[PaulaSmiles]

Money is super tight right now and I may need to travel alone for the pick up trip.

Have any of you traveled alone on your pickup trip?

I don't think getting around / being in Guatemala will be a problem...

but I'm worried about getting through the airport checkin, baggage claim, customs, checking into another airline (had to go up an escalator with luggage last time, but wasn't carrying a toddler), etc.

My son will be 16 months old and 30 pounds.

Any suggestions? Did you carry your child in a carrier, keep them in a stroller, just pack really light?

[DeeVee]

I traveled without DH fairly regularly when DS was 1 and 2 years old.

I would definitely use a stroller. Frees up your hands for luggage, and you can hang a small carry-on or personal item on the handlebar.

Try to pack light (easier said than done, I know). That transfer will be a little easier if your suitcase is not super-heavy.

You will be fine!

[PaulaSmiles]

Thanks, DeeVee! That advice helps... I didn't think about hanging the diaper bag from the handle of the stroller or storing it underneath.

My son hasn't been in a stroller before, but maybe we can practice the day or two before we leave.

Thanks again!

[stacytoadopt]

I carried by DD when I picked her up, but she didn't weigh 30 lbs! I would recommend bringing a stroller, a backpack, and the minimum luggage.

I was only there for 4 days for pickup, so only brought the shoes I wore everwhere, 1 nice outfit, the rest shorts.

I left lots of stuff down there, shampoo, extra diapers, toys, etc. only brought back what I needed for the plane ride. She was still on baby food, but I didn't bring enough for the trip home - ended up getting fries for her to eat a one airport.

I had people meet me at the airport and had them bring the carseat, blanket, water cup, bottle, bottle of water, snacks, diapers and clothes. Had a 90 min drive home from the airport.

[PaulaSmiles]

A backback is a great idea also! I'll only be there 4 days also. Maybe I could just do the stroller, a diaper bag, and a backpack. Then I can put the diaper bag on the stroller and wear the backpack. Then all I'll need to push is the stoller.

The person meeting me at the airport will have a carseat, but great idea to have them bring diapers, snacks, etc.

Thanks for the ideas! I'm feeling better!

[Quesita]

I used a stroller in the airport, but on a lot of levels that was even harder. I was hauling two months worth of my possessions, and everything I had brought down for Liana.. toys, books, clothes, etc. Liana had her own seat, and her own set of checked luggage and carry ons.

I traveled a lot with my parents, and my dad walked with a cane from the time he was young. We always requested airport assistance, because he could not carry his own luggage, or get places easily, and we got assistance. I have learned that traveling with and infant or toddler DOES NOT entitle you to any assistance.

It was really, really tough. I literally broke down into tears a number of times. She was crying when I got to the point at which you have to pay money to exit the country, and I was holding her and digging through my bag and trying to keep track of my stuff, and I turned and banged her head. She cried. I cried. Strangers helped me.

Going from baggage claim to customs was insane. It was 3:30 in the morning. I would push the stroller a few feet, go back and get the luggage, push the luggage a few feet, go back and get the stroller... etc. No one offered assistance.

Pack light. Improvise. Keep a sense of humor. Know that it will be over soon.

The flight was easy. Liana was great. She slept most of the way.

Good luck.

Eeeek. What an awful post. Hope I didn't scare you.

[PaulaSmiles]

I'm sorry that trip back was so difficult for you! I'll bet your glad that is over and you are home!

Your post doesn't scare me... it just reinforces the fact that I need to pack LIGHT and try to just take a stroller, backpack, and diaper bag. Pushing a stroller AND suitcase seems like too much.

Another question I just thought of...

My son is on milk now... do they have cartons of milk on all flights??

Thanks!

[Clare'sMom]

I think it has all been said:

1. STROLLER, 30lbs is alot.
2. Pack light, you won't need half the stuff you want to bring.
3. Back Pack.
4. Very Comfy Cloths for both of you.
5. Comfy Shoes, you are the one doing ALL the running!

Have a WONDERFUL Trip, You will do GREAT!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[PaulaSmiles]

Thanks for the advice! I'm feeling much more confident about traveling alone.

[mevertin]

I traveled alone on pick-up in February. I had an umbrella stroller, a diaper bag that I also used as my purse, and a wheeled suitcase. I overpacked and had the pay the extra fee, but since I was alone I didn't want to have to deal with running out to buy diapers, food and forumula as soon as I got to the hotel. I ended up buying a small duffel bag at a store near the hotel that I stuffed all the dirty clothes in for the way home to avoid the baggage fee. I was able to wrap the handle of the duffel bag around the handle of my suitcase and pulled both of them with the suitcase handle. I had the bellman help me load the stuff in the hotel van and someone helped me get everything out at the airport. I hung the diaper bag on the stroller and pulled my suitcase behind me to the check-in counter. That was the only real juggling I had to do on the trip. Once the bags were checked I just had the stroller and diaper bag. I would definitely recommend the stroller for pick-up. Naldo was only 18 pounds and he was quite a load. It really came in handy going to the bathroom at the airport. I could just wheel it in the stall with me. Everyone was nice at the airport and on the plane. I wheeled him down the jetway and gate-checked the stroller. It was waiting for me when we got off. The only problems I had was in Dallas. I had to rush to customs and immigration and was practically running through the airport to make our connecting flight. I'm sure people are still talking about the crazy lady with the baby huffing and puffing through the airport. Have a great trip.
Mary
mom to Bobby 11, Bridget 9, Angela 8, Eddie 3 (home from Guatemala in 2005) and Naldo 14 months (home since Feb.)

[PaulaSmiles]

Thanks for the advice! I will definately bring a stroller.

If you bring a stroller on the plane can you also bring another carryon - plus a personal item?

[krafmatic]

Paula - You will be able to gait check the stroller (you leave it at the door to the plane) and then carry on another bag/backpack/small suitcase plus a diaper bag. You would also be able to carry a purse on, but I would just put your wallet etc in the backpack.

Since DH & I each had a baby we both wore cargo style pants/pants with lots of pockets. It made it so much easier to put our tickets, passports, some cash etc... in those pockets where we could get to them without having to unzip our backpacks.

Congrats and best of luck

[PaulaSmiles]

Thanks, Kathy!

I'm glad I'll be able to check the stroller at the gate and still bring the other carry ons.

Cargo jeans with lots of pockets is a GREAT idea. Thanks!

[susy...patience]

My advice is try to make a friend for the flight home -- maybe look for another adoptive family waiting for flight or even just kindly looking person.

On my pickup trip I had a friend with me & it was invaluable but I helped out another mom on a solo pickup trip by holding baby while she went to bathroom on the plane.

[PaulaSmiles]

Another great idea! I will try to spot a friendly face who might be able to help. Thanks!