Traveling with kids can be a lot of work. From packing clothes to figuring out how to entertain them on the plane, it is not always easy for parents to find peace and relaxation when they are traveling with their children in tow. This article will provide some tips that should help make your next family vacation less stressful.
1. Inform their teachers if they will be absent for a few days.
If your kid is enrolled in a child care program, the very first thing to do is to inform their school of absences if your trip will take place on school days. This is especially essential if your child is enrolled in a program on summer vacation. If you are unable to inform them of the absence beforehand, make sure to contact them as soon as possible to assure them that their student is safe and will be back soon.
2. Choosing flights at night or very early in the morning when it’s unlikely for other passengers to complain about the noise.
Kids and babies will most likely not be able to sleep on a plane, so book your flights during hours when it’s less likely for people who might complain about the noise to be near your kids. It’s also a good idea to bring some earplugs and an iPod or MP3 player loaded with child-friendly music and movies for entertainment during the flight. However, if your child is old enough to understand that he or she needs to be quiet when other passengers are sleeping, then this should not be a problem.
3. Pack a lot of snacks and toys.
Kids usually get hungry and bored at times when it’s inconvenient for parents to entertain them, which is why packing their favorite snacks and entertainment will lessen the likelihood that they’ll misbehave. Keep in mind that the toys and snacks you bring will only be enough for one or two good hours of entertainment, so plan to pack more than you think you’ll need.
4. Bring their car seat when traveling by car.
When packing your things for a road trip, don’t forget to include your child’s car seat. This will make it easier to go through security when entering airports or checking in at hotels. It also provides your child with a familiar place to sit when riding in the car, which might calm them down if they are already tired from the journey.
5. Be prepared with all of your child’s medications and prescriptions.
In case your child is taking medication, it’s a good idea to bring a couple of extra pills along with you. This way, if they happen to misplace a bottle or mistakenly take the wrong dosage at an inconvenient time, you will have enough on hand to deal with any potential setbacks.
6. Prepare for delays and possible cancellations of flights.
It’s always best to prepare for the worst possible outcome, which is why it’s a good idea to have a large collection of different sorts of DVDs and games that you can bring out should an unexpected delay or cancellation arise. Keeping kids entertained will be easier if you have enough entertainment options to choose from.
7. Plan for quiet time after dinner so everyone gets enough rest.
Pack them some nightwear and change them into their pajamas after dinner so everyone can get a good night’s rest. Then let them watch a movie while you read some magazines or books. Having this kind of bedtime routine should remind them of what they do at home and help them sleep as usual.
8. Use disposable cameras or a digital camera to take photos as you go.
If your kids are old enough to understand the use of a camera, then let them help you take pictures of your vacation adventures. This is an excellent way for them to preserve memories they might otherwise forget about if not documented properly. Just make sure that their hands are steady enough when they take a photo.
9. Be their tour guide.
If your kids are old enough to appreciate the various sights and attractions you will be passing, then it’s a good idea to let them help you decide where to go. If they feel like they’re in control of the situation, then they’ll be more willing to cooperate with you throughout your trip. As their tour guide, you will also get to teach them about the beauty of traveling to foreign places.
Traveling with kids can be a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun. By following the tips we’ve provided, you’ll be able to make your trip go a little more smoothly. Just remember to relax and enjoy yourself as well; after all, you’re on vacation!
