Tips for Traveling with Small Children
Travelling with small children can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning and preparation, you can make the experience fun for everyone involved. Here are tips to help you make the most of your next family vacation.
Try To Stick To A Schedule As Much As Possible
While it may be tempting to let loose and do whatever you want while on vacation, it can be helpful for your children if you try to stick to a general schedule. Keeping bedtimes and meal times consistent will help them adjust more quickly to the new environment.
Pack Comforts From Home
No matter how excited your children are about their upcoming vacation, they may still miss home. To help them feel more comfortable in a new place, pack a few of their favourite comforts from home, such as stuffed animals or special blankets.
Choose Your Destination Wisely
When picking a place to go, consider factors like the weather, local attractions, and whether there will be other families there that your kids can interact with. You’ll also want to ensure that your accommodations are child-friendly and that there are plenty of activities nearby to keep your little ones entertained, like museums, parks, and beaches.
Try To Board Early For Your Flight
If you’re flying with small children, try to book a flight that leaves as early in the morning as possible. This can help reduce stress and give your family plenty of time to get settled before takeoff. Also, consider booking select seats like bulkheads or those near the front of the plane for easier access to bathrooms or an exit row should you need it.
Prepare For Ear Pressure On Flights
Small children can experience pain from the changes in air pressure during takeoff and landing. Make sure to bring snacks, drinks, or a toy to help them stay occupied and make their ears pop. It may also be helpful to nurse or give your child a bottle when you feel the plane begin to ascend or descend.
Make a Packing List
Packing for a family vacation can be overwhelming, especially when trying to load for everyone in the family. To make things easier on yourself, create a packing list ahead of time and check items off as you pack them. This will help ensure that you remember everything necessary and that everyone has everything they need while on vacation.
Travel During Off-Peak Times
Try to travel during off-peak times like shoulder season or winter break. Not only will this save you money, but it will also mean fewer people will be around, which can make travelling with small children much more accessible.
Book Appropriate Accommodation
When booking hotels or other types of accommodation, ensure they are equipped to handle small children. Look for hotels that offer kid-friendly amenities like pools, playrooms, and child-proofing kits. This will make your stay much more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Take Advantage of Technology
Technology can be a great way to keep your children entertained while travelling. Download movies and games on your tablet or laptop that your kids can watch or play during long car rides, plane trips, or downtime at the hotel.
Don’t Forget the Stroller
Bringing a stroller along with you on vacation can help make life much easier for you and your children. A stroller will give them somewhere to sit after long walks, allow them to rest when they get tired and keep them safe while exploring new places.
Create a Daily Schedule
Having a daily schedule will help ensure that everyone knows what’s happening each day and that no one gets bored while on vacation. Be sure to include plenty of downtime in your schedule so that everyone can relax and recharge after busy days exploring your destination.
Pack Snacks and Drinks
It’s always a good idea to have snacks and drinks on hand when travelling with small children as they often get hungry and thirsty. Pack healthy snacks like fruits and vegetables and some favourite treats to keep everyone happy throughout the trip.
Bring Along Entertainment Options
From books and toys to portable game consoles and laptops, please bring plenty of entertainment options for your children so they’re never bored while on vacation. This is especially important if you’ll be travelling by car or plane as it will help make the journey go by much faster for everyone involved.
Dress Comfortably
When packing clothes for your trip, focus on comfort over style. Remember that you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking while on vacation, so choose comfortable shoes and clothes that won’t restrict movement too much. Packing layers so that you can adjust to changes in temperature throughout the day is also a good idea.
Stay Hydrated And Take Breaks Often
It’s essential to stay hydrated when travelling, especially if you’ll be doing a lot of walking around sightseeing. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day and take breaks often so everyone can rest their feet. Plan your sightseeing around nap time, so everyone is well-rested for the day ahead. Nap time is also great for adults to grab a coffee or explore an attraction. Just remember, it’s essential not to take on too much in one day so that everyone stays happy and stress-free.
Don’t Forget The Essentials
Be sure to pack sunscreen, hats and other first aid items like mosquito repellent, band-aids and antiseptic cream. Staying safe while on vacation is just as important as having fun, so remember the essentials when packing for your trip.
Have Realistic Expectations
Having realistic expectations when travelling with small children in tow is essential. But, of course, things may not always go according to plan, and that’s okay! Just roll with the punches and remember that the most important thing is spending quality time together as a family.
In conclusion, travelling with small children can be a fun and rewarding experience. With careful planning and a few helpful tips, you’ll be able to make the most of your vacation with your little ones in tow! Enjoy exploring new places together and making memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!
