Tips for travelling with children when there is more of them than us please!

[NickNacks]

We are off to Spain in a few weeks with dc aged 8,5 and 1. We have a coach transfer the other end lasting around 45 mins plus obviously the flight and usual hanging about the airport, boring queues, etc. I'm dreading not having enough hands to hold DC and carry luggage.

Any tips for managing all the luggage, pushchair, dc, not losing anything or anyone and keeping everyone calm and occupied! Can you tell we've not taken 3 away before? I am usually super organised and the thought of delays and schedule changes are bringing me out in cold sweats!

Thanks for any advice or tips you may be able to give!

Are you travelling with another adult? When my 3 Sons were younger we used to divi up the jobs so my DH used to do everything to do with the luggage and I did everything to do with the children. That worked well. The most stressy part of the journey I found is waiting for the luggage to arrive on the carousel thing. You could have some sweets or treats in your hand luggage to give your children then. Just try and stay calm and think in a few hours time you well all be in your hotel or apartment.

Yes it will be me and DH.

That would work well- I usually pack for the children anyway on days out and such so will add sweets for bribery to the list!

How likely is a delay of more than an hour? From what I remember we will have already left the restaurant/ shops area and will have little to do up pass the time.

I would do what fluffy suggests. One parent to mind all the DC, away from the luggage carousel, and one to fill the trolley. Then put baby in buggy, with the two older DC holding on, one parent pushing and the other pushing the luggage. If DP is getting the luggage, make sure he can recognise all the items, and how many there are! It is so much safer for the DC to be away from the carousel, and the risk of being clobbered by someones heavy case as they struggle to get it off and onto a trolley.

The 8 and 5yo will have a hand luggage each, with toys/comics/books to amuse themselves. I find that there isn't often much time once you've gone through security until the flight is called (unless you get to check-in ridiculously early)