We Missed Our Flight. And Still, It Was a Good Trip.
(Travel Tips – not just how to plan it, but how to survive it with your heart intact.)
It was supposed to be simple.
Morning flight.
One carry-on.
A toddler who had napped well the day before.
What could go wrong?
Answer: everything.
She had a diaper blowout in the car.
The security line was “randomly selected for additional screening.”
And when we finally sprinted toward the gate — out of breath, her half-wearing her jacket like a cape —
the doors had just closed.
I could’ve cried.
Actually, I think I did.
Just a little. Quietly.
But then she tugged my sleeve and said,
“Mama, we go hotel again?”
Her voice full of hope, not stress.
And I realized: she wasn’t upset.
Because I wasn’t.
We got snacks, found a window,
and watched planes take off while she munched on crackers
and told me every one was going to see the moon.
That day, I learned maybe my biggest travel tip of all:
Pack your flexibility first.
Since then, my “Travel Tips” look a little different.
Less about perfectly folded onesies.
More about mental check-ins.
Here’s what I actually carry now — in my bag, and in my mindset:
Tip 1: Expect delays, then surprise yourself with calm.
If you plan with buffer time, toddler spills and sudden poop emergencies feel less tragic.
Tip 2: Bring a “surprise pouch.”
One small bag with 2–3 new tiny toys or books she’s never seen. Pull one out only when you need magic.
Tip 3: Don’t fight the nap schedule.
If she sleeps at the airport, celebrate. If she doesn’t, deep breath. You’ll both sleep harder that night.
Tip 4: Snack like it’s a sport.
I pack three kinds:
- The “treat” (she gets excited)
- The “filler” (she actually eats)
- The “quiet” (takes time to chew — thank you, rice crackers)
Tip 5: Leave room for joy.
Let her choose which shoes to wear. Let him hold the boarding pass. Take the photo even if someone’s crying.
Because this is what the memory will be.
Toddler Travel Surprise Bag
I keep it zipped and hidden until turbulence — emotional or literal. It’s saved us more times than I can count.
Bento Snack Organizer for Kids
Three compartments. No spills. She feels like a grown-up opening it, and I feel like a genius.
Neck Pillow with Built-in Blanket
She naps easier with it. And when she doesn’t nap? I use it while pretending to meditate by Gate 14.
I still get nervous before trips.
Still double-check the passports.
Still whisper “please nap, please nap” under my breath.
But I’ve also learned this:
It’s not about the perfect journey.
It’s about how we show up when things fall apart —
and how we hold their little hands through it anyway.
Even when we’re rebooking at the counter.
Even when our shoes are off and our patience is thin.
Even when the only thing going to plan…
is the fact we’re doing this together.