Drinks on the plane: Maybe you could order a fizzy apple. That’s fizzy water mixed with apple juice. I like the beautiful red straws that come with the drinks. The flight attendants give you snacks, too. If they have peanuts, pretzels or cookies, ask for all of them. They let you.
On choosing a seat: I like the middle seat. I don’t like the window seat because I feel like I’m going to fall off the plane. If someone is sitting next to you, say, ‘Hello, how are you doing today?’ Once, we sat next to a guy who was bald. A long time ago, we met a guy with long hair. Maybe in 2012. He was really nice. His name was Jake. He was like, Hi, my name’s Jake. It’s nice to talk to people.
What to do during the flight: Maybe you can watch a show. They might have Doc McStuffins. Maybe you can put your tray table down and use it to color. Take a walk down the aisle; it’s relaxing.
On tired siblings: If your brother is crying at the end, you can carry his luggage. You can do that to help. But don’t go close to him in case he hits you. Take a step back.
On choosing a rental car: Avis has fancy cars. Avis and Hertz I would recommend as the best. They have faster cars. I’m a really good rental car picker. I like getting a Nissan Sentra or a Nissan Altima or a Kia Rio or any Chrysler. Make sure it has four doors, not two doors. You can also try Turo, which is when you rent even better cars from people. It’s not too expensive and you can even get a Ferrari! I have never done that but I would always want to. When I grow up I will do that.
On playing music: If you’re playing music in the car, play Shake Your Booty or Wake Me Up Before You Go Go or all the songs from Trolls. Basically every song from a show or movie. One time Anton wanted to play Penny Lane so many times. He was like, ‘Penny Lane, Penny Lane, Penny Lane.‘ Daddy played it a bunch of times but then wanted to stop.
Greeting everyone: When you see your aunts and uncles and grandma, you say, ‘Hiiiiii! I’m so excited to see you!’ They kiss and hug you. If you don’t want to kiss and hug them, you don’t have to. It’s nice to see what rental cars they got, too.
What to pack: Pack pajamas, underwear, pants, shirts, a toothbrush and a bathing suit if you’re going somewhere with a pool or maybe a beach. Pack your favorite toys, and it would be nice to sleep with a stuffed animal. I’m going to bring Elephanty and Max. You squeeze them into your suitcase. I always pack a jean jacket because they are really cool and snazzy. Snazzy means fancy. I know that word from Fuller House.
Writing a wish list: You can write down your list on a piece of construction paper. This year, my wish list has a Playmobil house, a Playmobil playground, a Playmobil school bus, a Playmobil plane, a Playmobil Porsche, a Playmobil Porsche dealer and caramels. Caramel tastes like chocolate. If you get a present you don’t really like, still say thank you. Ask your parents to pack a screwdriver and batteries for your trip. Presents sometimes need those things to work. If you don’t have them, you might get upset.
Waking up early: If you wake up in the night, and you really want to open your presents, you would get in trouble. You have to wait until your parents wake up. But they will wake up early that day because you really want them to. You do special things on trips. You will have fun.
Thank you so much, Toby! Where will you be spending the holidays this year? What advice would you add for family travel?
P.S. 10 tips for traveling with a baby, and how to entertain a toddler on a plane.
Yesss! That was my favorite part too. I’m going to get myself a jean jacket now.
This was my younger brother and I laughed out loud. Thank you, Toby!
I love your kid. His lists will be so fun to look back on when he’s grown!
FAIL: We forgot to pack the batteries and screwdriver. Guess who was traipsing to a miraculously-open Rite-Aid to buy, you guessed it, a pack of batteries and a mini-screwdriver? Yep. You were spot on.
HIT: the FIZZY APPLE!! Omg, obsessed. Smiled when I read that one and made a mental note to try it. Kiddo and adults (me especially) loved it. As in, we got home, putting her to bed bleary-eyed, and she was saying something I couldn’t understand. Ran to the staircase and pointed that she wanted to go back out to the airport for the special apple juice – the fizzy apple. Ha! thanks again! Toby’s thoughts and advice should really be a regular feature.
awww haha sarah that makes me so happy! :) merry christmas!
This totally made my day! I love his very specific advice on rental cars!!
This is SO funny! It’s like he read my mind.
Soooo adorable. And such a helpful big brother carrying Anton’s luggage!
o…m…g. THE RENTAL CARS. be still my heart. this is the sweetest.
This is pure gold. Solid advice!
So I don’t think I’ve ever commented on a blog post in my life, but this is the one of the best things I’ve read in 2017. Toby, you’ve stolen my heart. Thanks for sharing your travel wisdom with us.
this is the sweetest thing I’ve read in a while….Thanks, Toby!! Such great advice!
