If you’re thinking about travelling with your children this year, you may be mentally preparing yourself for a nightmare. But travelling with kids doesn’t have to be hard, and with a little preparation, it may even be easier than you’re expecting.
Here are some top tips for travelling with kids:
Do a house swap
This is a great option for the budget-conscious, and a house swap can also be a great way to connect with another family on the other side of the world. If you both have small kids, this is a great idea since the other home will also have everything the little ones need (highchairs, toys etc). AirBnb is also a great idea, and will give you a space with cooking facilities and a location amongst locals.
Pack smart
Travelling can be stressful enough when you only have yourself and your luggage to worry about, but kids make this even more difficult. Consider grabbing rolling suitcases with seats so you can push the through the airport (you may even find they want to push their suitcase themselves), and spend some time thinking seriously about how much stuff you need to take. While kids do tend to get messy, try not to overpack with clothes, as you can easily grab more or get them washed if you run out, and ensure you have the things they need from home (especially their favourite soft toy or blanket). If you’re going to be travelling for a long time, hide a few unexpected toys away (you may even want to purchase something new) to keep them quiet and entertained.
Kevin Shorter via Flickr
Book early
Booking early is more important for families than solo travellers or couples, since this will give you a higher chance of being able to sit together. If you have a baby or a toddler, you’re going to want to sit near the bassinet so they won’t be sitting on your lap for the entire flight as well. It’s also far more cost-effective to book early since you’ll know that everything has been paid for and won’t need to deal with an increase in flight prices or accommodation.
Take the gadgets
If you’re someone who tries to keep the smart devices out of little hands at home, it could be a good idea to relax these rules slightly while you’re travelling (particularly if you’re flying). This will keep the kids entertained, and there are plenty of fun, educational apps available for when you’re waiting in line or on public transport.
Keep track of the kids
If you’ve never travelled with your kids overseas before, purchasing a child locator can give you peace of mind. These can easily be hooked onto their shoe or belt, and the transmitter will allow you to quickly find them if they happen to wander off the minute your back is turned.
As you can see, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your family trip goes smoothly. If you’re still worried about travelling with your kids, be sure to talk to your travel agent for some more tips and tricks.
