When I gave birth to my fraternal twins boys, I vowed they would never keep me at home. After all, I had been a woman on the go having romped my way around Europe and Australia by the time I was 25. So naturally I pictured my husband and me calming strolling the Champs Élysées while our babies peacefully napped in their double stroller. With my twins' arrival, however, the bubble didn't exactly burst but it certainly fizzled a bit.

As I wrestled daily trying to get my twins out the door my attitude began to change. By the time they were fed, diapered and dressed, I had to nurse them again. Often I'd throw up my arms and cancel my plans-it was just too difficult to be mobile with young twins. Yet I persisted and over time I became more confident and resourceful. We managed to travel not only to the supermarket, but my boys have logged many miles both in the air and on the highway. Today, even after the birth of my third son, my husband and I find family travel to be an enjoyable adventure.

Traveling with your young twins can be daunting. All that equipment times two. A double bundle and not enough hands. But traveling with your little band doesn't have to be stressful. In fact, with a little planning, some flexibility, and a sense of humor, taking a trip with your twins can be fun. Not only does traveling as a family build your confidence as a parent, but also the kids learn about their world around them and quickly become adaptable adults.

Gearing Up
Whether it's a trip across state to see the in-laws or across the ocean to see the Continent, the biggest drawback to traveling anywhere with multiples is all the paraphernalia that they require. Wherever you travel, however, remember to keep things simple. When it comes to traveling with twins, less is usually better. Less to pack and carry means you can concentrate on having fun with the kids.
On short jaunts to grandma's house, for instance, ask if she can borrow cribs and high chairs from neighbors or friends. Many people keep baby equipment for years and would welcome the chance to put it to use. Or, rent them once you arrive-it's surprisingly inexpensive. Better yet, keep a spare right there (hit local garage sales for a deal on used high chairs and portable cribs).

Most gear can do double duty, too. Car seats, for example, can act as bouncy seats and even as high chairs in a pinch. Don't pack two port-a-cribs-most infant twins can sleep in one until they're about six months old. (Just place a rolled-up towel down the center to keep each one on his side.)

If you're traveling overseas, carefully consider the country and type of trip you'll be taking (will you be staying put or moving around?) so that you can decide what equipment will help rather than hinder your touring. Unlike the United States where handicap ramps are commonplace, most of Europe and Asia is not stroller friendly. You'd be better off with two backpacks instead of a double stroller, for instance, while wandering the stair-filled passageways of Venice, Italy, or the castle-packed English countryside. Be sure to borrow or purchase backpacks with sturdy frames and hip support, and always try out the packs weeks before you leave by walking around with your twins carefully stowed in the overhead compartment. Toting a 20-pound child is hard work, and when each parent is carrying a twin, there's no opportunity to trade off. Many parents with twins bring both backpacks and lightweight umbrella strollers allowing many touring options: two backpacks, two strollers, or one stroller and one backpack. Still, some bare-bones families choose to take only one of each and have the kids take turns.

And what about port-a-cribs? Many smaller European hotels and inns won't have cribs. Savvy families with multiples either have their children sleep with them, or create makeshift beds by removing two dresser drawers and padding them with towels and blankets. Be sure to pack a nightlight, too. With two small children sleeping in a strange place, you're bound to get up at least once during the night.

Packing Pointers
Unlike two siblings of different ages, twins don't need separate wardrobes (unless they're boy-girl twins). They can share play clothes (go with dark stripes instead of white-they won't show stains as easily), cutting down on what you'll need to pack. To help organize everyone's stuff, yours included, use large, self-sealing plastic bags-T-shirts in one bag, socks in another. A bag for each category of clothing keeps things orderly, eliminating long, messy hunts through your suitcase.
Another caveat to twin touring is the diaper dilemma. Two babies use up a lot! If you're traveling within the states, you're just a supermarket away from a clean diaper. But it's a different story in the rest of the world. Although many European and Asian countries now carry disposables, sometimes the product name, sizes, and quality are different, and often they're much more expensive. To add to your troubles, you many not find any in that quaint hillside village or remote Caribbean island where you're staying. To combat the problem, fill a duffel bag with disposables purchased here in the states, and then fold up the empty bag and pack away in your suitcase or use it to tote souvenirs home.

Fly Me Two the Moon
While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows a child under the age of two to fly free if he sits on the lap of an adult, parents should purchase seats for everyone. When each parents holds a twin, there's no break for anyone. There are no extra hands if someone needs to use the rest room, and it's impossible to eat while balancing a baby on your lap. Besides infants, babies, and toddlers sleep much better when in a car seat. While you can hope for two empty seats, they're quickly becoming extinct now that airlines are cutting back on flights and experiencing record numbers of passengers. Most importantly, a child flying unrestrained is in danger, especially during severe turbulence. (FYI: The FAA requires everything down to the coffee pots to be secure during take off and landing with the exception of babies under the age of two. That should tell you something.)
Although flying is expensive, there are ways to save money. Many airlines offer reduced-priced tickets for children under age 11 flying out of the country. Staying in the states? Try one of the low-cost airlines such as JetBlue and Southwest. JetBlue offers individual satellite TV on every flight-it keeps the kids totally entertained for hours!
Be aware, too, that each airline has different guidelines concerning how many car seats it will allow per aisle. Some permit only one seat per row causing families with twins to split up during the flight. Be sure to ask when booking your tickets.

Undoubtedly the most stressful part of traveling with twins is navigating through the airport. Always give yourself plenty of time. It's better to arrive at the gate an hour ahead of departure time and let the kids run or crawl off some steam than to race through the terminal dragging them behind. Teach them from early age that everyone is responsible for his or her own luggage, too. Yes, even a two year old can wheel a small piece of carry-on luggage, and it's amazing how less stressful it is on you. Invest in a fold-up luggage cart. It's essential for transporting those bulky toddler car seats (and safer than piling them on top of your double stroller). And don't forget to ask the gate attendant for "priority boarding." Not all advertise that they'll let young families board first, but if you ask most will accommodate.

Eat, Sleep, Be Merry
When booking a hotel room, ask if cribs are free. Some hotels charge upwards of $20 per night per crib. Ask for the largest room within your price category (sometimes corner rooms are bigger), too, or if the hotel offers a discount for adjoining rooms. With two cribs, you'll need the extra space.

When it comes to dining out, family-friendly restaurants are key to having a good time. Look for a restaurant with a kid's menu, and a casual dining room, void of tables dressed in linen and china. Always call ahead to reserve two high chairs. While in Santa Fe, not a very child-friendly city, we neglected to do just that, and ended up taking turns holding a baby all through dinner. While infants often sleep even in the loudest restaurants, if you have toddlers, eat early before the crowds and be sure to pack a plethora of distractions-crayons and paper, books, small toys.

If you have the travel bug, don't let your multiples hold you back. Hit the road when they're young, and travel often. Start by taking small, overnight trips and once you feel confident, the sky's the limit.

by Rene Appelbaum, co-owner of Baby Proofers Plus, Inc