This is the best! What an adorable reminder that traveling is really not that big of a deal, especially when you remember why you’re really going to your destination. As long as you bring the batteries and screwdriver :) Wow, your little guy has some major wisdom.
This might be my favorite Cup of Jo article ever–and I’ve been reading since before Toby was even born!
This post had me cracking up–what sage advice from Toby!
Another laugh out loud moment in my cubicle. Be honest, does Toby really come up with all of this stuff on his own?! #hilarious!
This is great. Oh my goodness. Reading a number of these to my husband who will also crack up. Perfect! Thank you! A lot of these help me see things a bit from the kid side in general, not even just related to trips.
HAHAHAHAHAHA. Oh, Toby. That’s wisdom.
Also great tip about the batteries and screwdriver. It would never have occurred to this grownup to be that prepared.
This is just the best. Thank you, Toby! I’m going to share this with 4-year-old Abram who can surely learn a lot from you!
Okay. That has to be up there with the TOP FIVE posts that have ever appeared on CoJ. I LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Toby, you’re such a star!
Right?! I have never considered that, but it’s so smart!
It made me nostalgic from when my son was that sweet age! At almost sixteen, he’s still a sweet sweet boy, but has become quite monosyllabic!!!
I loved the “take a step back”!
Can Toby please give his opinions on more things? This is wonderful. I kept wondering what would by 2.5 year old say to this question. Love this!
I agree 100% Great job!!!
“If you don’t want to kiss and hug them, you don’t have to.” My heart! It is so wonderful that you’ve raised Toby to know that he has control over his own body.
This may be one of your cutest posts yet! So cute and practical! Who knew.
Your boys always look so fashionable! I’m not gonna lie…I was a little stymied by the idea of having a boy. I’m not even a dresses and bows kinda gal, but when I got pregnant suddenly my Pinterest was FULL of cute little outfits for girls. When we found out he was a boy, I was kind of confused. What about the bows???
I had a boy first and was like “What am i supposed to dress this kid in?” But it turns out boys are just as fun to dress. It may be a little more difficult to find what you want, but there are lots of cute options, particularly in online shops, which tend to offer more than what could be found in a physical location. Congrats on your little guy!
This made me laugh out loud… in the middle of Starbucks! This is literally all good advice and I’m 22. Stay cool, Toby.
Chiming in with the “yes a conversation with Toby and/or Anton!” Post always gets me excited. I was going to read it at work but actually waited until I got home to curl up with my dog and a cup of tea to really enjoy. These posts are truly my favorite. Toby may definitely be a writer like his dad, his insight is on point! Thanks for sharing.
That was super sweet. He sounds like a great traveler! I especially like the tips about car rentals and what to do when your brother is tired.
As a grownup, it can be pretty easy to let the stress of travel over take you and become a person who taps her foot, sighs deeply and rolls her eyes (guilty). Next time I fly I am going to put on my Toby-colored glasses where the red drink straws are beautiful, the middle seat is coveted and the snacks are unlimited (because they let you).
When I saw that this was going to be a post from Toby, I whisper-screamed, “YES!” at my work desk. It did not disappoint! Thanks so much, Jo, for sharing sweet moments from your boys with us. As a woman who wants to be a mamma, this means so much to me.
oh my gosh, logan, that is the nicest comment :) thank you :) you already sound like you’re going to be a really wonderful, loving parent.
As a flight attendant may I add, that if you travel with your lovey please pin on contact information. Sometimes adults without children mistake “old and worn” for trash when really it’s usually the most important item to that child.
You could also make name tags, like you would for a pet, and tie it on with a ribbon. Kids would love to help pick out the tag and watch the engraving machine work!
This reminds me of one time when we took a family trip to the beach and my little brother (probably 4 or 5 at the time) left his BELOVED bunny in the hotel room. He was of course devastated but when my parents contacted the hotel originally they couldn’t find him and we thought he was gone forever. Imagine our surprise and DELIGHT a week or so later he came in a package in the mail, along with a handwritten letter from bunny to my brother describing his adventures while he had been away! Apparently a wonderful member of the housekeeping staff found him and, understanding his importance, wanted to make sure my brother had a positive memory from the experience. We still talk about how we hope she got a bonus!
He is so practical and insightful! The part about helping a little brother that is upset is so nice and the part about not getting too close made me laugh. It’s an incredibly true lesson my 6 year old has learned about her little brother.
I read your husband’s piece on AI in the NYT today! When he mentioned Toby and Anton I was like…wait they sound familiar :) Reading your kids’ perspectives is always fun!
