Travelling with kids is not easy. If not difficult, it can certainly be overwhelming in the beginning. However, you should never see your kids as an obstacle in your travel plans. Looking after a little one’s needs shouldn’t stop you from exploring new places or revisiting old favourite ones.
In fact, travelling with kids can prove to be beneficial for both you and your kid. It can help your kid grow out of their comfort zone and learn to adjust to changing circumstances. It can also help them with their social skills and expose them to new things to find joy. On the other hand, you can gain confidence in yourself to not let anything stop you from having a good time. You can also learn and adjust to your kid’s needs and wants better as well as deepen your relationship with them.
All it needs is careful planning. So without further ado, let’s look at what you need to do to execute successful travel plans with kids. And if you need baby equipment as well as mobility aids in your travel, we recommend noosa cot hire.
Rethink Your Luggage
Most parents tend to over-pack when travelling with kids. They get anxious about leaving their kid’s favourite plush blanket behind, or their favourite stuff toy, toy car, doll, or sippy cup. Don’t be one of those parents.
Your child will as quickly forget about their favourite whatever as they remember it. Plus, you can always find them their new favourite things at the new place you’re taking them.
Pack only the essentials and your kid’s one favourite thing. Essentials should include everything you will need to make their life easier on the trip, such as car seats, travel crib, diaper bag, and prams. If you don’t have a pram or other travel essentials, you can find some quality recommendations on places like www.yourbabyclub.co.uk.
Get Your Kid Involved
If your kid is a toddler or older, explain what travelling means and what to expect from it. Inform them they won’t be able to access their room or other rooms of the home and get them excited about exploring new places. You can also show your kids pictures of the sights and monuments that you plan to see. Tell them about the activities you will all do together too.
During the trip, recall with your kids what you told them about the travel plans. It will not only help your child adjust to the journey but will also sharpen their memory and their vocabulary.
Make Bookings in Advance
If you’re a spontaneous traveller, you might need to tone down the spontaneity in your travel plans when your kid is with you. A preplanned and pre-booked trip will be a lot more comfortable and fun for yourself and your kid, especially if it is your first family vacation.
Book everything in advance and confirm each booking before stepping out of your home. Search for and make a list of all backup options if your bookings get cancelled at the last minute. You don’t have to experience looking for a hotel room with a toddler at 2 am to know that it’s not fun.
Get Children’s Discounts
Children discounts are more common than you think. Always check for children’s deals when travelling in ferries, boats, trams, or other vehicles. Children’s tickets for theme parks, museums, and other entertainment cost much less than those for adults. Save money on tickets for your kid. After all, you don’t want to pay in full when there is a high chance of you leaving the place without experiencing it.
Prepare for Emergencies
Your kid can get sick. Make sure you’re prepared for that with an extra pair of clothes, a bag and some medications if needed.
If they have a medical condition that needs to be catered to, make it a priority while travelling. Make sure you will have access to a primary medical facility whenever it is that you’re going. Keep a first aid box and a box of over-the-counter medicines that suit your kid. If your kid is on a special diet, ensure its availability for the entire period of your vacation. You don’t want to cancel the holiday because you were ill-prepared.
You kid can get lost too. Prepare for such emergencies in advance and keep your child updated on what to do if something goes wrong. Whenever you visit a place, identify to your kid who/where they should go for help. These could be local police or security guards. Teach your kid the local word or phrase for help and equip them with your details and details of where you are staying.
Finally, make sure that your travel plans are family-friendly. Opting for activities and destinations which will be safe and comfortable for everyone will undoubtedly make for a memorable and happy family vacation!