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Let’s keep this “True Life” series going. True Life – I traveled internationally with two kids during a pandemic. WTH?! I know, I know you’re  probably thinking Dana you have to be crazy to do that alone. And you’re right I am crazy…being 100 percent honest. I was terrified, terrified. But both the mommy and wife in me were willing to do whatever necessary to make sure my family was together for the holidays. I concealed a lot of my worry, because my mom and friends were already worried enough for all of us, and my added anx wouldn’t have helped.

As my fellow parents out there know, (and even those who have witnessed kids’ airport antics) traveling domestically with kids is one thing…but traveling internationally is another ball game especially during a global pandemic. For me, I had to have a bunch of paperwork to prove why I was traveling to my destination, a lease to where I would be living, marriage license, and more. There was so much going through my brain while going through the airport that I would be crazy not to share these tips with you all for your next getaway – kids or without. 

1. Research – This is mainly for my overseas travelers, but this could be for domestic travel as well, make sure you have your negative COVID-19 results on hand and ready. Most flights require a certain test, so prior to your flight make sure you look into which test is required for your specific airline. Also, look into rules and restrictions specific to where you are going. You will want to know what will be opened/closed, if there is a curfew, if kids can or can’t go certain places, etc. 
2. Electronics – One word: WAIT! During any non-pandemic travel, I’d recommend giving your kids the tablets or phones to help occupy their time. But during this travel season, I say wait until you are past security and on the plane before pulling these devices out.
3. Sanitize – Of course you know to wipe don’t the seat, screens, arm rest etc. Even before COVID I always thought planes were a flying germ coming right at you like a spitball do.  So, I always had several travel size Lysol cans and would spray before Dallas could get down and start touching anything. I did this even more on this last trip. 
4. Early Boarding –With kids, make sure you have the option to board early. This will give you extra time to get situated and everything wiped down before there is a big line behind you huffing and puffing because you’re holding up the aisle. 
5. Safety Net – Make sure you bring more than one mask for yourself and your kids. After wearing it through the airport, it may become uncomfortable. Make sure you have a backup to avoid messing with it. This is especially important for kids. If your kid is anything like Dallas, they are going to get irritated and want to take it off for a bit. They may even do it when you’re not looking and drop it on the floor. You’re certainly not going to want to put that mask back on them after it’s been on the floor…hence the importance of having extra. 
6. Food – Most food places in a lot of airports are still closed and aren’t serving people. With this, you  should definitely pack a lunch box or a backpack of snacks. (If you could see the lunch box my mom gave me you would think my momma is crazy.)

All in all, traveling right now isn’t as bad as you would think it would be in regards to the crowds. However, anytime you travel with kids with no help it’s never a walk in the park.I hope these tips help you prepare for your trip as you enjoy the less-crowded airports, because I hate to break it to you…when the world opens back up completely the airports will too, returning right back to being a flying germ ball.