Exploring the City’s Gems:
Our layover adventure began as we touched down in Istanbul, eager to make the most of our limited time. Our first stop was the hotel, which was booked with points! Then we strolled to a nearby park and playground on our way to a local Kebap restaurant.

No visit to Istanbul is complete without indulging in its world-famous cuisine. We devoured mouthwatering Turkish kebabs at Tekin Kebap, an authentic eatery that left us craving for more. Smartly, we took an extra sandwich to our hotel, anticipating the jet lag or a late night snack! We ordered Adana Kebap plate, Urfa Kebap plate and a sandwich. Adana Kebap is spicy, Urfa was not.

Next day, we went to see the stunning Blue Mosque (a.k.a Sultanahmet camii) and Hagia Sophia, two architectural marvels that showcased Istanbul’s rich history and cultural heritage. Our daughter was fascinated by the beautiful architecture and the gardens around them. We didn’t have time to go inside but had so much fun before we walk to our breakfast place Mivan. We ordered traditional Turkish breakfast. Çilbir (breakfast of the sultans) was surprisingly delicious! It’s basically yogurt, poached eggs and butter sauce. It’s served cold/room temperature.

We then went to the iconic Galata Tower, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Bosphorus. Our little one enjoyed the streets surrounding the tower.

Cats, Cats, Everywhere!:
Our daughter’s heart was captured by the abundance of adorable cats roaming the streets of Istanbul. She wanted to pet and adopt every single one of them! It was amusing to learn that the airport even had pet carriers available, sparking her imagination for a delightful yet wild idea.

Pro Tip for Turkish Airlines Passengers:
Traveling with Turkish Airlines has its perks! If you have a layover of 20+ hours with two connecting flights, you get a free hotel room to rest and recharge. For shorter layovers, they treat you to a complimentary tour of Istanbul, allowing you to make the most of your time in this amazing city.

In just 21 hours, we managed to create a lifetime of cherished memories during our layover in Istanbul. From the awe-inspiring Galata Tower to the heartwarming encounters with Istanbul’s furry feline residents, every moment was a treasure. So, if you find yourself with a layover in this magical city, take a cue from our adventure, embrace the unknown, and let the city of Istanbul enchant you and your little ones with its captivating charm. Happy travels!

1. Louvre Made Easy: Le Louvre—an absolute must-visit for any art-loving family. But let’s face it, navigating a massive museum with little ones in tow can be a challenge. Not anymore! As soon as we entered the  museum, our daughter had a horrible toothache! We knew we either leave or find a way to enjoy it. My husband stood on the long line to get tickets, while I took our daughter to a nearby pharmacy to get painkiller. Between the long lines outside and inside, and the toothache without a stroller (this was before renting the stroller) and the massive museum that was impossible to navigate with joy, we had to find solutions, some where for next visit:

a) Buy Tickets Online: Skip the long queues by purchasing your tickets online in advance. This way, you can breeze through the entrance and spend more time marveling at the stunning masterpieces rather than waiting in line. Time saved is more art admired! We went in June and the line was long enough to feel exhausted before we even start. When you buy your tickets online, it’s time-bound so arrive there around your time on ticket. However, from observation, there was never a line for pre-purchased tickets. Highly recommended. But if you don’t, get a bottle of water with you for waiting.

b) Borrow a Stroller: Did you know that the Louvre offers complimentary strollers for young children at their guest services? This brilliant service allows tired little legs to take a break while you explore the museum’s wonders. Say au revoir to cranky kids and hello to a stress-free art expedition! There are strollers for babies, toddlers, and wheel chairs for older folks. I cannot tell you how this changed the whole experience! While she did not sit on it much after the pain killer, she knew she could use it and it was there when we needed it the most! Also, it works as a carrier for extra stuff we brought with us.

c) Kids’ Passport with Stickers: Transform your child into a mini art detective! The Louvre offers a fun-filled activity called the “Louvre Passport.” It’s a booklet filled with challenges and stickers that guide young visitors through the museum. It’s an interactive and engaging way to keep kids entertained while discovering the art treasures. Watch their faces light up as they match the stickers and become honorary museum experts! Our daughter’s favourite floors were the Ancient Egyptian and the Islamic Art. Of course, it was a joy seeing the Mona Lisa but the Mummy was the highlight!
BONUS: cafes and restaurants inside the Louvre makes it easier to feed hungry kids without the hustle of bringing snacks.

