Eileen Ogintz is considered a leading family travel expert. She is the creator of www.takingthekids.com, which takes her widely-syndicated column to major websites and newspapers across the United States.
She agreed to share her travel insight with us.
Cheapflights: What are your personal routine procedures every time you fly?
Eileen Ogintz: I check in online and check the gate. Even if it costs a few dollars, Ill also do curbside check in to avoid waiting in another line if I have to check a bag. I also pack a sandwich and some snacks so I don’t have to worry about buying airport food. Lastly, I add a new mystery on my B&N Nook for the flight.
CF: What is your biggest travel pet peeve?
EO: I hate that airlines don’t always notify you if your flight has been canceled or delayed. For that reason, it is important to be proactive and check yourself before you leave for the airport – although sometimes that is no guarantee! I also hate when travelers aren’t understanding about those traveling with infants and small children. Yes some parents could be more attentive. But in most cases I see, parents try their best and aren’t able to successfully keep little ones happy.
CF: What kind of trip type do you prefer, and why?
EO: I like them all! It depends on my traveling companions. I’m a fan of trips with a modicum of adventure and trips where I get to meet locals.
CF: Although it’s hard to choose, tell us what your favorite destination is, and why.
EO: There is just not one place! I’ve loved RV vacations in Colorado, ski trips in Utah, climbing Kilimanjaro with my older daughter, taking my younger daughter to complete a PADI diving course in Turks and Caicos, doing a girlfriends’ trip to Puerto Rico and cruising the Mediterranean.
CF: Cheapflights is all about value. What location do you think offers the best value for travelers?
EO: I think right now Mexico offers good value. I also think if people can travel during shoulder season or off-season they can do well. I often tell families it is better to cut their trip by a day to stay within budget than have to count every penny on vacation. That’s no fun!
CF: What is your ideal airport, and what’s your advice on how to best enjoy it?
EO: I like the new Jet Blue terminal at JFK because you can order food delivered to you at the gate while you are online or reading. I also like Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for all of the shopping.
CF: If you had to sit in the middle seat on a plane, who would be your chosen (or most-feared) seat mates, and why?
EO: Most feared seatmate would be someone who was grossly overweight or wouldn’t stop talking for a five-hour flight! Chosen seatmate would be someone who knows the place I am going very well and is happy to give me travel tips.
CF: What would you classify as a hypothetical travel nightmare?
EO: This happened to many people this past Christmas—a blizzard keeps you from getting home for several days. You haven’t gotten travel insurance so you are on the hook for five additional nights of hotels, meals, etc. Ditto for if you or someone in your family gets seriously ill or injured and you haven’t gotten travel insurance and have to deal with getting back home.
CF: How does what you do for a living give you a unique angle on traveling?
EO: I not only talk to traveling families from all over the world but I talk to travel experts as well as locals who have a unique perspective on the places that I visit.
CF: Share with us a few insider tips on how to improve the in-flight experience, in general for families on both short and long haul flights.
EO:
• Prepare for the flight to be a lot longer than it is supposed to be with additional diapers, baby food, food for older kids and snacks and enough to keep them entertained.
• Don’t count on the flight attendants to help you with your kids. They are too busy.
• Bring empty reusable water bottles for each member of the family and fill them when you are through security. (Bring Stickers the kids can put on the water bottles)
• Plan activities for the kids whether watching a movie on your phone or iPad or Laptop, games. Etc
• Though it is still not required, buy a seat for your baby so that he can be restrained in a safety seat. Everyone from the FAA to the Academy of Pediatrics recommends their use. Your baby will not only be safer in times of turbulence but will be more comfortable and so will you!
• Give each child a “surprise” gift when you get on the plane that will keep them amused
• Bring non-messy snacks and sandwiches for all, along with a few special treats for the kids (in our family it was always M&Ms and cherry tootsie pops)
• Bring an extra tee shirt for you as well as the kids (in case of spills) and a jacket
Cheapflights is proud to have guest voices express their opinions. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect those of Cheapflights Media (USA) Inc.
