It is one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever have travelling with kids. They will learn about new landscapes, animals and cultures. It opens doors and opportunities to delve deeper into a new culture as a whole family as people love children. Sure, there’ll be challenges at times however it really is a magical experience.
Here are 7 great tips to consider when travelling with kids:
1. Let the Kids Take Pictures and Keep a Diary
Consider purchasing a kids’ digital camera or tablet that they can easily hold and operate. It’s a great way for them to document their own journey. If your child can write or draw, get them to make notes and illustrate what they’re doing and seeing. If they’re having trouble remembering the details, ask them specific questions, have them look at the photos they’ve taken and get them to describe what happened (kids say the cutest things). You’ll love revisiting their photos, notes and drawings in years to come.
2. Pack Weather and Activity Appropriate Gear
Pack the right clothing/gear; having packed the right clothing for the new destination eliminates any time you might waste hunting down those items you didn’t pack. Kids are generally not a fan of shopping so avoid dragging them from pillar to post.
3. Set a Budget in Advance for Souvenirs
Kids obviously like to collect souvenirs as we do. Prepare them in advance and let them know that they are able to have i.e. one toy from Disneyland, one toy from the Christmas markets in Germany – this also helps eliminate the majority of constant asking of toys because they know there have limited space to pack them.
4. Book International Flights during Kid’s Bedtime
Where possible arrange international flights that are flying when it’s the kids bedtime so they get on the plane, have a meal and sleep. I have found the more TV watched, the less sleep they get for the entire flight.
5. Have a Separate Child Suitcase
Pack the kid’s belongings in their own small suitcase. This does wonders for their self-esteem. They really feel they are a part of the journey. Also, pack their belongings using packing cells to keep their suitcase organised.
6. Prepare Games for Waiting Times
Waiting in airports to board planes, catching public transport even driving between destinations can be boring for all.
Pack travel-sized games such as:
- Connect 4
- Travelling chess
- Uno
- Cards – for game ideas check out 6 Easy Card Games for Kids
- Are we there yet card games
- Eye Spy
- Hangman
- Naughts and Crosses
- Activity Books
- Colouring In
- Family Jokes
The other advantage is that this will limit the amount of screen time they will have too.
7. Invest in an Anti-Lost Wristband
To avoid the unthinkable of losing your child in perhaps a busy city or airport etc invest in an Anti-Lost Wristband. They are wonderful. Also useful if travelling somewhere like the Grand Canyon and you fear your child will venture off over the cliff.
About the Author – Belinda Hauser
Belinda is the founder of kidsetter a global family built on the belief that travel is the key that unlocks a child’s sense of place in our amazing world and brings us all closer together as cultural barriers are celebrated and dissolved. Kidsetter seeks to unlock the barrier of travelling with children so that every family can enjoy the wonderful world through the eyes of a child. Belinda has had a passion for travel for as long as she can remember and has travelled to more than 50 countries.
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