Traveling with kids can be challenging. It’s an entirely different experience than when you’re going alone, or it’s just you and your partner together on a romantic trip. When you have kids on a journey, you’ll have your fair share of meltdowns which adds to the stress that you need to deal with in the entire duration of the trip. But did you know that traveling with your little ones can also be enjoyable? With proper planning and guidance, the whole idea of traveling as a pack can be a beautiful and memorable experience for everyone!
But it doesn’t work like magic. You need to exert some effort in achieving it, and as a parent, you need to always be in control. You’re the captain of the whole journey, and the result of the trip and even the tiny details within will depend on how good you handle every situation. To make your next family travel memorable one, here are some tips that you can follow:
1. Lower Your Expectations
If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, the sky is going to be the limit when it comes to the places that you want to visit and the hours or days you’re going to spend in a particular site. But if you are with kids, you need to plan these things out carefully. Pick at least 2 or 3 locations to visit and be sure to explain to them what every place is all about. Children are curious creatures, and one way to make the journey become a memorable one for them is by feeding their curiosity with facts or bits of trivia you found on Google.
Whether you like it or not, the journey is no longer just about you. It is about the kids as well so lower your expectations and make some ways and means to turn the journey into a ‘kid-centric’ one.
2. Take Your Time
There’s nothing that beat someone who has done all the needed preparations. Someone who’s ready for any challenge that comes along the way. So take the time to plan out what to do when tantrum strikes or for that sudden toilet stop. Be prepared with quick solutions or alternative activities whenever your little ones get bored in the airport while waiting for a delayed flight or somewhere between points A and B during a long trip.
Set aside ample time to plan things out or if you already find yourself dealing with the situation, take a deep breath, compose yourself and think of the best thing to do to calm down the kiddos that are starting on a major meltdown.
3. Book Ahead
When going from place to place which will require the family to spend the night or two at the next location, it is always a good idea to book hotel rooms or any other type of accommodation ahead of time. The last thing you want to do is arrive at the destination only to find out that there are no rooms available and you need to hit the road once again with exhausted toddlers starting to scream in the backseat.
Doing this will not only save you from stress, but you’ll also save time and money which you can then spend on more productive and memorable activities.
4. Install Some Kid-Friendly Apps
Kids want to be busy all the time and if you’re on a long trip, you’ll know that this isn’t a good behavior to bring along with you. You won’t enjoy a journey that’s filled with memories of your kids getting lost or injured. So be sure to arm yourself with some child-friendly apps that are widely available on both Android or iOS platform. This would help keep your kids busy at the backseat while you’re focusing on the road with hubby. Just be sure to set limits on their screen time and think of some physically engaging activities which the family can enjoy together.
5. Don’t Forget the First Aid Kit
It doesn’t have to be a bulky box or something; you can have a particular compartment in your bag that’s dedicated entirely for first aid items. And of course, be sure to bring with you some medicine. The conventional fever medicine like Calpol is essential. Kids tend to get sick more often when traveling so carrying necessary medication would help. Other items that you need to bring are plasters, wipes, antiseptic, thermometer and even sting treatments if you’re going to be at the beach.
The Success of the Trip Depends on You
It is true that traveling with your kids isn’t easy but with the right preparations and some smart solutions and decisions along the way, you’ll be able to ensure that the whole journey is worth it for every member of the pack. It takes a lot of effort but if you do it consistently, it’ll easily become part of your routine whenever the whole family goes on a trip.