This blog post was updated on May 28, 2024.
It doesn’t matter if you’re embarking on a transatlantic voyage or just skipping town for a long weekend. If you plan to travel with kids, your trip can be as irritating as it is rewarding. From unexpected tantrums to endless packing lists, the journey definitely requires extra doses of preparation and patience.
Luckily, with the right strategies in place, it’s possible to turn that potential chaos into a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. To make your next family vacation more enjoyable for everyone, consider these handy sanity-saving moves.
Involve Your Kids in the Planning Process
When young travelers are involved in the trip planning process, they often feel more ownership of the experience. Depending on the ages and interest level of your children, you can engage them in planning the itinerary, booking flights, selecting a place to stay, choosing day tours, and researching activities and restaurants. The more input they have on the front end, the more in control they will feel during the trip itself.
For example, older kids can use travel apps or websites to compare prices and find activities. If they’re especially responsible, they can even can even be in charge of planning the itinerary for an entire day. This move can be highly educational, since you’re also teaching them about geography, budgeting, and cultural differences. A travel journal or scrapbook can do wonders to document their research and plans. Another way to do it is holding family meetings to discuss plans and make decisions collectively.
With younger kids, try playing games with a map of the destination, sort of like I Spy or Where’s Waldo. You can also incorporate stories or books about the destination to pique their interest. Creating a simple countdown calendar to mark the days until departure can build excitement and anticipation. Another fun activity is to involve them in packing their own travel bag with a few of their favorite toys, books, or snacks. Crafting destination-themed arts and crafts, like drawing the local wildlife or making flags, can also be a delightful way to engage them. Additionally, watching age-appropriate travel videos or cartoons about the destination can help familiarize them with the new environment.
Talk About Expectations Before You Leave
Make sure your young travelers know what to expect in terms of the length of flights and train rides, your accommodations, the amount of walking involved, food options, and other situations that could potentially be challenging for them. If they know what to expect upfront, they are more likely to have fewer questions along the way — including the dreaded “Are we there yet?” Be sure to discuss the in-flight entertainment, books, games, and activities that they will have access to.
Another part of your discussion should be the expectations of how you expect your kids to behave on the trip and how to handle emergency situations. For example, explain to them in simple terms what to do if they get separated from the group, such as finding a security officer or heading to a pre-determined meeting spot. Role-playing these scenarios can help reinforce the information. If traveling to a different country, discuss cultural norms and expectations to prepare them for new experiences. Additionally, make sure they understand basic phrases in the local language, such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “help,” which can be both fun and useful.
Pack Lots of Activities — and Snacks!
Here’s another opportunity to work together with your young travelers. Discuss activities that will help them pass the time during long flights and train rides. Splurge on a new coloring book and set of nice markers, a few new apps, interactive activities for the whole family, and some movies. Bring items like pillows, blankets, or favorite toys to help them feel more at ease during long trips. This investment will pay dividends in the middle of an eight-hour flight. Along with activities, be sure to pack lots of snacks — more than you think you will need — of both the salty and sweet varieties, as well as to reusable water bottles to keep everyone hydrated.
Let the Kids Make Decisions Along the Way
There are lots of moments while traveling when we have to make choices about which museum to go to, which train to take, where to eat, etc. Whenever practical, let your young travelers make the final choice. This process can be educational, teaching kids decision-making and prioritizing skills. Following this approach can also foster a sense of responsibility and independence in children. And, of course, it emphasizes the importance of being flexible and prepared to adapt if a chosen activity doesn’t go as planned. Letting them exercise control can be a force for good when you’re planning to travel with kids.
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Schedule in Time for Rest
It can be tempting to pack itineraries full in an attempt to squeeze every last experience into your trip. However, this can spell disaster when you want to travel with kids. Be sure to schedule in some downtime so young travelers have a chance to rest each day. Calm activities like watching a movie or listening to music can make all the difference if you time them properly.
If they still have the energy to burn, a great option is to bring them to a playground or open space to run around and have fun while the adults take a load off. Speaking of which, don’t forget about yourself: taking a break can ensure that you remain relaxed and patient until the end of your family trip.
FAQs:
Q: What documents do I need to travel with kids?
A: Make sure that each child has a valid passport and any necessary visas. Carry a copy of their birth certificate, health insurance information, and a consent letter if you’re traveling without both parents.
Q: How can I handle travel delays with kids?
A: Bring extra snacks, entertainment, and comfort items. Use delays as opportunities for games or educational activities. Stay calm to help keep your kids calm.
Q: Any tips for navigating airport security with children?
A: Arrive early, use family-friendly security lanes, and explain the process to your children beforehand. Keep essential items easily accessible and be prepared to remove items like shoes and jackets.
Q: How do I find family-friendly accommodations?
A: Look for hotels with family suites, kitchenettes, and amenities like pools or playgrounds. Read reviews from other families and consider vacation rentals for more space and flexibility.
Q: What should I do if my child gets sick while traveling?
A: Pack a small first aid kit with basic medications. Research medical facilities at your destination and know how to contact your travel insurance provider for medical assistance.
Q: What are some tips for maintaining hygiene while traveling?
A: Carry hand sanitizer, wipes, and disposable bags for dirty items. Encourage regular handwashing and pack extra clothes in case of spills or accidents.
Do you have any sanity-saving tips for others planning to travel with kids? Let us know in our comments section below!
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