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To ensure a great and enjoyable family vacation, planning is very crucial– especially if you’re going to bring along your kids. You have to focus on what’s really important and set aside what’s not. That said, here’s a list of 10 tips on how to survive travelling with children.
Tip #1: Going to Ride a Plane? Then Briefing Is Very Important
If this would be the first time of your kids riding a plane, then you should talk about the things that could possibly happen, such as going through security. You have to explain to your children why they should be taking off their shoes or anything that has metal in it, such as watch. Likewise, don’t forget to inform them that they won’t be allowed to carry their favorite toy, or backpack through the security gates– as it’s one of the precautionary measures.
Babies and toddlers should be carried by the parents through the security screening checks. However, if the kids can already walk by themselves, then let them walk through the metal detector.
Image courtesy of news.com.au
Tip #2: Don’t Let the Jet Lag Ruin the Fun
Even adults experience jet lag, but it’s more challenging if your children are also suffering from it. Fortunately, there’s an effective remedy that could get rid of it, such as going outside and staying active. Long walks are highly advisable, and if you can visit a park or playground, then you should be bringing your kids here.
Also, you should be wary of the time zone. If your kid eats a big breakfast and lunch, but small dinner at home, and you’re traveling from a country where there’s a 12-hour difference or more, then your child might end up getting hungry at night, until midnight. Better prepare some healthy snacks for that.
Tip #3: Get Rid of Motion Sickness
If your child suffers from motion sickness, then give him some tips on how to avoid that, such as trying to keep the head still, looking at the road ahead, getting some fresh air into the car, and not reading or using any digital device. On long car trips comfort is important so think about the clothes the kids will be in, especially if they’ll be sitting in a car seat. Anything too thick and bulky will be uncomfortable under those buckles.
image via http://www.thecanvasfactory.com.au/
Tip #4: Dress Comfortably
On long car trips comfort is important so think about the clothes the kids will be in, especially if they’ll be sitting in a car seat. Anything too thick and bulky will be uncomfortable under those buckles. The same goes for planes and trains.
Dress your kids comfortably if they’ll be strapped into a seat for a long time.
Tip #5: Check the Website of the Attraction Before Visiting
You don’t want to travel for hours just to find out that the museum you’re going to go to is temporarily closed for renovation. Visit their website a day before visiting the place, and stay updated with current happenings.
Tip #6: For Longer Distances, Fly
Flying is considered to be one of the safest mode of transport. Likewise, you don’t have to endure traffic at all. Kids are known to be very impatient, and that’s why you should be picking a mode of transpiration that could bring you to your destination, the shortest time possible.
Tip #7: Keep Your Child Entertained
For longer flights, it’s important to ensure that everything your kid might need is packed in the carry-on luggage. This includes a change of clothes, sick bags, snacks, drink bottle, wipes, and toys. Entertainment like books, pencils, paper, and so on should also be brought by the parent.
Image from dailymail.com.au
Tip #8: One Parent in Charge
If you’re traveling with your partner, one should have the responsibility of packing the items, while the other one should look after the kids. This would ensure that everything stays organized.
Tip #9: Prepare Your Kid
If you’re concerned that your kid might get lost during this travel, then teach him what he should be doing instead it happen. Practice scenarios like this a few days before travel to ensure that he remembers.
Tip #10: Enjoy!
This can mean a lot of things. For starters, we suggest that you make the most of your travel and prevent yourself from getting stressed. No need to become a “no, no, no” parent to your child. Just make sure that he stays safe all throughout the travel.
Tip #11: Have a Plan Ready
You don’t have to fully stick to the plan that you’re going to make, but it would be better if you’ll have a list of things that you want to do with your kids during travel. This would ensure that the vacation would be pleasant instead of stressful.
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