The thought of a vacation brings a smile to our faces, especially when traveling with kids. The excitement of hitting the road, feeling the wind, connecting with nature is something we look forward to the most. There is always so much to learn and experience when you meet people and travel to exotic destinations.
Top tips for traveling with kids
Traveling with kids requires a lot of planning and immaculate execution. Traveling with kids vs. traveling alone is definitely a different ball game altogether, however with a little bit of planning and organizing, family travel can be a lot of fun too. Here are some tips we have collected over the years about traveling with kids!
Prepare them
Take your kids out for small drives, picnics to close-by destinations. This will help you prepare the kids before going on a long holiday especially to a new and far-off place. Sometimes kids don’t take well to change so it’s very important that you get them used to traveling. This process helps when you start traveling with kids.
Book late-night flights while traveling with kids
You read it right! Flying with kids/toddlers can be a lot easier and more relaxing especially for the moms if it’s a late-night flight and your kids get tired throughout the day and sleep during the flight.
Arrive at the airport much ahead of time
By arriving early, you get ample time to feed the kids or buy them their favorite toys/books at the airport. The last moment rush towards the departure gate with crying kids will only make the journey more stressful. Instead, arrive early and do everything with a calm and relaxed mind.
Pack Smart when traveling with kids
Parents have a tendency to pack every possible thing they can and end up paying for excess baggage. Try to teach your kids to pack their bags on their own. Pack separate bags for them. This will reduce the number of complaints they might have later.
Hotels over Home Stays
While hotels will give you room service, laundry, and babysitting services, home-stays often give you the freedom to cook your kid’s favorite food and live as you do at home.
Stay in the city
Opt for a stay that is close to the central area, local stores, parks, and beaches. This way you will have everything accessible and it will also be a good way to keep your kids busy.
Carry Identification Cards
It would be great if your kids could carry an SOS card with your contact details on it so that in case they get lost/separated, you can be contacted. You may also make them wear a GPS tracking device or enable tracking on their cell phones if they carry one. You could also make them carry a picture of them with the family.
Carry a Stroller
If you have a toddler, carrying a light stroller can always be a lifesaver. Strollers are easy to carry and can be taken anywhere. They can be used as a temporary bed for afternoon naps, and also as a rain cover during light showers. When you are traveling with kids, especially toddlers, the strollers are very handy.
Keep it slow
Don’t pack your travel schedule with too many things. With kids around, it’s always better to go slow and factor in lots of breaks. Do a lot of research, check trends before choosing the places you visit, keeping in mind that your children should be able to adjust and adapt to the terrain and climate. Always think about their comfort first. Maintain their schedule of eating and sleeping so that they don’t get grumpy.
Entertainment
Have your children’s favorite cartoon or a couple of their favorite movies downloaded on your phone. This could be a great way to keep your children engaged during a trip. In case you are traveling with teens, then carrying some activity books for them could be a great idea too. Engage them in a lot of outdoor activities wherever you go.
Dress them comfortably
A comfortably dressed child is always a happy one. Soft cotton clothes are always advisable for kids. While on the flight or train, it’s best to dress them in shorts/ pajamas and a long-sleeve T-shirt which will also protect them against mosquitoes.
Don’t forget the medicine
Not every medicine you usually give your kid can be found everywhere. In case of any medical issues, taking a new medicine you haven’t tried before might not be advisable. It is a safer option to carry all required medicines for your child.
Meeting place for Emergencies
Each time you travel to a new place, try to keep a commonplace for everyone so that just in case your child gets lost, they can come back to the designated meeting point. While traveling with kids, if you face any emergencies, a pre-decided meeting point can come in handy.
Emergency cash
Always keep a small amount of cash in your child’s pocket. They can use in case of emergency. Please keep in mind that the amount should be small enough for your kids to call you and big enough for them to take a cab.
Bring a surprise while traveling with kids
Children love surprises especially if it’s something they love. You can try carrying a gift for your child but give it only when it’s required during the trip. This way your kids will get involved in their gifts making them easier to manage.
Make it a game
Let your kids get creative during their trip for which you reward them with their favorite ice cream or toy. Kids love games and this could be a great way to keep them busy and engaged. At the same time, it will make the trip more fun and interesting for them too. Reward them for being good and it will be fun while traveling with kids.
We sincerely hope the above tips about traveling with kids are helpful for you. The world is too small and hopefully, if we ever bump into each other don’t forget to tell us what happened when you decided to take your kids with you for your long-awaited holiday!
Read more of our travel tips here.
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