That type of delay is normally not the biggest deal in the world, but with kids in tow and flights and ferries to catch, it was enough to set my radar on alert.ĭuring the nine-hour flight, I started calculating our game plan. Our flight was delayed and we finally took off two hours late. Our journey’s challenges began as soon as we arrived at the Hong Kong airport. So, there I was-three hours before takeoff, solo rushing out the door, weighing the bags, making the kids gluten-free sandwiches, cutting up veggies, and packing some emergency snacks in case of delays. He stayed behind with my two-year- old son and promised to book the next flight over. My husband suddenly announced he couldn’t make the flight because of an urgent work project (yes, in my life, that’s typical). It all started with a few last-minute emergencies. We were headed on a trip down under-flying from Hong Kong to Sydney, with a domestic connection to Hamilton Island and two connecting ferries to our final destination on one of the surrounding islands.

With four kids and a husband to pack for, it’s my way of always being prepared. I’m a planner. A week before most trips I start laying out the basics, making checklists, and doing last minute shopping to fill in the gaps.