Travelling with your kids can be challenging. whether it is your first time or the third time. You are faced with what to pack and how to get there, but it can be one of the best experience you have as a family.
However, when travelling with kids, finding a balance between rest and activities and also paying attention to their needs are two key ingredients among others.
We have put together 15 top tips for travelling with kids.
1. Slow down and leave on time
Many families get tensed travelling with kids. They worry about the end before the journey even started. One thing is important, you will definitely going to travel, so slow down and plan your trip. Build more time into your itinerary to leave for the airport on time. A flexible schedule will create less stress and a happier trip for you and your kids.
2. Don't Overpack
Remember it is important to pack only what is needed for your trip. There is a tendency for families to pack everything kids use at home. Almost everywhere you travel kids are there. if you missed anything, you can easily buy it at your destination. But make sure you bring diapers, baby wipes, a change of clothes, plastics bags, snacks, headphones, extra batteries, you may need them before taking off or after landing. The less you pack, the easier for you to carry and more room for souvenirs.
3. Packing baby food
Many airports allow your baby food to go through security checks in a container over 100ml. They demand that the container be opened, to screen the content of the food, it usually takes a moment, there is nothing to worry, your food won't get contaminated.
4. Plan your journey
Planning your flight around bedtime can be the best gift you can give to yourself and your child. A sleeping child is comfort and rests for everybody. If you have a connecting flight, be sure to leave enough amount of time to avoid a mad rush in an unfamiliar airport. Give yourself a couple of time to stretch your legs, talk, visit the convenience. Booking your ticket ahead of time can get you a cheaper ticket.
5. Book everything ahead of time
You may be the type that likes to book immediately you are ready to go. but with kids, it shouldn't be so. Pre-book everything you can remember, accommodation, flight tickets, airport transfer, sightseeing tours, public transportation, tickets to a museum, private guides, and other attractions. Book ahead as many places as you wish to visit, this will give you more time to relax and enjoy your destination and you can get better discounts.
6. Be willing to ask for a child's discount
To some people, it's difficult to ask for a child discount, but when you do it two to three times, you will find it easier to do. You won't know how much you will save until you ask for a discount.
Items you should be asking for a discount
- Flight tickets
- Transportation both buses and trains
- Restaurant (some places have kids eat free promotion)
- Sightseeing attractions
- Private guides
7. Explain the trip
Explaining the trip to your kids is important. when they understand what is expected of them at each point on the trip will help them to be more relax and be in their best behaviour. Explain what they will expect at the airport, in the planes, hotels, trains and attraction centres and your expectations for their behaviour throughout the trip. When kids understand your itineraries, the less likely they will ask you questions.
You may not buy the most expensive bag but go for what is quality and comfortable. Look for the items you are purchasing and find out which features will make your life easier, and how many times you will be using it. Get something that you can fold a bit smaller and your kids can carry around the city.
9. Snacks- very important
Having a few snacks with you on your trip is very important. your flight could be delayed more than expected, there might be traffic to your hotel, a tour may take more time than expected.
Your kids may not enjoy the food at your destination, so taking a few snacks at all time for your kids and even for adults won't be bad.
10. Safety and security
There is nothing devastating than the feeling you get when you don't know where your kids are when you are on a journey. you need to make sure that you keep an eye on your child at all time, whether things are going on smoothly or you are having a rough time to sort out logistic issues, always ensure you know where your kids are.
If you are with another adult and you want to buy tickets, share responsibilities, let one person stays with the kids while the other person buys the tickets, if not have them stay with you in the queue.
You can also use small GDS tracker that will alert you when they wander too far from your sight.
11. Airport check-in online
Check-in online is one of the easiest things to do, it helps you to minimize the time spent at the airport trying to check in. All you have to do is go through the security check, you can also find out if there is a family area at the security check, some airports have it, it can save you a long period of time trying to stay check-in.
12. Give kids your contact details
Nobody prays for things to go wrong, but sometimes you can't avoid it. You can give your kids your contact details and let them know what is expected of them when they wandered away. You can be creative about your contact details. Get it written in a note and puts it into their pockets, tie it to their belt loop or stick to their shoes.
Get the older ones to have your contact information memorized both your contact no and email address. The information should include your name, phone no, local address and email address.
13. Go with basic medication
Having a sick family member can ruin the journey. whether your child is having an upset stomach from the bumpy ride to your destination or allergic to something, you have to be ready to make sure that the sick person gets well as soon as possible.
It is good that you get a few over counter drugs.
Over counter drugs include:
- Medication for upset stomach
- Headache Medicines
- Allergic Medicines
If there is anyone with prescribed medications, be sure to bring it along. Bring them in their original package, or get a prescription copy from your doctor so you can show them for border crossing or if your bag is been searched.
14. Have your kids carry their bags
If your kids are a bit older, allow them to carry their own bags. It gives them a sense of responsibility. Unless where there is heavy equipment to carry, your kids should be able to carry a rolling bag or a small backpack. Doing this make it easier to go through the airport checks, and get to your destination faster, and everybody is happy.
15. Meet and assist service
Meet and assist service can make your trip with kids much easier and worthwhile, but not all the airport does. You have to check with your airline or airport if they provide such a service. You will be helped as much as possible from boarding to arrival if you're travelling with one or more than one kids, or you are new to your destination.
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