2. Stroller Rental Magic: We had our 5 year old daughter and Jet Kids Bed Box that we did use as a stroller at the airport. We thought we wouldn’t need a real stroller because she turned 5. We were wrong! But we were already without a stroller! I had the Jetsetter stroller by Graco and I cannot say enough words about how awesome it was. Thinking we no longer needed it, I sold it before our trip. We found ourselves in a city with no stroller and a sleepy child! Ah, the magic of stroller rentals! Renting a stroller can be a game-changer for parents exploring the city. No more lugging around your own bulky stroller or dealing with tired little legs. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport offers rental services where you can conveniently pick up a stroller for the day or week, allowing your family to explore the city in style and comfort. Trust us, your tired arms will thank you! We also were lucky with a huge discount! Where to find it? face Sheraton Hotel at the airport, Terminal 2C et 2E. You can even reach them even if you’re not traveling. We used this stroller to go around Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. This place also stores luggage but you don’t need to pay for storage if you book a hotel room outside the airport, even if you check out.

3. Hotel Luggage Storage: Now, let’s talk about the big luggage dilemma. We know how tricky it can be to navigate the city with cumbersome suitcases while chasing after energetic kiddos. Here’s a nifty trick: if you’re planning to explore other European destinations during your week-long stay, consider leaving your big luggage at the hotel. Most hotels in Paris provide luggage storage facilities for free, allowing you to travel light and hassle-free. Just pack a smaller bag with essentials, and bid farewell to the burden of hauling heavy suitcases across train stations and airports. We even used this service after we checked out! I recommend you check with your hotel first. Probably different hotels have different rules.

Paris is a city of magic, art, and unforgettable experiences. By implementing these three savvy travel hacks, you’ll unlock a world of convenience and joy for your family. Rent a stroller to explore the charming streets, leave your big luggage at the hotel to travel light, and make your Louvre visit a breeze with online tickets, borrowed strollers, and a kids’ passport filled with stickers. Bon voyage!

1. Airport Awesomeness: Picture this: bustling airports, cranky kids, and bags scattered everywhere. It’s the stuff of nightmares, right? Well, the Jet Kids Bed Box swooped in like a superhero and saved the day! With its spacious interior, it swallowed up all our daughter’s travel essentials, eliminating the need for extra bags. Equipped with wheels, this mighty little companion glided alongside us, making us the envy of every tired parent in the terminal. She rode on it and had so much fun! We enjoyed the compliments from other parents too! lol
2. Airborne Comfort Zone: Fasten your seatbelts, folks, because we turned our kid’s economy class into business! We transformed it into a cozy leg-rest extension that gave her ample space to stretch out and relax. No more dangling feet or squirming discomfort! The adjustable lid magically transformed into a tray table, creating a dedicated playground for our little munchkin. Snacks, games, and surprises—it was her personal entertainment hub, complete with a built-in mattress for a sky-high slumber party!
   
