Traveling with kids can be difficult, but with some planning and some creative approaches you can enjoy an easy and stress-free journey.
Children should wear ID bracelets and carry medical cards that contain information about them such as their name, diagnosis, medications taken and allergies. Furthermore, it’s advisable to research local emergency care locations prior to needing emergency services.
1. Plan ahead
Nothing enlightens children’s minds like new experiences, and travel presents plenty of learning opportunities. To ensure an enjoyable trip for all involved parties involved, it is key to plan in advance and keep everyone at ease during your journey.
Before traveling with children, introduce your itinerary and what they should expect at each stage of the journey. This will make them feel more at ease with what to expect and will reduce anxiety or any possible meltdowns that might arise.
Be wary of traveling during major events or holidays that could increase air and hotel prices or limit availability, and factor extra time for transportation and security when flying.
On long trips, ensure you pack plenty of entertainment options for your children – toys, books, games or apps can provide much-needed distraction when boredom strikes! Additionally, consider bringing preloaded apps or movies just in case Wi-Fi becomes unavailable.
Not forgetting to pack comfort items for your children can help them relax and focus more on enjoying their trip than on being uncomfortable.
2. Pack cubes
Packing cubes are essential when traveling with kids. Without them, my luggage would resemble an overflowing yard sale and finding my clothes can be an ordeal. Packing cubes are inexpensive yet add structure to your suitcase; most come in various sizes with mesh windows so that you can see exactly what’s inside at a glance – large cubes work best when packing pants/tops/underwear together while smaller cubes should be used for undergarment storage or accessories.
Clean/dirty cubes are another essential packing cube designed specifically to contain dirty items (think onesies, diapers and burp cloths) for travel with babies or toddlers, particularly when there is typically plenty of mess involved in travel. You can find such cubes at luggage stores or online; I highly recommend Eagle Creek and REI cubes that can withstand repeated use.
My kids have found it particularly helpful to get involved in the planning process, creating their own checklists and helping me organize. Not only does this get them excited for the trip but it ensures they pack only what matters to them and doesn’t leave behind important toys or games that they love!
3. Let the kids lead the itinerary
As opposed to creating an itinerary and pressing your kids to see all of the sites you deem essential, make it a collaborative effort between all participants in planning the trip. Doing this will keep their interest alive throughout the journey itself!
Take your child to the travel section of your local library or bookstore together and allow them to flip through books about your destination together (ideally at an actual physical location so they can fully appreciate browsing). Provide a list of landmarks and activities, and ask them which ones appeal most.
Consider assembling a first-aid kit tailored specifically to the needs and ailments of your child (you can purchase premade kits online, but chances are, you already have most of what’s necessary in your own home). Try to keep it small so it fits easily into their backpack.
Regularly check in with them to make sure they feel secure and have all of the resources necessary to manage their anxiety. This provides an ideal opportunity to teach them what to do if they become overstimulated or overwhelmed and how they can seek assistance.
4. Let them sleep on the plane
If your child is sleep trained (i.e. able to fall asleep without needing the aid of a pacifier or sleep gummies), try and encourage as much independent sleeping during the flight as possible – this will ease transition and reduce jet lag.
If it is necessary, book seats early so you can sit together on the flight and avoid last-minute scrambling when boarding. This will give your children a sense of security while making it easier for them to fall asleep during travel.
Before your flight, allow your children to burn off excess energy by running around the airport or playing outdoors in a designated play area. The more fatigued they are when they board the plane, the easier it will be for them to sleep peacefully onboard.
Stick with their usual bedtime ritual on the plane to signal it’s time for sleep, such as visiting the bathroom to brush teeth and changing into pajamas before reading or singing a bedtime story or song. Pack a neck pillow for added comfort; older children should consider wearing eye shades to block out cabin lights; and if all else fails try giving your child some melatonin gummies to relax them and help lull them to restful slumber.
5. Make it a game
Although some children can be generally easygoing on long trips, others require assistance staying engaged and entertained. Doing activities that keep children’s minds occupied in an airplane or car takes creativity; but a few simple activities can keep boredom at bay and make travel time enjoyable for all!
For younger children, consider setting up a scavenger hunt containing objects they might see along the way (cows, trees, gas stations and semi-trucks are likely sights along your journey). It will provide hours of entertainment at minimal expense!
Online, there are also plenty of educational travel games that will foster reading and literacy skills while on the move. A 30-day free trial of Reading Eggs gives access to hundreds of fun games that will both educate and entertain children while travelling.
Finally, for older kids consider creating a “travel activity bag”. This could contain anything from snacks and quiet toys to coloring books and craft supplies – this will keep them busy while on your journey and may even get them excited about your vacation!
6. Be prepared for messes
Traveling with kids requires that you always come prepared. You never know when illness, an accident, or needing the bathroom will arise – be prepared! Pack an emergency kit that includes bandages, wipes and first-aid items in an easily accessible place such as under the seat or inside a purse for quick and easy access.
Be mindful that kids can have a lot of energy, which may cause them to misbehave if they become hungry, tired, or thirsty. Be sure to pack healthy snacks that your children will eat, along with travel size water bottles, reusable pouches or travel cups for each of your kids. Also take this opportunity to introduce them to new foods from different cultures that they might otherwise never try at home!
Be flexible in your plans. Toddlers can be unpredictable and you should be prepared to change plans or find a quiet spot for them when they become overtired. Additionally, designate meeting spots should any children get separated during an outing or at an unfamiliar tourist spot.
7. Stay organized
Parents need to remember that children of this age are eager to explore and make memories that will stand the test of time. Parents need to remember that these experiences are irreplaceable even if things don’t always go according to plan.
Avoid stress and frustration by planning ahead as much as possible. For instance, if your child needs a nap prior to bedtime, pack their sleep necessities such as playpen, sheets, PJs, pull ups and monitor in an easy-to-find bag so they won’t have to search through each suitcase when the time comes for settling down.
As with anything, it is wise to allow extra time for everything – you may get delayed on a flight or the restaurant you wanted to visit may have closed, for instance. Also make sure that each child knows where and how they can reach you in case of emergency – this could include leaving notes in their pockets, tying something securely around their belt loop, or leaving something in their shoes that makes finding you easier for them. And finally don’t be afraid to pack entertainment essentials such as books or toys so they won’t become bored on long drives or plane rides!