We travelled to Raleigh NC alone and things were not too bad. We stayed downtown and it was amazing. The weather was great and the museums were actually really awesome.
Raleigh is an interesting bustling little city with lots of history.
This was a trip with friends to see a friend. It was by chance we even stayed in a hotel because she offered her home. We didn't want to impose and decided since we got such a great deal on the hotel why not.
We enjoyed breakfast at The Mecca and Lunch/Brunch at Beasley's Chicken & Honey and of course we dined at Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen in the hotel which was the Marriott City Center.
Pics from Beasley's Chicken
Raleigh is an interesting bustling little city with lots of history.
This was a trip with friends to see a friend. It was by chance we even stayed in a hotel because she offered her home. We didn't want to impose and decided since we got such a great deal on the hotel why not.
We enjoyed breakfast at The Mecca and Lunch/Brunch at Beasley's Chicken & Honey and of course we dined at Rye Bar and Southern Kitchen in the hotel which was the Marriott City Center.
Pics from Beasley's Chicken
Let me try to summarize some tips for travel that worked for us.
Booking the trip- I chose JetBlue for a few reasons. Roomy seats ( I am tall) so this was a big deal, complimentary boarding for parents, complimentary snacks and a screen to keep her occupied.
Side Note-We will be flying again for thanksgiving on Allegiant Airlines. I am NOT excited about it but oh well let's see what happens. We only chose them due to pricing. I had to pay for priority boarding just so we can go on sooner with an infant. I had to also pay for roomier seats which sucked as well since we are both tall. I already dread flying without any entertainment for her but I will have to think of something or bring my tablet or another game I can silence.
Airport/TSA- plan extra time for TSA. I travelled on a Thursday afternoon and it was crowded. TSA opened and checked every carton of her milk. I checked a bag but for the carry on I brought ready to feed formula which made life so much easier for pouring and serving. My advice - " Ready to Feed Formula"
Stroller/Carrier/Carryon Backpack/ Ear Covers/Travel Bottle- The day before travel I was lucky to score a used ergo classic baby carrier. So it was me trying to maneuver the stroller with a squirming baby in the ergo carrier for boarding. It was almost hilarious but really it was tiring. The kind gate agent moved us up to the an empty second row so we were alone and boy did she babble and babble until she finally fell asleep. My sweet girl did not seem to be bothered by the flight or ear popping but I had ear covers.
She was not a fan of the travel bottle and we lost it in the rental car somewhere. I am loving the travel stroller purchased. It was fairly inexpensive, light weight, easy to fold down, extensive cover for protection and it has 3 positions including, forward or rear facing, it can fit the car seat. It's perfect and inexpensive.
On the flight back she was a lot more excitable and whiny. Am not sure if it was sleep position, teething, or just hating to sleep on mom's lap but it took much longer to settle her down. Mom was just as tired an cranky and we had a really early flight ( 7am)...this was not smart but the only non stop out.
I did have a slight issue with the return gate agent. I had and paid for a seat up front but decided against it and asked for an empty row in the back if available and the agent gave me a lecture that parents didn't automatically get free seats. I had to point out and remind her- I PAID for seats upfront, I am forfeiting that for uncomfortable seats in the back of the plane....what is the issue? I was happy to land, make it home and still have the day to rejuvenate. She slept a lot when we got home, I guess she was worn out from the quick weekend trip. All in all we had a great time and would visit again. Mom is not a pro at travelling but I know in future that I may take a boppy for her to lay her whole body cross
Travel Stroller
Travel Bottle (purchased from Buy Buy Baby but Amazon has them as well)
Ergobaby 3 Position Baby Carry On Bag Backpack
Baby Ear Covers
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