Travelling with kids can be an exercise in epic failure and rewarding at the same time, especially for young parents. But don’t let anyone discourage you from getting out into the world with your little one(s) and don’t let the idea of the challenge dissuade you either. You were born to travel, that’s one of the reasons you’re an Expat… And your kids were born to travel with you!
Check out some cool ideas here that might inspire you when you’re getting ready to hit the road.
1. The power of the iPad
I can’t deny it. This is the #1 suggestion for a reason. Behold the power of the tablet to calm an antsy traveller, or sequester a whiny kid for a little while… The tablet works. But plan accordingly, the internet isn’t everywhere! Make sure to download some of your kids’ favourite cartoons and games so they are ready to queue up on a moments notice.
NOTE: I happen to hate seeing my kid with her nose in an iPad all day, but I can handle it when travelling. The trick is to keep the thrill of travel in her heart and use the iPad for ‘emergency’ time.
2. Yummy food
Nothing, including the iPad, will calm a hungry little traveller. Choose easy to eat foods, because odds are that you’ll be in cramped conditions (coach class on Cheap-o Air?) Pack slices of fruits, nuts and maybe even some little salamis (ok, I put that in because I like them…) Just make the choices easy and yummy. You don’t want to get food-rejected from a hungry toddler, trust me.
3. Keep it clean out there
Tissues for the noses that need blowing, napkins for the foods that need eating, and wet wipes for the hands that need washing. If you pack it, they will use it.
4. A very important issue, the correct type of clothes
Check out the weather at your destination when travelling by plane. Is it cold there, or warm, or maybe rainy? Dress in layers that account for the weather where you are, and where you’re going. Kids get just as hot as you do in a winter coat at the beach, but they don’t always know to take it off. Pay attention and make sure your little bundle is bundled or unbundled as needed!
5. Plan B: kid’s best toy
Every kid has a favourite toy, maybe a big teddy bear or an awesome robot drag-racing police car. Pack it in your handbag, so you can surprise your child when they get tired of everything else. It might not happen right away, but it will happen.
In the end, honestly, nothing you do is going to solve every issue. But adhering to a few good ideas will help with most of them. Travelling with your kids is about more than the destination, it’s also about the group experience getting from one place to the other, and having a great time doing it. Have fun out there!
Bonus Tip: When you get up from your travels to exit, make SURE you do a full check so that the favourite teddy bear or awesome robot drag-racing police car don’t get left behind.