The idea of taking your kids on a long trip might sound like a nightmare, particularly if you plan on going overseas. Children can find it more difficult than adults to sit still on flights for extended periods of time, and this can lead to distress or tantrums. For parents, the idea of having to safely transport their kids from one location to another while providing ample entertainment to keep them happy is so unappealing that it might discourage them from traveling at all. Here are some useful tips to make traveling with children easier and perhaps even enjoyable.
Be Prepared
Come prepared if your trip involves several hours of transport. Here are a few ways you can plan ahead to make long journeys more enjoyable with your kids.
- Entertainment: There will usually be movies to occupy you and your children on a flight. You can also bring handheld video games or download videos onto a tablet for your kids to watch – make sure to do this in advance since you might not have internet access in the air.
- Comfort: Bring blankets and neck pillows to help your children sleep better on long flights or car journeys. It’s amazing how much these simple comforts can ease the stress of a trip.
- Food: While it’s known that boredom snacking is bad for your general health, letting your kids enjoy a few treats throughout the journey can quickly lift their spirits. Just make sure to avoid high-sugar foods that might lead to hyperactivity or overstimulation.
Plan Activities
If you are traveling overseas with your children, chances are you already have a variety of family-friendly activities in mind. Depending on the nature and purpose of your trip, this might, in fact, be the reason for traveling. If, however, you are traveling for other reasons, it’s important to bear in mind the potential stress and boredom experienced by your children. For example, if you are meeting relatives who live in another country, choose a day to treat your kids to a beach day or a visit to the zoo or aquarium. Having something fun to look forward to can make it easier for children to be patient during other parts of your trip.
Tips for Traveling with Toddlers and Babies
Going overseas with younger children and babies doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Preparation and avoiding the need to rush will make it much easier. If you are dreading carrying your child for the duration of your trip, then this is the best baby carrier to help ease the strain. Do your best to maintain your baby’s home routine while away; this includes sleeping and feeding at the usual times. Don’t forget wipes for keeping clean, as a sticky baby on a flight is no fun for anyone.
Hopefully, some of this advice for traveling with children has shown you that it’s possible to enjoy your journey no matter how young your traveling companions might be.