This is the sweetest post ever! Kids are often the best at getting in the spirit of adventure (at least in my family). Once, when my son Micah was 7 we were headed to NY to visit family and our flight from Denver was cancelled. We flew to St Louis, then to Baltimore and took Amtrack in to Penn Station and finally a cab to my aunt and uncle on the upper east side (we had to go back to LaGuardia later to get our bags!). Door to door it was 31 hours and I was a total stress case. My son, on the other hand found the whole experience exciting and thrilling! From midnight to 6 am, in the St Louis airport, we started chatting with a man who owned exotic animals, the most beloved of which was a chimp named Joey. I’m sure that gentleman had never before or since had a better audience for his chimp stories and videos than Micah; they chatted almost all night while my husband and took turns closing our eyes and cursing ourselves for packing the toothbrushes in the checked baggage. It was insane when it was happening, but that 31 hours of travel has become a favorite family story, and only Micah knew it would be so as it was unfolding.
Hilarious and perfect. Such thoughtful advice.
Everything this about this post is perfection! Thank you, Toby!
This was so wonderful! Thanks for the tips, Toby! My husband, 1-year-old, and I will be traveling to Nova Scotia this June and I’ve never been on a plane – so I think his tips would still help a 29-year-old. lol I would love a fizzy apple drink!
“But don’t go close to him in case he hits you. Take a step back.” These tips put a big smile on my face. Thanks for the advice, Toby!
Can Toby be a regular on Cup of Jo? I love this!
what a sweet question! i know that kids love Important Jobs — like if you have the orange juice pourer or the dessert chooser? :) i’m sure that even just by asking the question, though, you are the kind of person who will make them feel welcome and comfortable!
If it was my kids coming, I would feel so relieved to find the some basic baby-proofing, like having the outlets and brick fireplace area covered and treasured but breakable decorations put away or up. Grab some books from the library and put them under the tree for the kids to discover-you can even wrap them first and let them open when they are ready to read. Kitchen utensils and a plastic strainer make great bath toys in a pinch and if you don’t have sippy cups kids can drink from a shot glass with a little extra help. It’s their size and it is so cool to use something that’s usually reserved for grown-ups. Good luck and enjoy!
What a riot, he is the best! Thank you Toby, some great advise!
I love this so much! Isn’t seeing your kids chat with strangers the best? On our last trip, my son (4) was so excited for seatmates. Someone would sit down, and he would ask hopefully, “Who is that? Someone we haven’t met yet?” He ended up making friends with a grandfatherly man who sat next to us on a red-eye. At one point I woke up to discover my so fast asleep on the man’s arm. I immediately said, “Oh, I’m so sorry!” and went to move him, but the man just said, “Shhh,” and waved me away. They chatted like old friends until we parted ways in Keflavik. It’s the kind of thing that makes you believe in people.
oh my gosh, i love that so much!
This post is adorable! I think he’s giving excellent advice. I have to laugh about the rental car. I can pretty much guarantee my daughters never paid any attention to what rental car we had. Even today, as adults, I don’t think they notice. One of those girl/boy differences I guess!
This makes my heart burst…what a sweetheart!
I HAVE to know what the story is about the screwdriver and batteries!!
This is just the sweetest. Such a cutie. Thanks for sharing.
Just love this!!! So great (and true tips) :0 Thank you, Toby!
Happy Holidays, all COJ readers a Jo’s lovely family!
Too funny! Wise words of advice, Toby ?
More than hilariously pretty!! Toby knows what he’s talking about. I definitely take the advice with the dangerous sibling :) Cheers to Toby with lots of fizzy apple and snacks!
He’s a natural! My almost five year old is going to love these (and probably quote Toby at some point).
“But don’t go close to him in case he hits you. Take a step back.” Haha, I could’ve used this advice growing up with my sister! Also, packing a snazzy jean jacket is an excellent tip. Who doesn’t want to feel snazzy?!
A fizzy apple – he’s so cosmopolitan! We are totally going to start making fizzy apples at our house.
Thank you for sharing Toby– what a kid!
“I don’t like the window seat because I feel like I’m going to fall off the plane.” I just love this, Toby. You are the bee’s knees!
I also love your advice on engaging fellow passengers by asking how they’re doing. I have a 3.5 year old daughter who refuses to say hello or goodbye to people. Will this ever change? Kidding!! …. No but really, will it? ???
Have an awesome trip! Thanks for all the tips.
“Ask your parents to pack a screwdriver and batteries for your trip. Presents sometimes need those things to work.” Brilliant advice, Toby!
This should have been recorded as a video! This kid is great.
While reading this post, I had to share Toby’s top notch advice on choosing a seat on the plane with my husband. We were hysterical.
Excellent advice Toby, you are wise beyond your years. Thank you.
