Traveling with little ones is an enriching experience, filled with unique challenges and joys. It’s an opportunity to explore the world through their eyes while creating unforgettable family memories. Here are some tips, to ensure your trip is enjoyable and stress-free for everyone.
1. Plan Ahead
Carefully select destinations and accommodations that cater to young families. Look for places with kid-friendly activities and amenities. When booking flights, consider scheduling around your child’s sleep patterns to minimise disruptions.
2. Pack Smart
Alongside the essentials, pack comfort items and entertainment. A well-loved teddy bear or a familiar bedtime storybook can ease sleeping in a new place. For snacks, think healthy, mess-free options like cut up apple, homemade pancakes or fruit and nut balls, that can help stave off hunger-induced meltdowns.
3. Keep a Flexible Itinerary
With kids, less is often more. Plan one main activity per day and remain open to spontaneous adventures. Whether it’s an extra hour at the playground or a detour to see a street performer, these unplanned moments can sometimes be the most memorable.
4. Prepare for All Climates
Layering is key. Pack breathable, comfortable clothing that can be layered for warmth or stripped down in heat. Waterproof jackets and comfortable walking shoes are essentials for unpredictable weather and adventures.
5. Stay Healthy and Safe
Beyond a basic first-aid kit, include motion sickness remedies if your child is prone to it. Homeopathic Cocculus is great for this, we have always given it to Harlow before any long car trip.
Discuss safety in crowded places, practicing what to do if you get separated. Consider a small, wearable ID with your contact information for peace of mind. We invested in Spacetalk watches (no apps or games on them) so they can call us if they get lost or we can track them. It gives me so much peace of mind.
6. Keep Them Engaged
Long journeys can test any child’s patience. Classic travel games like "I Spy," "Guess Who?," or simple card games can make time fly. For older children, a travel journal or disposable camera encourages them to document their journey, turning them into little explorers.
7. Comforts of Home
A piece of home can be a source of comfort in a new environment. Whether it’s a favourite pillowcase or book, these small touches can make a big difference in helping your child settle down in an unfamiliar place.
8. Be Patient and Stay Positive
Traveling with kids is unpredictable. Maintain a sense of humour and flexibility. When plans go awry, take a deep breath and pivot. Your calm response to challenges sets the tone for the whole family’s experience. It can be hard I know!
9. Capture the Moments
Encourage kids to pick out postcards to send to friends or to keep as mementos. Taking photos and videos is great, but the act of choosing postcards can be a fun way for them to reflect on their favourite moments of the trip. I loved doing this as a kid in the 80's and loved receiving them too.
10. Mahalo Eco Blinds: Bringing Comfort to Travel
Ensuring your kids get quality sleep away from home is vital. Mahalo Eco Blinds are designed for families on the go. Lightweight, easy to pack, and when using our Travel Stickers, they make bedtime familiar, no matter where you are. Their full blackout feature ensures your child won’t be woken up by early sunrises or late sunsets, making every day of your adventure as enjoyable as possible.
Remember, the goal of traveling with little kids is not just to see new sights but to experience the world together. With a bit of preparation and a lot of patience, you can create a journey that’s enjoyable for everyone involved.
