Simple Ways to Make Travel Feel Like Home for Your Children
Travelling with children can be exciting, but unfamiliar surroundings may cause discomfort. A change in routine, new environments, and different sleeping arrangements can make them feel unsettled. Small adjustments can help create a sense of comfort, making trips smoother for the entire family. These are just some of the factors worth considering!
Bring Familiar Items
Having familiar belongings on hand can make a difference when settling into a new place. A favourite soft toy, blanket, or even a pillow can provide reassurance. If a child has a bedtime routine that includes a particular book or a nightlight, packing these can help maintain a sense of normality.
Music can also be comforting! As such, having a playlist filled with songs they enjoy or a familiar audiobook can help you create a soothing atmosphere, especially at bedtime. Yes, these are small adjustments, but these details matter when helping children adjust to an unfamiliar environment.
Consider Sleeping Arrangements
Finding the right sleeping setup while on holiday can make a big difference in how well children adjust to new surroundings. Many family-friendly hotels, holiday rentals, and even campsites provide bunk beds as an option for younger guests. These can make sharing a room more enjoyable, giving children their own space while still being close to siblings.
For some, sleeping in a bunk bed on holiday feels like an adventure, while for others, it offers a practical and familiar arrangement that helps them settle in more easily. If your child enjoys this type of setup while away, it could be worth considering girls bunk beds for their bedroom at home. A familiar sleep environment can make the transition back home smoother, especially if they’ve slept well in a bunk bed while travelling. Having a similar setup at home can provide comfort, encourage independence, and even save space in a shared bedroom.
Maintain Routine
Keeping to usual habits as much as possible can reduce stress. Meal times, bedtime routines, and even daily activities such as reading or quiet play should remain consistent. This doesn’t mean following a strict schedule, but maintaining elements of predictability can help children feel at ease.
For example, if bedtime usually includes a warm drink and a short story, replicating that routine while away can provide familiarity. Having a general structure throughout the day, even with flexible activities, can give children a sense of stability.
Create a Personal Space
A dedicated space for a child’s belongings can help them feel more settled. Whether staying in a hotel, holiday rental, or with family, setting up a small area with their toys, books, or travel bag can create a sense of ownership over their environment.
In shared sleeping arrangements, using a small divider or setting up a corner with their comfort items can offer a sense of personal space. Simple touches such as laying out their pyjamas or letting them choose their sleeping spot can make a difference in how they feel about their surroundings.
Keep Communication Open
Talking about the trip beforehand and checking in regularly during the journey can help children feel more at ease. Some might have concerns about sleeping in a new place, missing home, or trying new foods. Reassuring them that it’s okay to feel this way and offering practical solutions can help ease anxieties.
Encouraging children to share their thoughts throughout the trip allows them to express excitement and any worries they may have. Keeping conversations positive and addressing any concerns in a calm way can significantly improve their comfort levels.
Ensure Comfortable Sleeping Arrangements
A good night’s sleep can affect how children feel during the day. If they sleep best with a particular pillow, soft toy, or blanket, bringing these along can help them settle in a new environment.
Where possible, choosing accommodation with a separate sleeping area for children can make things easier. If that’s not an option, creating a familiar sleep setup with portable bedding or a travel cot can help. Keeping bedtime consistent and allowing time to wind down can make the adjustment smoother.
Bring Entertainment Options
Travelling often involves waiting times, long journeys, or moments when children need to occupy themselves. Packing books, small toys, puzzles, or colouring materials can provide entertainment without relying entirely on screens.
Audiobooks and interactive games can also help pass the time. Choosing familiar activities they enjoy at home can make travel feel less disruptive to their usual routine.
Allow for Downtime
Exciting destinations and activities can make it tempting to plan packed schedules, but children need time to rest and recharge. A balance of structured outings and free time allows them to process new experiences without feeling overwhelmed.
Quiet moments, such as sitting in a park, watching a film, or simply unwinding with a book, can help them reset before the next activity. Recognising when they need a break can prevent overstimulation and improve their overall experience.
Time to Plan Your Trip
Helping children feel at home while travelling is about creating familiarity in small but meaningful ways. The more comfortable they are, the more enjoyable the trip becomes for everyone. With thoughtful preparation, travel can be both exciting and reassuring for children, making each journey a positive experience.
