What do YOU prefer when traveling with your young child alone - 1 or 2 luggages?

[Anonymous]

Going away for spring break alone with the 4 y old - not sure which one is better: to pack everything in one BIG luggage (that is what I have been doing so far) or pack one medium size luggage for me and one small size luggage for my child.

We usually do one big size one for us and one very small carry on (think one size above preschooler's bag pack) with books and toys, which he was able to wheeled on beginning at 2.5y. I used to carry a backpack as my "purse"/change of clothes, documents, snacks, etc.

This year I put the bag pack away and I am carrying my purse instead - it is huge though, and I will be able to fit iPad, one change of clothes etc on it.

Anyway, should I change to two luggages at this time - smaller ones, one for each? Or is it more practical to keep putting everything together?

[Anonymous]

Check or carry on? Are you talking about one big carry-on or two small ones, or are you talking about checked luggage.

If I'm checking, I want to minimize the number of pieces. For carry-on, it depends.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Check or carry on? Are you talking about one big carry-on or two small ones, or are you talking about checked luggage.

If I'm checking, I want to minimize the number of pieces. For carry-on, it depends.

I am talking check - clothes, shoes, make up, etc.

[Anonymous]

I take two small ones, so I dont have to worry about going over weight for the plane. I took my four year old to Disney by myself this year. We each had a small suitcase and a small backpack type carrie-on. It means you will need to get a cart at each end because it's a little u likely the kid will wheel his own suitcase (mine did for a little bit).

Bue even with two suitcases I packed them with both our stuff, in case one bag got lost. I would put each outfit (down to undies and socks) in a bag, and then I'd split each person's between the two bags.

[Anonymous]

Personally I like as few pieces as possible, as long as they are manageable/not overweight.

My kid has been travelling since infancy but has always been in our suitcase because those really little suitcases just seemed like a waste to me.

[Anonymous]

One bag that can be carried on to avoid paying for a checked bag. Pack light. One carry-on suitcase plus a backpack is all I need to travel with my 3 yo, including for a week overseas without doing laundry.

[Anonymous]

I've only done long weekend trips alone with one child...we've always just done one suitcase for the two of us--usually we've been able to put it all in one carry-on size suitcase.

How long will you be gone?

[Anonymous]

I often travel alone with my three kids. I always do a roller bag for each kid. Giving them something to e responsible for makes for excellent behavior in my experience.

[Anonymous]

Personally, I prefer having less to worry about. At 4 years old you don't the same level of things you would for an infant. I pack one roller back for both me and my son, the size that can be a carry on. Then we have one adult backpack. This has been enough for us for one full week just the two of us, no laundry or washing. If we go longer than that I will pack a second smaller roller back that can stack on top of the other roller and a backpack (if no laundry facilities). I just don't like have to be responsible for a lot of baggage, nor do I like trying to get thru busy airports with too many items. With one roller and one backpack - I can still have one had free to navigate my child thru the crowds. Depending on where the trip is and the types of clothes you need its very doable. I use shoes or boots for underwear and socks, all clothes get rolled to take up less space. Max of 2 shoes per person - one to wear on and one extra (if activities require it). I do find it harder to use the smaller bag for 2 when its a winter destination as boots, hats, winter gear takes up much more space.

[Anonymous]

The trip is abroad and one checked baggage is free. I might have to get two anyway, because I am over the weigh limit as it is... I will try to purge some stuff out.

Thanks!

PS.: for people who travel only with carry ons - how do you manage your make ups, perfumes, and such with security? Just out of curiosity since it is not really relevant for my situation right now.

[Anonymous]

PP, you just make sure it's under the 3 oz limit and put it in a clear plastic bag. No big deal. Avoid packing things over that amount.

It's doable!