Whether it is a road trip or an air travel, entertaining kids on-the-go is challenging. Your holiday plans can go completely berserk. Plan it well with these survival tips.
Holiday vacations with kids can quickly become disasters if you do not plan them well. It is imperative that you are well prepared before you think of vacationing and spending days away from the familiar environment of your home. If you have smaller kids who rely on you for the smallest of things, it is going to be tougher than you can imagine. Let these tips sort out bulk of your worries.
Take Care of Sleep Cycles:
It is important that your children sleep well the night before your travel. This ensures that they are ready for all the long travel hours that lie ahead. It is also advisable that you plan your departure and arrival times around the sleep times of your children. For example, try to reach your holiday destination in time for their usual bedtimes so the routine of your children is not disrupted.
Prepare for Long Flights:
It would be a sensible move to not rush to board your flight, especially if it is going to take a lot of time. No kid can remain seated still for a long time without getting anxious and throwing a tantrum. Also, sort out your in-flight entertainment beforehand. Carry his favorites from home.. If your child begins to cry, do not get stressed, as it happens to the best of us. Focus on your kid and how to calm him/her down rather than focusing on what everyone else is thinking about you.
Test Runs in Case of Emergencies:
Work out a game plan in case your child gets lost. If your kids are old enough, you could teach them to reach a ‘meeting point’ like the reception counter of an amusement park or the customer service area in a shopping mall. It is also advisable that you keep a photo of your kids handy. In case of worst case scenarios, you may have to rely on the photos to help locate your kids. You can also teach your kids emergency numbers to remember if they are old enough. Smaller kids can have the numbers written on their palms. This will assure you that they will find safety as soon as possible.
Getting Kids Excited About the Trip:
A good way to ensure smooth travel for the holiday is to build the excitement in your kids for the trip ahead. You can help them Google the places you plan to visit, look at the maps and the geography of the area, find out about the activities you all can enjoy there, etc. Help your kids realize how much fun this trip is going to be and involve them in the planning process wherever possible.
Don’t Go Overboard:
You might want to slow things down and plan your trip at a pace your kids are comfortable with. Do not try to cram too many activities in one day if you know your kids will become tired and cranky. Focus on one big outing each day and account for plenty of downtime in your itinerary so you do not end up feeling frustrated about missing out on anything. This way everyone will stay happy with enough time to rest and enjoy the trip.
Travel Light by Renting Equipment:
Most of the popular holiday destinations today offer services to rent cribs, strollers, playpens, and high chairs. Check with the hotel or apartment that you have booked if they provide such services. If that’s the case, you can avoid carrying a lot of luggage and travel light. Look for local businesses that may provide the equipment for rent. Thanks to the Internet, you can choose the best service provider based on the reviews without having to worry about quality or customer service.
Also check out All your pram questions answered!
Avoid Using Devices:
Holidays should be spent sharing memorable moments with each other and enjoying each other’s company. What is the fun if your child is glued to your tablet or phone playing games while travelling? Also, you can avoid travel sickness by keeping the devices away. If your children are constantly looking down on your phone, they can get motion sickness. Even as you travel, you can play games like ‘I spy’, ‘Rock Paper Scissor’ etc. to make the journey memorable.
Bring Something Familiar on Your Trip:
If you are travelling to a holiday destination that is far from home, it is beneficial to carry something familiar like your children’s blanket or favorite book for their comfort. Anything that gives them the feeling of home away from home will soothe and calm them down. If their bedtime routines involve playing a soothing soundtrack, pack your iPad and your travel speakers. Recreate the environment for them wherever you may be.
Split Responsibilities:
An excellent way to manage kids on a holiday trip is to be very sure from the beginning which parent oversees what. For example, the fathers can look after the hotel bookings, the flights, the travels from point A to B, talking to the tour guides, and every other outdoor activity. The mothers can take responsibility of packing lists and everything else that involves the family. You can also assign your oldest child the responsibility of keeping a watch on your little ones at all times.
Make Your Kids Stand Out:
A vacation spot is always bustling with tourists and it is very easy for your child to vanish from sight. To prevent that, when you plan to visit any such crowded place, have your kids wear brighter colors so they are easy to spot in case they get out of your sight.
For more travel tips and hacks check out The Travel Checklist you shouldn’t be without
We hope these travel tips come handy when you plan your next holiday trip with kids. Have fun!
