No matter if it’s your first trip with your first child or your fifth traveling with children will always be scary. From what to pack to how to get there, it is rife with potential worries. However, there are some tips that can help you prepare, and save you from going insane.
Go with the flow
Planning a trip with children in tow means you may not be able to do the rushing off the airplane and through the airport, making use of all those secret shortcuts you are accustomed to. When travelling with kids, you should sit back, let everyone rush around you, while you just go with the flow.
Don’t overpack and Pack wisely
Almost everything can be bought abroad so instead of stuffing you bag with non-essentials, create a list of things you might need urgently while in transit. The rest you can get once you and the kids are settled in in your destination. Let your nappy bag count as your carry on, make sure you have got everything from baby wipes; spare pacifiers; diapers; snacks; a few sweets to help with the pressure change during take-off and landing; a change of clothes; plastic bags; headphones; toys; a pillow; extra batteries or power packs; and a tablet/DVD player.
If there’s any room left for your things, fill it with baby wipes – you’ll need them.
Hotel or vacation rental? Book wisely
Hotels have pluses: room service, meals, baby-sitting services, etc., but vacation rentals mean you can make it your home – and prepare your own meals. This might be useful if your kids are on a special diet. Whatever you decide take your time booking. You might want to consider making sure there’s a pool. A pool is perfect for little ones to splash around in, cool down in and get exhausted in.
You can also check out some cheap flights to USA, if that country is your destination.
Branding and tracking
Brand your kids by writing your name and phone number on their arm. That way, if they wander off and are found you can be contacted easily. You could also invest in a GPS tracking device. Attach it to your child’s wrist or bag and follow along via the app.
Plan your flights
Do flight bookingaround bedtime. Evening flights can be more expensive, but if ease is what you’re after, a sleeping child is a blessing for everyone. If you have to make a connecting flight, be sure to leave a good amount of time – the last thing you need is a mad dash through an unfamiliar airport.
And don’t forget that your best bet for the cheapest fare is to book 53 days in advance.
Research your destination
Google is your friend and when plan a trip with kids, no device is more helpful that the search engine so does a research of your destination. Know the do’s and don’ts of your destination and after arrival when in doubt just ask.
Research is for both pre-trip and during trip. Does your baby need a visa? Should you bring medication, e.g. malaria tablets? You don’t want to get caught out last minute.
Leave plenty of time/ Prepare a go wrong list
While you want to minimize time waiting in line, you certainly don’t want to have to rush. Leave home with hours to spare. If you get to the airport quickly, make use of the play area and get those children exhausted: the more energy they spend on the ground, the less they will have in the air.
Before you go, write a list of everything that could go wrong, from complete meltdown mid-flight to missing the flight entirely, and jot down how you would cope. Running through situations before they happen can leave you mentally prepared – just in case!
Keep calm and Enjoy it
If your child chooses the worst possible time to turn into a screaming beast from another dimension, take a deep breath and try to keep calm.
Leave lots of time, pack well, and make the travel part of the journey. Just remember that you’ll be OK, and you’re supposed to be enjoying yourself!
