Lucy Liu Shares Her Top Tips For Traveling With A Child

Lucy Liu is no stranger to traveling. The actress has trekked the globe for work, charity, and relaxing getaways. But, since welcoming her son Rockwell in 2015, she’s had a jet-setting buddy in tow. And while exposing children to the world can be exciting, it can also be exhausting and stressful, especially with the thousands of flight cancellations and delays. Luckily, Liu has picked up a few tips that make flying or taking long car rides a bit easier with little ones. I found out some of those suggestions as part of her partnership with American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card, which just announced enhanced features that reward Card Members for everyday purchases. So, what was Liu’s sage advice? Check out the interview I did with her below.

You travel a lot. How does the American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card card come into play when you’re on the road?

“Well, I decided to go to Connecticut with my son. I don’t have a car because I live in New York. So, I rented a car and took him to the aquarium. I gassed up, used the car to go to the aquarium, bought tickets in advance, etc. Then, because I didn’t have food at home, I bought some groceries and had them sent to the house so that I could make him dinner when I got home. I could get 3% cash back on groceries, gas, and online shopping, plus 1% cash back on everything else. I’ve been traveling more around the area so that I don’t necessarily have to get on a plane. I’m going on vacation in my own area, which is incredible.”

You’ve been lucky enough to travel with your son. What are some of your tips for traveling with a kid?

“Boys have different energy. And knowing that, I kind of work around his schedule and sleep patterns. I also know that they have to run around. So, when I get to the airport, I have them run into an area that’s pretty open to getting it out of their system. I bring markers and download a bunch of episodes and movies. It’s kind of a treat for him to travel because that’s the one time he really gets to watch videos. I also started very early on, having him listen to audiobooks and podcasts. They have short ones for kids that keep him engaged without looking at the screen.”

Since you’re keeping it local regarding travel, have you come across any hidden gems?

“In New York, there are so many great places. When you go to Coney Island as an adult, it’s quite different. But, when you go with a child, it’s completely magical, from the bumper cars and hot dogs to the aquarium. Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, and the zoo are the hidden gems that are so basic that it’s almost ridiculous not to recognize how convenient it is.”