, hamper, a few more things I wanted to have but could live without if the box got lost. I had a roll of packing tape and return label in the box for sending it back home. The front desk sent it home via UPS for me.

In the past I've used a 22" & 25" bag but it was way too easy to go over the 50 pound limit in the 25" bag. I do use the ziplock method for the kids and use Eagle Creek packing envelopes for DH & I. I split the clothes and put 1/2 of everyone's clothes in each bag.

Our most recent trip was the first one without any carseats. I've used backpack carrier for the car seat called a Pac Back. It isn't a bag. It is a board with straps to attach the car seat. It sits much better on your back than the bags and I've been able to put my carryon on the carset before putting the straps on. Here's a link: Pac Back

I find it way less stressful to do a trip if I pack light.

Have a great trip!!!