Kids bring joy everywhere they go, including journeys. However, they are fragile and need an operator’s manual to handle – if you have a kid, you will understand. This being the case, there are several things you need to consider to ensure the journey is seamless and enjoyable. The rate at which you enjoy your trip with kids depends on how you plan and prepare. You need to pack everything that your kid likes so that you avoid any disputes and tantrums.
Food and toys are the basic needs children have. Failure to understand the other necessary items will cost you throughout the trip. A nagging kid is the last thing you want when travelling, especially for a long haul flight. Here are some of the tips for travelling with children:
Pack all that is needed
This is the first thing you have to do. You cannot overemphasize the fact that kids can and will cry the whole journey just for a specific toy you forgot. Assuming you know everything about your kids, make sure that you carry everything that they will need in their journey. This includes their favourite foods, clothes, and toys, etc.
Your nappy bag is going to count as your carry on, so ensure that you’ve got it all! You may also want to take into account possible delays, that’s why you should always be ready with wet wipes, diapers, and snack foods. Try to avoid packing sugar-filled snacks because it would be difficult to manage kids when the sugar rush starts kicking in. If you’re travelling by plane, it’s wise to bring several suckable candies during take-off and landing to assist with the change in pressure. If your bag has any space left, load it with wet wipes – you’ll certainly need them.
Book the best flight for kids
Different flights have provisions for children, but not all of them do. The airline you book might have a massive impact on the experience you get travelling with your kids. Choose an airline that has sufficient legroom and sitting area. This will ensure that you do not squeeze with your kids. Discomfort is the last thing you want to experience when travelling with children. This will raise their intolerance and make you suffer comforting them throughout the journey.
Try planning your flights around your bedtime. Night flights could be more costly, but a sleeping kid is a great relief to anyone. If ease is what you are after, night flights come highly recommended. If you need to catch a connecting flight, make sure you’ve got a fair amount of time – the very last thing you want is an unexpected mad dash through the airport.
Avoid overloading
Remember that it is possible to buy almost everything overseas. It may not be the same product, but you’re going to manage. It is a terrible idea to bring all the items you are familiar with as it will your routines consistent and this is not what you want. When travelling with kids, you must always be prepared for the unexpected. Keeping your routines consistent will only add to your frustrations when things go wrong.
There’s a great chance you’ll wind up carrying at least 1 child at the end of a long travel day, so you definitely do not want to bring heavy luggage with you. Only carry what you will need through the journey. Avoid packing heavy, especially when you have kids and are alone. You can get some items in the destination you are headed. You can only carry a few clothes and other necessities.
Include the kids in your holiday plans
If your kids are of the decision-making age, allow them to participate in the choices you make. For instance, let them choose a holiday destination. Rather than imposing on them places to visit, you need to include them in the decisions. They might go to the places you choose and fail to enjoy or even get grumpy. Be civilized and give them a chance to choose, even if they are not adults.
Generally, the choices of the children and your choices could blend to make a great trip. During the trip, everyone in the family gets a bit of what’s ideal for them. The kids will be more interested in the travel and more curious about what you are doing when they have a say in picking the places you’re going to. It’s a wonderful way to engage them in planning from an early age.
Have a basic first aid kit
For starters, make sure that your travel insurance covers all possible emergencies that might occur when travelling such as medical evacuations and even the use of air ambulances if necessary. Ensure that even your children are covered by insurance.
Not that you should carry an entire pharmacy with you, but you should make sure that you have at least the basic kit. In case of an emergency, you can salvage the situation before getting proper help. Besides, some minor injuries do not need you to get professional help. With kids, you should expect cuts and bruises. You can handle these types of injuries without the need for ambulances.
