How would you like to hear a little story? Last month, my family and I went on our FIRST EVER out of state vacation together. Not only was it our first out of state vacation, but it was also the first time my kids (Ages 14, 11, and 2) had ever been on a plane. Exciting, right? Well, yes it was exciting, but it was also nerve-wracking. Especially for a mama of a toddler! I was so stinking stressed out to put him on that plane you wouldn’t even believe it. I was afraid that he was going to be angry and loud and one of those crying babies on a plane that you hear people complaining about often. I thought I was prepared. On top of his regular diaper bag stuff, I included a bunch of toys and snacks for the wait at the airport and the flight itself, but unfortunately I packed this in a backpack that I had to carry. I had to carry this in addition to my own backpack as well as either carry him or keep him holding my hand. If you have a toddler, you know just how difficult this can be sometimes. Oh, how I wish I would that thought this out more!

I know many of you are probably wondering why I didn’t have my family helping me, well, here’s why. My husband was carrying his own personal bag as well as our big family suitcase that we packed (no way was I paying for more than one checked bag..those things are spendy!), my daughter was stuck carrying my toddler’s car seat so I didn’t have to rent one on the trip (can you tell yet that I am a big cheapskate?), and my older son was carrying his personal bag and some other incidentals. We really just didn’t have any extra arms!

After these two hectic trips through the airport, I know unequivocally I will do one thing different next time (new family trip, coming shortly!), my toddler is going to get his own rolling bag. No, he’s not quite big enough to have his own backpack strapped to his back, but he can totally handle pulling his own bag and who am I kidding, he is going to love it! So, if you are planning a trip with the family and I’m sure I don’t need to remind you that Spring Break is rapidly approaching (where are you going?), and you have a little one..I highly recommend that you get your kids their own rolling packs too! I saw so many kids at the airport pulling theirs and let me tell you, their groups looked far more put together than mine was lol!

The thing is though, no matter how hectic this trip was I am so glad that we did it! We have went so long with doing little overnight trips and nothing more, but I am determined to change my family tree in this area. Travel is incredibly important for many reasons. I recently read an article about how important family vacations are to children's happiness and I absolutely believe this to be true. In addition to building happiness though, did you realize how much traveling helps your children learn? Not just kids, it helps keep us adults learning too (I don’t know about you, but I know I could use more learning lessons in life..being around my little one all day doesn’t really bring a lot of learning opportunities to my life). Plus, I would 100% rather my money be spent on travel then spending it on another video game or phone app or some other “thing” that will just clutter up my home. No thank you! Family travel is our new splurge and I want to make sure that we are doing it right!

So, if you are planning a vacation anytime soon like we are, prepare now and grab your kiddo a rolling backpack for them to tote their own stuff along with them. I also know kids well and I know that they are definitely going to prefer a fun design over just a single color “boring” suitcase.

Here are some super cute ones that we have right here at Sassafras:

Our adorable vinyl bags are back by popular demand! The bag has adjustable padded straps with a retractable trolley.

Vinyl Frog Pull-Along Backpacks

Vinyl Ladybug Pull-Along Backpacks

Vinyl Penguin Pull-Along Backpacks

Vinyl Duck Pull-Along Backpacks

We also have some super cute, non rolling overnight bags, pillows and more over here. A lot of them can be put together into matching travel sets which would be fun for any kid. Who am I kidding...I love a good matching set myself!

Don’t forget to check out the rest of our store too because we have some great toys that would be great to bring along on your trip!