So heartwarming! I absolutely loved reading this!
I love this! Toby is awesome ?
Well this is ridiculously cute! Oh Toby.
This was so fun to read. More Toby interviews!!!!!!!
This is adorable AND practical. Thanks Toby!
I always love hearing what Toby has to say!!
What a sweetheart! Do you ever feel that he is an old soul? He seems wise beyond his seven years.
I would love to sit next to Toby on a plane and drink a fizzy apple. This is adorable!
On-point, Toby! Such great tips.
The note about younger siblings that hit made me lol and aso love Anton, more.. haha.
I don’t have children (nephews are great!), but this seriously made me tear up and get chills. This is ABSOLUTELY adorable – all of it.
So friggin awesome. Best thing i read all week!
Oh my goodness! The cuteness hurts!
I mean this from the bottom of my heart. This is some of the best travel and holiday advice I’ve read to date. Thank you Toby!
Loved this! He is such a sweet boy and I love his point of view!
Maybe Toby should have a regular guest spot? I loved his fashion advice and the travel advice is also spot-on. New monthly feature?
YES!! I could do weekly but would settle for monthly.
you guys are so sweet! :) i bet he would love that, haha.
Oh, I look forward to more of these! Thanks, Toby! Merry Christmas!
This is all such great advice, Toby! I think your mom and dad should totally rent the Ferrari!
Gotta love a guy who is into the details like beautiful red straws, packing batteries and a screwdriver, and knows when to give his little brother some space! This was such a sweet post! Happy Holidays to you all!
Oh my what fun to read Toby’s suggestions! A fizzy apple! Ask for all the snacks! Don’t get too close to your cranky brother.
What a love he is.
I agree about the red straws, Toby. They give your drinks something special!
These posts are the best! My daughter just said to me “let’s go to Italy again so that I can watch Doc McStuffins on the plane”!
This sentence just killed me “Ask your parents to pack a screwdriver and batteries for your trip. Presents sometimes need those things to work. If you don’t have them, you might get upset.”. So wise! My kids are older (12) but still say amazing things that remind me that they are also still young.
I laughed so hard at “A long time ago, we met a guy with long hair. Maybe in 2012.” Can Toby even remember 2012? It’s so adorable and hilarious!
He’s just the absolute best! And such good tips. Thanks for sharing him with us.
Great tips, Toby! So adorable!
When the pilot came on yesterday to tell us we were in for bad turbulence I wish I’d had this list to make me laugh. The flight actually turned out fine but I always have Owl with me on all my trips. Toby is so right about that!
I am genuinely now taking Toby’s rental car advice, and I am 38 years old. We had a few mishaps with Alamo over the years. Toby is like the Buddha.
Tired sibling advice is the SAME as tired spouse advice ?
Thank you Toby! Your ideas are really clever and wise!
I just love this age group! My six-year-old great-grandson invited my husband to come for mass last Friday at his parochial school. Afterwards he solemnly told my husband that the new priest was really nice and everyone likes him, but he’s a brand new priest and not really a “pro” yet. I feel like his travel tips might sound quite a bit like Toby’s.
‘not really a “pro” yet’ – haha thats brilliant!
Thank you, Toby, for helping me remember what is important before traveling to see the in-laws next week!
“Ask your parent to bring a screwdriver and batteries” -brilliant!
Toby’s tips are the best!
We don’t have any kids but if we did, we would totally want a Toby!
I’m taking the advice on tired siblings. Will definitely find it useful once my brother arrives, even though we are all grown up, ha.
This is the greatest. That is all.
I’m reading this in a library and had to keep myself from audibly laughing multiple times – his answers are just the sweetest!
I thought a Playmobil Porsche dealership must have been something Toby imagined but that couldn’t possibly exist…and then I googled it! Big kids have such fancy toys (we are still in the Fisher Price and Duplo age)!
My kids are also playmobil obsessed. My son asked Santa for the Egyptian pyramid and my daughter (also 7) wants the shopping mall which they no longer make. Eep!
When I was growing up in Germany (American in an American family, but living in a smaller German town and attending German school), we always had so many Playmobils. Not in the orderly way that most of my friends got them – a specific item each birthday from the store – but instead purchased en-masse at the flea markets over the years. Loved them. I had two favorite pieces – a little girl in a green dress I named “April and a chimpanzee. Such great toys.
that sounds so wonderful, emma!
Thank you Toby! Great advise!
Totally agree about not having to kiss the relatives if you do not want to!
We, adults should never force children to kiss people if they don‘t want to. Sometimes kids are tired,or not in the mood or thinking they would rather play straight away with the other kids in the family and not stand there like statues being kissed by adults.