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Travelling with children is a prospect that often conjures up images of being trapped in a car with screaming kids in the back and an endless road trip ahead, or having to hush a wailing child on a cramped airplane while attempting to ignore angry glares from fellow passengers. Admittedly, these experiences are enough for many parents to give up on family vacations forever, or at least until the kids are in college. However, there is no need for such drastic measures because there are many valuable tips that may help to ensure that a holiday with young kids is fun and stress-free.
The key before any trip is to plan ahead. When choosing a destination you may want to ask yourself the following questions. Will the distance and travelling time be manageable for your family? Does the destination offer a variety of attractions and activities for children? Will getting around be easy - in terms of transportation and hotel locations? Thankfully, many cities are quite accommodating and friendly towards families with young children but there are still a few places that are so determined to preserve their old-world charm that they refuse to install modern conveniences such as elevators, ramps, or even diaper-changing facilities.
It is also important to make a list of everything that you will need to take with you. Try not to go overboard. It may be a good idea to read over the list afterwards and streamline where possible. Since babies will require more gear and accessories, decide whether the items you pack are suitable for travelling. A good travel stroller is essential when taking your baby on holiday. Some parents opt to take a baby carrier instead but strollers, especially ones that recline, are comfortable for baby’s naps, can provide extra storage, and will give your back a break. When choosing a travel stroller, consider ones that are lightweight, sturdy, recline well, steer easily, and are simple to fold. Check the durability of the stroller wheels as well – the cobblestone streets in many European cities have been known to damage many a stroller. If you like to pack really light and would rather not deal with having to take your stroller, another option is looking into whether you could rent strollers at your destination. Car seats tend to be popular rental items as they are often cumbersome to pack.
An assortment of snacks and distractions will definitely help pass the time while travelling. Convenient foods that your kids will enjoy, as well as juice and milk boxes are great options. It may also be wise to include a few extra special treats for those moments where restlessness is at its peak and bribery is your last resort. Colouring books, crayons, and other amusements that are easy to pack will help keep children occupied for long periods. If possible, buy a couple of interesting little toys and keep them hidden in order to surprise your children with them en route. If you’re lucky, the new toy(s) will keep your kids entertained for a good portion of the journey. Many travelling parents love to pack handheld gaming systems, which are now available for many different age groups including toddlers.
Pay a visit to your family doctor before your vacation. Discuss various issues such as appropriate vaccinations and useful over-the-counter medications for tackling possible problems such as colds, stuffy noses, and travel sickness. Depending on where you’re going, it may also be helpful to inquire about the types of sunscreen products and bug repellents that are safe for kids.
Air Travel
Airline travel can be a trying experience for young children and their parents. Therefore, a little planning and preparation may go a long way in reducing much of the frustration and hassle. First of all, try booking flights during non-peak times. Generally this means flying on Monday or Wednesday evenings. Red-eye flights are a good option as well because chances are airports will be considerably less busy and since it is late at night, children should hopefully be tired and ready to fall asleep by the time you take off.
Request the seats that work best for you well in advance. Seatguru.com is a great site where you can preview the seating configuration of the type of aircraft you will be flying. As most parents are aware, everything simply takes longer with kids so try to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Check to see whether there are separate line-ups for families with young children, as these lines tend to be much shorter and quicker.
Most airlines provide a gate-checking service for strollers – meaning that you can take your stroller right up to the plane and hand it over to attendants for storage below deck. Once you disembark at your destination you’ll find your stroller waiting for you on the ramp or at the gate. If you decide to gate-check your stroller, make sure that you obtain the appropriate tags at the baggage check-in counter. Stroller bags or even large plastic bags are useful in protecting strollers from being damaged or dirtied during transit.
Since take-offs and landings can be painful for little ears, offer your kids something to drink during those occasions. A bottle or a pacifier should help to keep babies calm. Air conditioning on planes sometimes causes stuffy nasal passages and sinuses, which can lead to very unhappy kids. Ask your doctor about using pediatric saline drops in these situations. And don’t forget to pack travel-sized hand sanitizers and wipes for those instances where hand washing just isn’t possible.
Road Trips
Some parents choose road trips over air travel because they prefer to control the pace of their journey. A comparison of overall costs between various modes of travel may also make road trips appear more budget-friendly. Once again, remember to plan and prepare ahead. Determine which towns along the way have a number of decent hotels available. Go over your intended route on a road map and mark all the convenient rest stops and parks where the kids can stretch their legs and expend some energy.
Brush up on popular road trip games for some entertainment. A portable DVD player may be a wise investment along with a small selection of DVDs. Find out whether there are any attractions for children along the way. A few fun-filled hours at an amusement park or a zoo may buy you a peaceful period of driving later.
Another advantage of road trips is that you can shop for food and supplies as you travel so you may not have to pack as much initially. Put together a roadside emergency kit if you don’t already have one. Include first aid supplies, blankets, some non-perishable food and bottled water. If you intend to go camping then make sure that you have the appropriate equipment and emergency gear. Let other family members or friends know of your route and camping locations before you leave. Whether travelling by air, sea, or land, it is always a wise idea to leave copies of your itinerary and relevant contact information with relatives or friends before any trip.
While travelling with children is often viewed with dread, you’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by how a little research, planning, and preparation can result in a wonderful family vacation filled with lasting memories.
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