Flying - What to Pack in a Carry On

What I pack in my carry-on has changed over the six years I've been flying with children. In the early days I wheeled one maximum sized carry-on filled with diapers, tiny clothes, snacks and liquids (pre-liquid-ban-days) and of course my computer. I pushed my twin daughters through airports in a dual stroller that also fit more goodies underneath.

Now that my girls are six years old, they pull their own carry-on luggage. Actually they've been pulling a mini-suitcase ever since I gave up the stroller. Barbie suitcases replaced Dora ones and leopard print and floral print suitcases have replaced the Barbie wheelies. Of course, what's in their carry-ons has remained relatively unchanged. They bring a few Barbies, some sort of electronic game, a coloring book and a stuffed toy.

In addition, I also make room for a change of clothes. If we are heading somewhere warm they pack a tank top, skirt and flip flops into their carry-on so they can change just before the airplane lands. A few extra pairs of underwear and socks are also packed for the flight just in case.

Even though the girls have their own carry-on packed full of stuff, my carry-on is still full...my computer, a couple of cameras, the DVD player...and tons of snacks (airplanes don't give much in the way of food any more).

UK Hotel for Kids near Legoland

The options seemed endless, but in the end I think I made a great choice.  Normally I prefer to stay in a Westin, Hilton, or Marriott, so choosing a Holiday Inn is definitely straying from the luxury brands. 

We'll be spending two nights at the Holiday Inn near Windsor (UK) before our flight departs to Tenerife and I wanted my six-year old girls to enjoy some age-appropriate attractions.  Ok, so Legoland isn't really an attraction but it looks like fun.  I know I would hear lots of complaining if I tried to take them to the "real" London sites. 

The Holiday Inn is located 7.5 miles from Legoland and promotes their kids eat free program.  The hotel also features an indoor pool. Legoland aside, we will also visit Windsor Castle.  The girls are looking forward to seeing Queen Elizabeth's dollhouse from when she was a little girl - apparently it's the largest dollhouse in the world. Hopefully my kids don't get any ideas about expanding their own Barbie "village".