What to bring when traveling?

We are going to Florida this summer and staying with family. At that time my sons will be 3 1/2 and 1. What should I bring that is essential? And what can I do without? How do you carry a carseat, carry ons and two kids to the plane? Do I have to rent an SUV or a Mini Van to fit 3 luggages, 4 carry ons, pack n play and whatever else? Please help this is my first time.
Thanks so much

Re: What to bring when traveling?

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Re: What to bring when traveling?

Please help.

Re: What to bring when traveling?

I traveled on a plane with a 2.5 yr old and 11 mo old

-I didn't bring car seats bec we didnt have a car there..so that was a great savings!
-We also used the hotel's cribs (marriott used real cribs not PnPs) so that was another savings! sorry just realized you said you are staying with friends so this is of no help to you!
-But we did bring a jogging stroller...it was great bec the big wheels went on the beach with ease. We gate checked it so we used it as storage on the long walks to the gate through security!
-I used the baby bjorn to carry my youngest! that was great bec I had my hand free through security!
-Bring lots of quiet toys, crayons, coloring books and stickers (amazing how stickers keep them busy)
-We bought fav toys and books but also bought new ones so when needed a nice surprise when they got bored it bought us some time!
-DVD player with fav movies/shows is a MUST! That kept the older one busy pretty much the whole flight!
-binkie/bottles/sippy cups - plenty of them and esp for take off and landing!
-LOTS of snacks! That kept them busy longer than the toys sometimes!

Message edited 4/23/2010 8:34:31 PM.