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A Mom’s Guide to Travel

Five jet-setting women tell us how they take a trip with kids without losing their minds.
By Joslyn Taylor |
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Courtesy of Vendor

It’s time for a change of scenery. Whether your destination is across the globe or across town, we’ve got you covered. Read on for tips and travel essentials from tastemaker moms, tested road trip itineraries, and stylish staycation ideas. Then pack your bags and get going.

With the potential for layovers and lost luggage (not to mention the endless chants of “Are we there yet?”), traveling with kids can be a decidedly unglamorous enterprise. But—never fear—we’ve called in some experts in the form of our favorite road warrior moms. Their tips and tricks for stylish and sane family travel make us want to pack our bags stat. Layovers be damned.

Lisa Moore

Co-founder of Cover Clothing, mom of Holden (9), Gwyn (7), and Gretchen (4)

The Destination

“We travel quite a bit with our three kids. In 2012, we took them to Carmel, Aspen, Santa Fe, New York City, Southampton, and Florida. My husband and I also go to NYC every couple of months and recently celebrated our 10-year wedding anniversary with a European trip that included stops in Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne, and Frankfurt.”

The Carry-on

Celine trapeze bag, $2,450/Forty Five Ten

“My sturdy Céline bag makes a great carry-on. I fill it with fashion magazines, my cream Valextra notebook, a big bottle of Evian water, my MacBook Air (so I can work on the plane), and my iPhone 5 filled with tunes from Bloc Party, Delta Spirit, Girl Talk, Kid Cudi, and The Beatles.”

The Packing List

Elta MD UV clear SPF 46 sunscreen, $29; Lancome Definicils mascara, $27; T by Alexander Wang classic jersey t-shirt, $80; Fiorentino + Baker Nelly boot; $450
  1. Cover Clothing UPF 50+ bandeau swim top and banded maxi skirt
  2. Black boots by Fiorentini + Baker
  3. American Apparel raglan pullover
  4. Marni overcoat
  5. T-shirts from The Row and Alexander Wang
  6. James Jeans jeans
  7. EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 sunscreen
  8. The Wet Brush hairbrush
  9. Elastic hairbands
  10. Mineral Fusion eyeliner powder in Raw and Lancôme Definicils mascara

Susan O’Brien

Founder of Hail Merry snacks, mom of Evan (15), Quinn (12), and Dwyer (10)

The Destination

“We go to Santa Monica several times a year for work and play. When it’s just play, we love Maui.”

Urban Junket angela powered laptop bag, $268

The Carry-on

“I love my new Urban Junket bag. It’s made with recycled plastic bottles and comes in chic colors. But the best part is that there is a battery pack inside for recharging my iPhone.”

Tips and Tricks

  1. “If I don’t have an important meeting when I land, I skip makeup and instead spritz my face with Skin by Ann Webb cucumber-sage balancing mist water to keep hydrated during the flight.”
  2. “The first thing we do after we land is hit a Whole Foods Market to load up on local raw food snacks, drinks, and fruits. I love learning about the local food vendors. Even the people who work at Whole Foods in different regions have their own uniqueness. I love that.”
  3. “We make each of our kids pack their own luggage and carry-on bags and ensure all their batteries are charged so electronics are usable for the entire trip.”
  4. “Even if we are traveling during the summer, I make the boys wear jeans and closed-toe shoes for safety.”
  5. “We allow the kids to help set the vacation itinerary. If they take on some ownership of each day’s activities, there is less complaining. Managing expectations helps, too. We make a plan for the week, get buy-in, and then let things unfold naturally.”
  6. “Keeping to a sleep schedule is important. Teenagers will sleep half the day if you let them. That said, on some occasions it’s okay if they snooze until noon, as it allows us to work half-days in quiet when we’re on a combined business/pleasure trip.”
  7. “I love staying at the Omni Hotel properties, as they really cater to the health-conscious traveler, and I can always find gluten-free options on the menu.”

The Packing List

(Left to right) Alexander McQueen skull-print silk-chiffon scarf, $295; Fast Company magazine; Moleskin volant ruled notebook, $13; Fresh sugar tinted lip treatment, $22.50; Hail Merry Grawnola, $3
  1. Fresh Sugar lip balm with SPF
  2. Mother jeans, a cashmere sweater, my Lululemon yoga jacket, and cowboy boots. “I guess I’m Texan to the bone.”
  3. iPod loaded with favorite podcasts
  4. MacBook and an extra battery. “I get my best work done on uninterrupted flights. Working on the plane allows me to be fully present when I return home to my family.”
  5. Moleskine notebook
  6. Fast Company magazine
  7. Healthy, easy-to-pack snacks such as Hail Merry Grawnola and tangerines
  8. Hand sanitizer and a scarf. “I use the scarf to open doors, especially the bathroom door on the airplane. I’m a huge germaphobe.”

