Traveling with children is always a challenge, but with twins it can be double trouble if you don't travel prepared. Here are tips for travel with twins.
As any parent of twins knows, you can never be too ready for fussing, diaper changes, feedings, whining and more. While traveling, all those demands can multiply and wear on everyone's nerves.
Busy twins are happy twins
The best antidote to twin troubles on the road is distraction. Whether you have small toys for babies, coloring books for toddlers, or DVD players or CD players for older kids, keep your traveling twins busy. Be sure you pack a well-stocked family travel tote.
Travel with twins at night
You don't have to leave as the sun sets, which might not be safe, but consider leaving in the wee hours of the morning (perhaps 3 or 4 a.m.), so that you get as many travel hours in while the twins are sleeping as possible. If you can, book a redeye flight and bring comfortable travel blankets and pillows.
Get your twins on the same schedule
This is less of a factor with children and teenagers, but for babies it can make or break your ability to travel with any expediency. If your twins aren't already on the same schedule, start pushing them towards it. The last thing you want to do is stop every hour and a half, for instance, to nurse each baby.
Get each twin an airline seat
If you think flying with twins is tough, try flying with twins in your lap. Even though you technically can do this with twins under age two, it is better to fly with babies in their own car seats.
Pack as lightly as possible
While that sounds easier said than done, your twin travel system essentials alone would make even a single traveler weep. Don't pile on anything unnecessary. One great thing about twins is they can share things. Even if you have boy-girl twins, bring lots of neutral clothing they can share. Bring toys they both love.
Bring double-duty entertainment, like two coloring books and a set of crayons, or perhaps a DVD player with a splitter for the headphones. Be sure you pack lightly.
Do travel with twins
Even though it sounds intimidating, don't let yourself be tempted to stay home if you have twins. There are so many reasons to travel with twins. They both can share the experience and memories. When you have twins, you can get so mired in the mundane that travel is a rare opportunity to actually enjoy your twins.
