With schools being out, we are sure many of you must be planning a vacation with the entire family. While going on a holiday is a great idea, traveling with children can sometimes get tricky, especially if you have toddlers or tweens. However, there are certain tips and tricks that you can follow for stress-free holiday travel with your kids. Mamas, here’s how to make your life easier while on vacation if your little ones are tagging along.
Booking the right flight is the key to stress-free holiday travel with kids
While early morning flights are considered the best option since the chances of their delay or cancellation are minimal, always consider your kid’s sleep schedule before booking flights. For instance, if you know your child can go back to sleep easily, feel free to choose an early fight. However, if they can’t, it is best to book the flight as per their sleep schedule. A cranky little one is the last thing you want when you are up in the air. It can severely impact your as well as your fellow passengers’ traveling experience.
We understand booking flights as per your kid’s sleep schedule may not always be possible. Moreover, it surely isn’t a budget-friendly option, thanks to dynamic pricing. In such a case, ensure your child sleeps earlier than usual so that they can wake up nice and fresh for the journey. Additionally, if you have connecting flights and your waiting duration is long, keep some of your little one’s favorite snacks handy, unless you want to empty your pockets at the airport.
Always keep your children’s favorite toys and books handy
Making a kid sit in one place is next to impossible. That is why, along with snacks, keeping your child’s favorite toys, story books, activity books, brain teasers, bingo games, and similar things that tickle their brain is a good idea to keep them engaged for a long time, especially at the airport. You should also carry some new toys in case you want to keep your child engrossed a little longer. A new toy always does the trick but do not show them the same beforehand for the surprise element to work.
Book hotels with kids’ amenities for a stress-free holiday travel experience
This is one of the most essential tips for a stress-free holiday travel with your kids. Like you, your children love exploring new places and are eager to find new things they can enjoy during their stay. Hence, if you are booking a hotel, make sure there are activities that your little ones will love as well. The game room, swimming pool, etc., will keep the children busy for a while, giving you ample time to relax and rejuvenate.
If you can’t book a hotel with these amenities due to budget constraints, try to book the ones that have a kid’s park, kid-friendly eateries, or game zones nearby. This way, you can take them whenever you hear the phrase, “I am bored.” We all know once a kiddo says these three magical words, things spiral downwards very quickly. So, look for kid-friendly hot spots nearby to ensure you can take them there for quick damage control.
Always prepare an emergency kit when traveling with little ones
With changing weather, there is a possibility that your child may get sick. This is especially the case if you are going to a place that has a drastically different climate from where your home is. So, instead of panicking and looking for doctors in a new location, it is always advisable to keep a medicine kit in your luggage while traveling.
Right from medicine for a simple cold to stomach ache medicine, your kit should have it all for stress-free holiday travel with kids. It will also be helpful if you can ask your pediatrician before your trip if they can be available for consultation over a video call if your little one’s health deteriorates really quickly.
If they can’t be available for remote consultation, it is best to research ahead of time and find good healthcare professionals near the place you are staying during your vacation to contact them in case of an emergency. Also, do carry your kid’s vaccination cards, prescriptions, important medical notes, and other health-related documents to show the doctor as and when needed.
Lastly, download some kid-friendly games, cartoons, or movies on your phone or iPad to keep them busy if you have exhausted all the other options. While you can avoid screentime when at home, it is best to give in and let them indulge themselves so you can have the much-needed peace and quiet while on holiday. These tips and tricks will not only keep your kids happy but also ensure you actually enjoy your vacation.
