Marquita Wright has traveled to more than 33 countries for both business and pleasure. When she got pregnant with twins, people told her that she would have to find a new job and stop traveling.
“Those comments ignited a mission to prove everyone wrong and show my boys the world,” she told Travel Noire.
The Wright Brothers are only two-years-old and have traveled to five countries, including the Netherlands, France, Thailand, and Costa Rica.
In an interview with us, Wright explains more about how she travels with toddler twin boys.
Travel Noire: The big question is, how do you do it? How do you prepare for traveling with two toddlers, besides your superpowers?
Wright: First, travel is life. My boys have been traveling since they were 4 months. They have flown on almost 20 trips and completed 5 road trips – which means every 6 weeks, or so of their lives, they have been on a trip. So, with that said, they’re accustomed to traveling.
The key is to travel smart. Only traveling with the essential items and finding items that make travel easier.
There are three things you need: snacks, snacks, and more snacks! You need entertainment such as window stickers, buckle pillow, magnetic tiles, tablets, and foldable headphones.
Don’t forget to be both patient and flexible as you’re traveling with toddlers. Be respectful of folks around you but don’t let what others think consume you.
When Packing
When packing, use compression cubes to fit more in your suitcase and only bring what’s needed. You can buy extra diapers and wipes where you’re going. Also, try to stay somewhere with a washer and dryer, so you can bring less clothing.
Items That Make Travel Easier
Go Pockit stroller because it folds small enough to fit over head on the plane
CARES Airplane Harness. The harness, which I can fit 2 in my purse, replaces the car seat on the plane.
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At The Airport
I use TSA precheck and CLEAR to get through security quickly.
Once we’re at the gate, I let the boys roam and be free. This is the time to let them explore and burn allllll the energy. On flights, if they need to get up and walk the aisle, pre-COVID, I would.
Travel Noire: Can you recall the most challenging time you had traveling with the twins, and how did you overcome it?
Wright: Due to ticket issues we weren’t able to take our initial flight to Thailand. 7 hours, and an extra $1000 later, we were finally able to board the next flight to Thailand.
During that time the boys had to be entertained at the airport. To combat that, we airline club hopped. This allowed the boys to eat all the food their stomach could handle (they love to eat) and helped get all of their energy out.
Travel Noire: What would you tell moms who are scared to travel with children?
Wright: Just do it! You will not regret creating beautiful memories with your kids.
And like anything, you’ll learn from ‘mistakes’ or anything that didn’t go as planned.
Travel Noire: What is the best part about traveling with the boys?
Wright: Seeing the world through their eyes. Travel is the best teacher.
I want my boys, as Black boys, to know that there is more than America and they are more than what America says they are.
I realized the lack of diversity in the travel world, especially family travel. Black people and Black families do travel. I want the travel industry to be accustomed and open to Black families who travel, from budget to luxury. Similarly, I want my boys to know that no matter where they may be in the world, they indeed do belong
You can follow the traveling twin mom on Instagram.