Although it can be stressful, travelling is one of the favourite activities of many people. Visiting distant destinations, exploring foreign streets or simply relaxing somewhere far away from home all sound like a dream, and you certainly want your kids to experience these things, too. However, many people dread the idea of travelling with young kids. While it is true that it will require some forethought, with a few tips and tricks, you’ll have nothing to worry about.
Be aware that you will need more time
The first thing you need to have in mind if you want to steer clear of stressing about missing your flight is that with kids, you will need more time for everything. So, plan your schedule accordingly, arrive early and board early so that you can settle in comfortably in your seats instead of running around all day.
Surviving the flight
A busy airport and the confines of a plane can be stressful for little ones. So, you should explain to them everything in advance– tell them what will happen at airport security so that they know what to expect. Another great idea is to choose your seats close to the toilet on the plane. If you are taking a long flight, it might be a good idea to book an overnight one so that your child can sleep through most of it.
Always have snacks on hand
No matter how long your trip is, make sure you always have snacks on hand in case your child starts to get hungry – it is in the best interest of the both of you. Skip the sugary snacks, though, and make sure you rather choose healthy and filling ones. Carrying some juice or water in a stainless steel bottle at all times is also recommended.
Bringing entertainment is a must
Kids get bored easily, and while you might not find a two-hour ride too long, if your child gets bored after the first ten minutes, rest assured it will feel like an eternity. So, bring enough entertainment depending on the length of your trip – load an iPad with offline games and bring a couple of new books and toys but also your child’s favourite one. You can also look up games that don’t require any props so that you can pass time whenever and wherever.
Packing for the kids
Packing is always one of the most stressful parts of travel, and with kids, it can be even more difficult to pack reasonably. It’s important to consider the temperatures of your destination when packing for your little one, especially in the winter, but be sure not to overpack. Instead, make sure you have all the essentials at hand in one of the practical nappy bags – a change of clothes, food, toys and other essentials should always be by your side, on the plane too.
Think about safety
Of course, when it comes to our kids, our main concern is always safety. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so for peace of mind, make sure your child has your contact information on them. Also, it’s a great idea to pack bright, colourful clothes for them that will help you spot your little one easily in case they wander off.
Consider an apartment instead of a hotel
Hotels might sound comfortable and convenient, but when you have little ones to put into bed at 8 p.m., the family sharing a room becomes a problem. So, instead of a hotel room, consider booking an apartment where you will have more independence. You can sleep in separate rooms so everyone has their own space and can relax.
Plan everything in advance and look for discounts
Finally, you probably already know this but when it comes to travelling with kids, you really shouldn’t leave anything to spontaneity. Plan your itinerary in advance, look up the attractions you want to visit, book any admission tickets you can – it’s a great time to look up any child discounts that may apply, too.
Travelling with kids might require a bit more planning and organisation, but in the end, it will be all worth it for the memories. As long as you go prepared, you will have nothing to worry about.
Author Bio:
Maggie Holmes is a passionate blogger keen on writing about beauty, fashion and travel. Her exclusive hobby is to surf the net to find amazing articles that can inspire her with some fresh ideas for article writing. She loathes being a common person who wastes her time.
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