Travel, much?

I do not really get out much. Wait, I take that back. I do actually; I usually take one big vacation, which makes a plane necessary, then small little weekend trips that involve me, my car and the open road. Truth is, I like, maybe even love, to travel. I pray by the end of my life, I would have traveled to every single continent. There is nothing like being able to relax and live uninhibited while away on vacation. Without fail, by the end of every trip, I am usually exhausted due to too much fun and not enough sleep, but by no means is that a complaint. There is just so much to do in any given place that sleep is almost unnecessary.

HOWEVER! There have been times when my very sanity was threatened while traveling due to certain creatures beyond my control...

KIDS!!

Here's why I'm mad:

I believe little kids should not travel. Period. Point blank. I am tempted to end my post right here, but some of you might want an explanation- especially those who do not agree, so here it is. It is the worst feeling, especially on a plane, when there are kids screaming and crying and playing and just being annoying. You cannot sleep or even listen to your iPod because of the noisy soundtrack playing in the background.

Call me insensitive, but if your kid cannot talk or understand you, he/she should not be allowed to travel. If the child is too young to be whooped, they should not be allowed to travel. If you cannot, nor do you know how to control your child, NEITHER of you should be allowed to travel.

I have a dozen pet peeves about traveling, but this one takes the cake. I understand that sometimes parents are embarrassed by their children's behavior, but if that is the case, you should have left the little critter at home. No need to ruin everyone else's flight because you forgot or neglected to bring the necessary items to take care of your child. Infants especially. At least a 3 year old can tell you why they are crying. Babies cannot. It is a guessing game that I, for one, cannot afford for you to lose. Is the baby hungry? Does he/she need their diaper changed? Are they just experiencing a level of discomfort? All this can be avoided if you and your child just stayed home, making it a better experience for the rest of us who wanted to enjoy our flight.

If you are at a loss for what to do with your child while traveling, then take my advice and stay home!