Travelling can broaden horizons and provide fun-filled adventures for kids, but it can also be an upheaval. Some children find it hard to adapt to new environments or routines. If you’re planning a trip with your kids, or you’re gearing up for your first family vacation, here are some tips to help make your kids feel more comfortable.
Key Takeaways
- Travelling with children is always an adventure, but it can be stressful for both kids and parents
- If you’re preparing for your first vacation, or you’re taking your kids on a long-haul trip for the first time, take these tips on board
Plan Your Journey
Many parents find that the journey is the most stressful part of the trip. Flights, hours spent in airports and transfers to and from hotels make for very long days. Before you book a holiday, think carefully about the destination and plan your journey with your kids. If you have toddlers, you may be more inclined to opt for short-haul flights.
If you have a baby or older kids, longer flights may be more manageable, but they require extra planning. Think about feeding and changing, sleep routines and entertainment. If you’re travelling long distances, make sure you’ve got everything you need for your flight in your cabin bag.
Essentials include nappies, milk, food, toys and comforters for babies, and snacks, drinks, toys and things to do for older kids. Pack a first aid kit and ensure you’ve got basic supplies such as painkillers and bandages.
Flight times are an important consideration for parents. If possible, try to book flights that coincide with your child’s nap time. If you’re planning a long-haul vacation, you might want to see if there are any night flights. Flying when your child usually sleeps can help them to settle during the journey and ensure they feel refreshed when they arrive.
If you’re flying, it’s wise to plan your transfers in advance. Research ways to get from the airport to your final destination. If you’re going by car, make sure there’s a suitable infant seat. Private transfers are often faster and more convenient than shared transfers and shuttle buses.
Create a Soothing Sleep Environment
Many people experience problems with sleep when they travel with kids. Changing time zones, unfamiliar environments and disruptions in sleep routines can all take their toll. If you’re taking young children or babies away with you, create a soothing sleep environment.
Mimic their routine at home and avoid making major changes in the run-up to your trip. If you’re toying with the idea of moving your baby into their own room, or you’re wondering when to transition from a crib to a toddler bed, wait until after your vacation. If you change too many things at once, this could have a negative impact.
Make sure your child has a comfortable place to sleep. Contact the hotel to ask about cribs, cots and small beds and take your own blankets. Pack a thermometer and use fans and air conditioning to cool the room before your child goes to sleep if you’re in a hot country.
Going on vacation is exciting for little ones and they will undoubtedly be stimulated by new environments and faces. Help your child to relax before bed. Encourage them to wind down by reading stories, listening to calming music and sitting in the dark.
Stick to Routines as Much as Possible
It’s very common to fall into new routines when you’re travelling. There’s nothing wrong with doing things slightly differently, but try to stick to routines as much as possible if you have a baby or your child is very routine-orientated.
Even if you move the timings, for example, pushing bedtime back an hour or two, keeping patterns the same will help your child adjust. If you usually bath your baby, read a story, have a bottle and then put them to bed, for example, keep this routine the same.
Try to avoid situations where your child gets over-tired. It can be tempting to try to keep them up for longer if you’re going out for dinner or there’s a show on at the hotel, for example, but children can get unsettled and grumpy if they go past a certain point. Let them sleep when they get tired. You may find that your baby or toddler naps more while you’re away.
Draw Up a Child-Centred Itinerary
Travelling is fun for adults, but it should be enjoyable for kids too. When you become a parent, you have to make adjustments. Your vacations may be very different from those you enjoyed before having children, but that’s not a bad thing. Have fun with your kids.
Choose child-friendly destinations that cater to them and provide opportunities to enjoy activities and excursions. Spend time at the beach or go camping. Look for fun parks, water parks or zoos, or stay in hotels that have everything you need under one roof.
Draw up an itinerary that will keep your children entertained. Use their interests to shape your plans. If you want to organise tours that aren’t child-friendly or have a meal with your partner, look for hotels that offer babysitting services and kids’ clubs.
It’s a great idea to research resorts and hotels or other accommodation options when planning a trip with kids. See what facilities and amenities are available. Ask for recommendations and read verified reviews. Think about what you want or need access to and how you’re going to spend your time.
Communicate Clearly
If you have older children, communication is key, especially if they’re finding it hard to adapt to their new surroundings. Talk to your kids about where you’re going and what it’s going to be like before you travel.
Speak about the journey, the destination and your itinerary plans and answer questions. Give them as much information as they need. It’s helpful to read stories about going on vacation or watch kids’ TV shows that talk about getting on a plane or swimming in the sea, for example.
When you’re away, keep engaging in conversation and be prepared for lots of questions. Listen to your children, ask them how they’re feeling and offer reassurance. Let them get involved in making plans for the day, choosing where to have dinner or finding places to visit.
Understand the Importance of Familiarity
Some kids love new environments and they thrive on meeting new people and trying new things, but for others, it can be overwhelming. In this case, it’s helpful to understand the importance of familiarity.
Simple things like packing your child’s toys, putting them to bed with a teddy or a comforter and giving them the same foods they enjoy at home can all help kids to settle. Try to avoid putting too much pressure on them to make friends or throw themselves into a schedule of activities and hobbies. Let them adjust gradually if they need time.
Dealing with Nervous Children
If you’ve never travelled with your kids before, you may be anxious about how they’ll react to the hustle and bustle of the airport, the noise of plane engines or being surrounded by rows of strangers. Some children love travelling while others get nervous.
If your child is anxious or restless, remain calm, speak to them, reassure them and try to distract them with toys, games, books or other activities they enjoy. Give them plenty of attention and affection throughout the journey and try to make it as fun as possible.
Final Word
Travelling with children is always an adventure, but it can be stressful for both kids and parents. If you’re preparing for your first vacation, or you’re taking your kids on a long-haul trip for the first time, take these tips on board. Plan ahead, talk to your children about what’s going to happen and try to stick to routines as much as possible.
Create a soothing sleep environment, maintain sleep routines and help your kids to relax and unwind. Draw up a child-friendly itinerary and let older kids get involved in planning trips and activities. Communicate clearly and openly in the run-up to your trip and reassure your kids to help them stay calm, have fun and adjust to their new surroundings.
