Travelling with Children: Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Family Vacation

Jul 22, 2024

3 min read

Are you planning a family vacation but worried about the challenges of traveling with children? Fear not! With some preparation and the right mindset, you can create lifelong memories with your little ones. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you navigate the world of family travel:

Before You Go

1. Involve your children in the planning process: Encourage them to help with research, packing, and itinerary planning.

2. Choose a kid-friendly destination: Consider theme parks, beaches, or national parks with activities suitable for your child’s age and interests.

3. Book accommodations with amenities: Opt for hotels or vacation rentals with pools, game rooms, or kid-friendly services.

4. Pack smart: Bring essentials like diapers, formula, and favourite toys, and consider shipping bulky items like strollers or car seats.

On the Go

1. Create a travel routine: Establish a daily schedule with regular meal times, naps, and activities to maintain a sense of normalcy.

2. Keep them entertained: Bring along games, books, and portable chargers for devices.

3. Take breaks: Allow for flexibility in your itinerary and build in downtime for relaxation.

4. Capture memories: Document your trip with photos, videos, and journaling.

Tips for Specific Ages

⦁ Infants (0-1 year):

Pack a baby carrier, bring a pacifier, and research baby-friendly attractions. While travelling ensure that you keep your baby’s meals handy. Pack more than you think you’ll need in case of delays. Pack extra wipes in your carry-on diaper bag, as well as multiple changes of clothes for baby. Pack a first-aid travel kit in case of unexpected incidents.Whether you’re traveling with an infant or a toddler, packing books and toys to keep them entertained is key. Bring a mix of baby’s favourites, including items that offer comfort, like their favourite stuffed animal. Having that small comfort from home when baby’s in a new place can go a long way to making them feel happy and safe.

And last but not the least, be patient with yourself and your baby and know you’re both doing the best you can. However much you plan down to the smallest detail, things may not go as smoothly as you had hoped.

⦁ Toddlers (1-3 years):

Talk to your kids about what to expect. Dress the child in layers and skip shoes with laces. Carry some surprise gifts. When flying with a toddler, a wrapped new plaything has two advantages: Kids love to unwrap stuff, and a new toy has more attention-grabbing pull. Plan your packing list. To guard against over-packing while ensuring you don’t forget anything critical, consider writing out a full packing list.Seat your child away from the aisles as these seats can be dangerous for toddlers and potentially give them a little too much freedom of movement. For example, little hands and feet can be bumped as people walk by. Keep your composure. There’s not much you can do to assuage that passenger who complains the moment your child sneezes or giggles. Here’s what you need to remember: As long as you’re trying, you’ve got almost everyone on your side.

⦁ School-age children (4-12 years):

Encourage independence, pack games and books, and involve them in planning. Inspire them to record their memories in whichever format they are comfortable. Put them in charge of maps and tours wherever possible. Allow them to buy souvenirs. It’s a great learning opportunity for them about the laws of exchange.

School aged kids can become engrossed in an activity quite easily, so allow room in your schedule to give them extra time to enjoy the moment.

⦁ Teenagers (13+ years):

Give them autonomy, plan activities they’ll enjoy, and consider a separate room or itinerary. Travel by nature is mind-expanding, so don’t force your teenager to engage in the same daily activities you do with endless tours and museums, historical sites, etc. Make sure they are comfortable.Be flexible on timing. Compromise is key. If getting the whole family up early is going to wreck your day by saddling you with a grumpy teen, consider heading out solo, or with your partner while your child(ren) sleep in. It’s a great time to linger over a leisurely breakfast, take a walk in the park or get in a little shopping without a complaining teen in tow.