re: People with experience traveling with multiple children ~2 years old

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I think something valuable that comes with traveling with children is setting the tone that you willtravel as a family.

My son just turned four and has visited 11 states. That's pretty damn good for a four year old. Thing is, this has been the worst financial times for us...well really since I was born. And yet we're still figuring out ways to make traveling a priority without breaking the budget. Makes me think we're really establishing traveling and exploring new areas as a routine and not just something we wait for the right moments to do perfectly.

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This is our philosophy. Travel is very important to me and my wife, and we have pushed through from the very beginning with our first son and now two sons. My (now)4 year old took his first steps while on a week long trip to Southern California. He and my 2 year old have now been to Colorado for a week, including hikes/carries through the Rockies. A week long trip around Oregon, and in a month, a week long trip from Vegas up through the Utah Mighty 5 and out of Salt Lake City. Couple that with many 3-4 day weekend trips to Tennessee, Texas and Florida.

The point is, it isn't easy, but it's kind of like eating in a restaurant with little ones. You are beginning the programming early as to expectations and behaviors. Is it always sparkling fun? No, but to me traveling as a family and exposing them to things is very important.

If you are traveling with car seats, the airport experience is the toughest. Buy one of these for each seat.
Rolling Suitcase Car Seat Strap It's $14 and lets you use the car seat latches to strap the seat to your roller luggage. My boys have been able to ride in their seats strapped to my luggage as we get in line to check baggage.

Our eldest was 2 in Colorado and he continues to talk about it 2 years later. The same about last year in Oregon. Maybe they are unusual, but they are retaining bits and pieces and tend to bring up memories of our trips completely out of the blue, even when we assumed they were not paying attention.

That said, each family and kid is different. I get the temptation of leaving the kids behind and enjoying the vacation unfettered. I think that is very important to a happy marriage as well.