Candace Nelson

Founder and pastry chef of Sprinkles Cupcakes, mom of Charlie (5) and Harry (2)

The Destination

“My little one is still too young to attempt an overseas adventure, but we love the mountains. Sun Valley and Jackson Hole are frequent destinations.”

T. Anthony luggage large wheeled duffel, $795

The Carry-on

“I can’t live without my monogrammed T. Anthony luggage. Each member of the family has the same bag but in a different color. Mine is purple.”

The Packing List

 

SkinCeuticals physical fusion UV defense, $32; DevaCurl no-poo, $40; Oliver Peoples Benedict aviator sunglasses, $450; MAC creme sheen glass, $20
  1. SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense. “It’s got an SPF of 50 but feels incredibly lightweight, plus it provides a healthy tint that stands in as makeup.”
  2. MAC Cremesheen Glass. “It adds a great hint of color and stays on longer than the usual lip gloss.”
  3. DevaCurl No-Poo and DevaCurl One Condition for curly hair
  4. Oliver Peoples Benedict aviator sunglasses. “They’re the LBD of sunglasses, seamlessly transitioning from hiking to a ladies lunch.”
  5. Gnu Foods Flavor & Fiber cinnamon raisin bars. “I throw them in my purse when traveling to keep me from eating airport or airline food.”

Tips and Tricks

  1. “Load the iPad with new TV shows the kids will be excited about.”
  2. “Take Neosporin and dab around the kids’ noses to help fend off germs while in flight.”
  3. “Take separate snack bags for each child so there is no fighting over who gets more cheddar bunnies.”
  4. “Buy a small toy to unveil when you are halfway there to help get over the hump (Hot Wheels are a favorite).”
  5. “Always have lollipops for the kids to suck on during takeoff and landing to help little eardrums from hurting.”

Cynthia Vincent

Founder and designer of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent (cynthiavincent.net), mom of Theanna (6)

The Destination

“I’ve taken Theanna on work trips with me since she was a baby. We’ve been to India, China, Mexico, and Vietnam, among others. Next we’re planning trips to Morocco and Egypt.”

The Packing List

(Left to right) Cynthia Vincent sheer gathered caftan, $345; Stila tinted moisturizer, $34; Protective Nourishment Pumpkin Wine Elixir, blueberry scrub mask, and cranberry mint gel, $50-$60
  1. Dresses, t-shirts, and leggings for Theanna. “My mantra is layer, layer, layer.”
  2. Caftans from her collection, American Apparel leggings, and a cozy Navajo sweater
  3. Blanket and pillow for the plane
  4. A good felt pen and sketch pad
  5. iPod loaded with music from Frank Ocean, SBTRKT, Kenna, Santigold, Michael Kiwanuka, and The Duke Spirit
  6. Stila tinted moisturizer with SPF
  7. Smashbox Photo Finish primer
  8. Protective Nourishment skin care

Tips and Tricks

  1. “Take time to learn about your destination before the trip to get kids excited. We also try to master a few key phrases in the native language.”
  2. “Stay on the kids’ schedule. Sleep on the plane at their regular bedtime so you arrive refreshed. Planning your flight around this is key.”
  3. “Don’t underpack, especially if you’re checking bags. It’s fun (and less stressful) to have lots of options when you get where you’re going.”

Pat Smith

Co-host of D: The Broadcast, speaker, philanthropist, mom of Jasmin (17), Rheagen (14), EJ (10), Skylar (9), and Elijah (2)

The Destination

“I love the ocean. My favorite place to be when I need to let down is near the water, so I can hear the waves. It’s the perfect setting to read, meditate, and pray. Family vacations are always planned on the water.”

The Packing List

Eugenia Kim sunny toyo wide-brim hat, $390; Michael Kors thin hoop earrings, $45
  1. Books
  2. A blanket and pair of socks for the plane
  3. iPad loaded with Scandal and iPod with music and workout videos
  4. Lots of gum and Peanut M&Ms
  5. A hair wrap
  6. Sundresses
  7. Two pairs of big hoop earrings—one silver, one gold
  8. A sun hat for the beach

Tips and Tricks

  1. “Use a standard packing checklist for all trips to make sure you don’t forget that belt or pair of socks that completes an outfit.”
  2. “For kids, pack one pair of tennis shoes and one pair of sandals. No more.”
  3. “Create an individual carry-on for each child that includes something to write with, something to read, and something to watch on the plane.”

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