Travelling Abroad with Twins
We’ve recently returned from a holiday abroad with our four year old twin girls. This was the third time that they’d been on an aeroplane, so they’re pretty used to flying now.
The first time my husband and I took our girls abroad was in 2013 when they were just 18 months old. We went to Menorca and then returned again in 2015. This year we decided to go to Majorca for a change, although I have to say overall I think I prefer Menorca as the weather was definitely warmer!
Travelling abroad with twins can be hard work, and it’s certainly changed so much since the first time we did it. On our first holiday abroad we decided to take our girls double pushchair with us. It just made sense as they were still only little. It was the quickest and easiest way to get around with them.
Having said that, after we checked the pushchair in, we did have to keep a close eye on the girls. In between my husband and I carrying them, they wanted to walk around by themselves, which in a busy airport isn’t ideal!
In 2015 we ditched the pushchair all together and decided that we’d manage without it. Everything was going well until we had to stand in a corridor, in a long queue, waiting to board the plane. There were no seats, and of course the girls tired of standing quickly. This meant that my husband and I ended up holding our girls for around thirty minutes, which wasn’t great as they were pretty heavy, and it was pretty hot standing up for that amount of time holding a toddler!
Thankfully, this year we were gifted with two Trunki’s which definitely made our travelling experience easier.
On the way out to Majorca, we had to be up pretty early. 3am to be precise! I expected that the girls would sleep in the car on the way to the airport, but they were just too excited about going on holiday to sleep!
When we arrived at the airport the girls didn’t want to sit on their Trunki’s as they really enjoyed pulling them around themselves! I think they felt pretty grown up, pulling their own cases!
It also meant that my handbag was pretty empty because everything the girls wanted to bring on the plane was safely and conveniently stored in their Trunki’s.
I was pretty grateful for this as usually my handbag is super heavy, so it made a nice change to carry a light bag!
The girls packed their Trunki’s themselves, but I did suggest a few things that should go in them such as a spare pair of clothes and a blanket.
Both girls packed two books each, a blanket (the plane can get pretty cold), spare underwear and clothes, some snacks, games tablet, headphones and a drink.
I really like that the case has elasticated straps as they help to hold everything in place.
Although the girls had packed their books and a games tablet each they didn’t actually use them on the plane! I guess that’s one of the pros of being a twin! They had each other to entertain themselves! In between sleeping, the girls chatted amongst themselves, played I-spy and made up stories together!
They were good as gold and the flight went really quickly. I always make sure that we pack plenty of snacks, especially as the girls missed breakfast from having to get up so early.
On our return flight, we had to get up early again, but not as early as our outbound journey! This time the girls were happy to sit on their Trunki’s and be pulled around.
I was worried that the girls might fall off or that I might take a corner at the wrong angle and topple the Trunki, but that didn’t happen at all, and to be honest with you, pulling the girls along was a lot quicker than if they’d walked, plus they loved it when we went downhill so it certainly kept them entertained!
I always remember the first time we took the girls abroad. I packed so much stuff to keep them entertained on the plane, but it turned out I didn’t need to pack half of what I had!
I’d say a card game or stickers, perhaps a colouring book and some crayons, or a tablet would suffice.
Have you travelled abroad with young children? What are your top tips?
5 Comments
the Frenchie Mummy
July 13, 2016 at 6:09 am
Those Trunki cases look so cool and useful too. My idea of hell waiting in an airport would be to carry the little one… #bestandworst
Moderate Mum
July 13, 2016 at 5:14 pm
Trunki's are so cute! I can't wait until my kid is old enough to need one, he's already getting too heavy #bestandworst
Helen Gandy – Beautiful Things
July 13, 2016 at 9:06 pm
Lovely post, we recently travelled to the South of France driving there, it's a long journey but with the tablet and several books Alfie was more than happy. Thanks for linking up! #bestandworst
Peonie & Me
July 16, 2016 at 5:05 pm
Ahh I was debating whether or not to get a Trunki for our holiday to Santorini. I thought it would be a great idea to keep Henry entertained in the airport. I keep seeing them around. Now I'm convinced. Great post. X Renee @peonieandme #bestandworst X
mommyoutnumbered
July 19, 2016 at 7:40 pm
Super useful tips!! I will have to save this post in my Pinterest. Thank you!!!
My family lives in Japan so we will need to travel abroad often with them, so this is great! 🙂