Families For Life | Travelling overseas with kids
Travelling with your little ones can sound like a daunting task. While going on a trip presents opportunities to spend quality time and create life-lasting memories, the thought of managing tantrums, planning activities, and keeping kids entertained during long flights can be overwhelming. That doesn’t mean a smooth and enjoyable holiday is impossible with young kids - all it takes is proper planning ahead of time.
Read on for our tips and strategies to make your holiday more smooth sailing and enjoyable for everyone (including you, parents!).
How old should my child be?
We believe there’s no “perfect age” for kids to start travelling. On the other hand, it brings different opportunities and challenges you need to keep in mind when planning your trip.
Babies under two are easier to carry around, though you may have to forgo luggage space for baby essentials.
Toddlers and preschoolers are more active and curious, so activities can be as simple as visiting local parks, though they require more supervision.
Older kids can be trusted with their belongings or can help out with planning the itinerary. However, you might encounter specific preferences or occasional resistance to certain activities if they don’t feel like it.
It’s about adjusting your plans to suit your child’s needs and capabilities.
Tips for a kid-friendly plane ride
Aside from age, another big hurdle when travelling overseas is how your kids will react while on the plane. It is a different experience from what they’re used to, with confined spaces, changes in air pressure, and a lack of activities that usually keep them occupied. To make the plane ride smoother for everyone, here are some tips to ensure a more kid-friendly flight:
Pack snacks: Pack a variety of their favourite snacks to keep munchies at bay. Chewy snacks can help alleviate ear pressure during takeoff and landing. It also helps to pack snacks in their favourite lunch boxes for a sense of familiarity and fun.
Bring entertainment: Bring a mix of toys, books, or a tablet loaded with their favorite shows or games. If the older kids have their preferred way to be occupied, let them bring it along. Having a range of options helps keep their attention elsewhere during the flight.
Dress comfortably: Make sure your child is dressed in cosy layers, as airplane temperatures can fluctuate. A small blanket or their favorite stuffed toy can also provide comfort and help them settle down.
Time your flights: If possible, schedule flights during nap time or bedtime so that your child is more likely to sleep through a portion of the journey.
Stay positive: Children easily pick up on their parents’ emotions. Staying relaxed and positive, even during challenging moments, can help your kids feel more at ease throughout the flight.
Packing for a trip with kids
Packing becomes a whole new challenge compared to pre-parenthood days now with kids. Unlike pre-kid trips where you could throw together a bag last minute, now you’ll have to think ahead to ensure you’ve got everything your little ones might need. Needless to say, there’ll be a lot to fit into your luggage (within a weight limit no less!) and it can get overwhelming.
Don’t fret, we’ve prepared a detailed list that covers the essentials for travelling with kids to make sure you’re ready for anything the journey might bring!
With a few strategies and key reminders, you can turn the challenges of family travel into unforgettable adventures together. With the December holidays coming, it’s time to pack your bags, embrace the journey, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime. Happy travels!