Traveling for the Holidays!!

So I believe after 9 years of traveling I should become the expert on traveling for the holidays with children!  After many failed attempts it is safe to say I got it! Well with much more learning and developing to go!!

Here are the Johnson Family travel tips;

1.  Decorate your own home- Although Christmas may be celebrated in another state, never forget HOME.  I always make it a family tradition to decorate my home.  Involving the kids in each aspect so they can feel the cheer.   Here are some easy spice up your home tips:

• candles, seasoned wall air fresheners
  
  
  
• Create your children their own mini-tree in addition to the family tree- I usually decorate this in their Team colors! Red and Blue of course!   I also leave presents under the tree for them at home! 
  

2. Shop tickets prices early but not too early! We found that the Black Friday prices are not necessarily cheaper buying within the recommend 45-57 days is usually the best time! When budgeting we tell are children a part of their Christmas present is traveling!  We love Southwest because we rack up points!!!

3.  Pack early!!! I know it sounds crazy...but I pull out the suitcases around December 1.  It helps me gage what we really need! I have been guilty of packing too much stuff and the kids usually only wear about half of the stuff that I packed.  Packing for 5 people is really a lot of work.  Okay so I don't pack for Dad because he packs literally the night before and stays up until after midnight!! (sorry CJ).  Last Christmas we left CO with 8 bags- 1 carry on item per person and 3 suitcases (1 was empty to bring back stuff)  we left STL to come home with 12 bags- you don't believe me ask Brotha Josh  who had to pick us up from the airport!   I count my blessings first that my children are loved :)
Our luggage looks something like this:

No we don't care about matchy matchy stuff...what can fit really matters! 

Most important: DO NOT PACK MAJOR COSMETICS!!! Most of what you need will be where your staying, well unless you have special facial products or lotions, but with 3 boys trust me anything will work!.  We buy diapers and wipes wherever we travel! 

4.  Preparing the House- Most important step here-  You must have a good home networking system.  Be nice to people because you never know when you will need them to watch your dogs and check on your house while you are gone.  We have a great support system!

• We will admit our dogs can get outta hand sometimes.  They are dogs and DO experience separation anxiety No matter how old they are.  Our dogs have very powerful names, Dutch and Titus and if you have ever met them you would understand! They require special attention and a strong love for dogs.  

                                   Dogs require preparation as they are a part of the family!! 

• Clean your house and I am no longer going to be prideful of hiring a cleaning service (that will come in a future blog).  There is nothing worse than coming back from travel to having to clean up! I even wash all dirty clothes while we are out of town!

5.  Comfy Dress.   Sweatsuits and sandals (well unless it's snowing duh!)

Now don't just put together anything, geez you will be around a lot of people! Try to match a little :)

Now Mommy on the other hand...has to be fly I mean I am the Queen!! 
I love all of these: 

Mommy wears her comfy Uggs :) and a cute sweat comfy suit or a nice sweater and leggins (yes i wear them when traveling).  

6.  Have fun! Don't stress (even with weather delays).  Pray often.  Relax! Eat and Shop! But don't forget you still have to come home! Don't shop until your broke because a lot of things go on sale AFTER the holidays! 

CALL Your family and friends back home! Don't forget they miss you and nothing is better than receiving a phone call rather than a text! (Relationships and Communication coming soon in a future blog)