3. Bed Box Joyride: But the fun didn’t stop there! As we landed in vibrant cities, the Jet Kids Bed Box transformed into a nifty set of wheels, unleashing our daughter’s inner speed demon. With her Bed Box “ride” in tow, she zoomed through crowded streets like a mini racecar driver. Maneuvering narrow sidewalks was a breeze, and our girl felt like the ultimate explorer, charting new territories with her trusty Bed Box companion by her side. I have to say it was challenging on some old pavements but otherwise it was very helpful, especially with the jetlag whine.
4. The Birthday Bonanza: Now, here’s where things got really exciting. Our adventure coincided with our daughter’s 5th birthday, and we turned the Bed Box into a treasure chest of surprises! We hid special treats and presents inside, creating a mini birthday extravaganza mid-flight. Her eyes sparkled with joy as she discovered the hidden gems, adding an extra sprinkle of magic to an already incredible journey. Talk about celebrating in style! We also used the Crew backpack. I love the different compartments in there and the small aviation touches. Top quality too.
5. Safety First, Fun Always: As parents, safety is a top priority, and the Jet Kids Bed Box didn’t disappoint. It sailed through security checkpoints with flying colors, meeting all international cabin baggage regulations, even with airlines that were not on the Jet Kids airline list. We used Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and Air Canada. Its sturdy construction and reinforced corners gave us peace of mind, knowing that our little explorer’s belongings were safe and sound. We could focus on making memories, worry-free!

Conclusion: Who knew a simple travel accessory could inject so much adventure into our journey? And so much comfort! The Jet Kids Bed Box revolutionized our daughter’s travel experience. Starting from home with the stickers she chose to put on the Box to the hidden surprises, the fun at airport and comfort at 40,000 feet in the air. It’s the ultimate travel companion for adventurous families, delivering convenience, comfort, and boundless fun. We also took it to camping and it was fun and functional! This is an honest review. Not sponsored whatsoever!

This is one of the most exciting yet most terrifying things to look forward to! When our daughter was 8.5 months old, we went from San Francisco to Honolulu, Hawaii. It was only 5 hours plane trip each way but felt like 50! You can’t blame a baby who most likely was misunderstood, can you?

We thought we got this under control, but we found some mistakes that we can avoid in our return trip and, most importantly, a 14+ hour plane trip a week after to Istanbul, Turkey! So I will start by listing the mistakes we think we have made that made our first flight with a baby not very pleasant to us, parents:

• We haven’t booked our seats in advance. My husband was 10 rows away from me and sat next to an old couple who, of course, wouldn’t part. And to my aisle seat was a teenage couple who spent most of the trip kissing. We did not dare to ask any couple to move.
• We packed too many toys to entertain miss Jenna on the trip. We took two mosquito zappers that she loved as toys, favourite stories, teddy bears, and stuffed animals. We also rented an “iPad” on the plane to play some cartoons for her. Was she interested in any of what I mentioned? Nope. None.
• We picked a travel time when Jenna is most active. This resulted in an active baby in a plane. This isn’t what parents hope for or want.

We felt extremely overwhelmed, but the crew and passengers made it extremely easy on us! When I apologized for the teenage couple, the guy said: “No, no, it’s ok, we’re all going to Hawaii, we can’t complain.” Grandparents on the row behind me gave me their seats most of the trip, and the grandma even took Jenna for 15 minutes that felt like 15 good hours *angel face*. Many passengers complemented Jenna and us at the end of the trip, a few of them we even met a day later in Honolulu, and they played with Jenna! With these mistakes and help; here are the ratings for the trip:

Parents rating: 7/10
Crew ratings (from appearance): 9/10
Passengers rating (from feedback): 10/10

Our return trip was by far much easier with 10/10 ratings from all views! Here is how we fixed our mistakes:

• We booked our seats next to each other! with one seat in the middle, hoping no one would want to sit in between two people (Again, can’t blame desperate parents!) Eventually, no one booked this seat, and we had three seats for ourselves.
• We have upgraded to a premium economy class! While this option is not available on many planes/trips, we’re glad it was available on our return trip to San Francisco. It really made a huge difference; they were front seats with plenty of legroom, semi-reclining seats,  and closer to the exit!
• All toys into checked-in baggage except one toy in the carry-on bags. It was the most entertaining toy, but she did not even bother. She preferred flipping through the plane’s magazines.
• Our return trip was midday, and it was naptime for our baby. She spent most of the time sleeping on two seats of the three available for us! Which was very convenient for us and everyone.

Bonus: Breastfeeding is a lifesaver!

I will write another post for our 14+ trip with 3.5 hours layover then almost 3 hours trip.