Even though it gets easier as you do it more, traveling with children can be overwhelming.
Two of the most significant things you can do to make things go smoothly are understanding what you’re getting into and preparing.
The following list helps you create fun and low-stress travel experiences with your children.
1. Everything takes longer than you expect
Make sure you’re allocating plenty of time and taking things slow.
For example, avoid leaving your home with only minutes to spare before it’s time to board your plane.
It’s always going to take longer than you expect to check-in, get through security, buy last-minute snacks or drinks, and board the plane. And of course you have to have extra time for any unexpected messes you need to clean up.
Allowing for extra time applies to every aspect of your trip, and not just the plane ride.
For example, even though you want to see and do a lot, it might not be a good idea to try squeezing everything into one day.
2. Avoid overpacking
It might be tempting to pack everything your child uses at home.
While it might seem like you’re planning for consistency and routines, what you’re forgetting is that, by the end of the day, you’ll be carrying at least one child.
So, the notion of carrying 100 pounds of luggage is unreasonable.
Instead, only pack the absolute essentials.
If you find that you forgot something, it’s easy to find what you need at your destination because other children live in and travel to that location.
You can also have each child pack a back pack of their personal items. This can be their favorite book, a loved stuffed animal or blanket, easy to travel with activities that they love to do (think travel games, coloring books, and even playdough). This ensures that they have what they need but you aren’t lugging it all (hopefully).
3. Pre-book everything you can
Beyond booking your flights, pre-booking should extend to as many other facets of your trip as possible.
For example, when traveling alone or with your significant other, you might land, get a feel for the area, and then find the best place to stay.
That doesn’t work when you’re traveling with children.
Arriving at a new destination should involve leaving the airport and heading straight to your lodging to drop off your luggage and give your children a chance to rest. So make sure you have a transfer company waiting for you.
Look at your trip’s itinerary to see if there are other activities you can book in advance to help streamline everything and minimize wait times in lines for tickets.
4. Explain to your children what they can expect
Little, first-time travelers need to know ahead of time what’s going to happen and what they can expect.
If your child isn’t comfortable with what’s happening during the trip, that means they’re unhappy.
For example, if there’s too much happening, that often leads to a child feeling uncomfortable and overwhelmed.
When you go over the trip’s itinerary with your child, it helps them understand what’s happening at different points and gives them fun things to look forward to during wait times.
Because they understand what’s happening next, this helps your child feel comfortable with what’s happening around them.
5. Use a Travel Advisor
Travel advisors are worth their weight in gold when it comes to reducing travel planning stress. With their wealth of knowledge they can help you pick the best resorts for a family with little ones. The last thing you want is to stay at a resort full of spring breakers with your 5 year old.
Travel advisors also know of unique activities and excursions that are perfect for little adventurers. Adding these activities can be the difference between happy little campers and grumpy gusses.
Let Us Help You Plan an Enjoyable and Stress Free Vacation
As a mother of 3, I know the challenges and frustrations that come with traveling with young children. I have coupled that unique perspective along with my training to help my clients avoid the pitfalls that can happen while traveling. Schedule a call today so that I can help you plan your next vacation and make sure that it is not only fun but low stress for the whole family.
