Travelling with kids can be a new experience, joy or headache depending on how you manage it. Travelling is not as easy as being in the comfort of your home and travelling with kids is like an added responsibility. There are no separate seating arrangements for kids on flights or trains, no feeding areas for infants and no special benches at restaurants. It is the parents who have the responsibility to take care of the comfort of their child/s. If you do not plan certain things in advance, the experience of travelling with kids can turn into a situation of discomfort. I have seen several couples almost getting lost in taking care of their child and missing out on enjoying some of the most scenic journeys.
The misery goes on till the end of the journey and the purpose of going for a trip/holiday takes a back seat. Now, what can you do to avoid the discomfort without leaving your kids at home? There are many things that you can do to make your journey more convenient and comfortable. We have found some really useful tips that will help you in planning your trips in such a way that inconvenience doesn’t find a way to knock on your doors.
Carrying Light Snacks
Kids have a habit of getting every now and then, thanks to their fast metabolism. You need to be smart enough to understand their behaviour in advance. If you don’t want to wait for hours to find a shop on your way where you can get something to eat for your kids, it is advisable that you keep some snacks with yourself for the kids. Make sure that whatever eatables you are carrying are light as finding a clean washroom is another problem while travelling.
Travelling in Flights
The shorter the duration of the journey, the better it is. Kids are not used to travelling for a very long time and flights are the best means to complete your journey in the shortest possible time. The great thing about travelling on flights is that you can give your child a quick nap and by the time they wake up, you might have already reached your destination. It might be a costlier travelling option but one can afford to pay a little extra in exchange for comfort and luxury.
Carrying Gadgets
Kids these days love to play with their parents’ phones. You can simply download their favourite games or cartoons to keep them engaged throughout the journey and give yourself some time to relax as well. If you don’t want your phone’s battery to dry out, you can also carry an extra tablet with some games so that your kid gets to enjoy the journey. It is one of the best ways to make your kids habitual of travelling long distances.
Choosing Kid-friendly destinations
Being a good parent is not just about buying your child expensive clothes or getting them in a good school. You need to take care of their interests without compromising on your own. While travelling to a destination for a picnic or trip, make sure that the destination has something to offer for kids as well. It would be better if they can find some more kids there to make friends with. The last thing you would want is your kid feeling alone.
Carrying Light Bags
A great benefit of travelling with children (grown-ups) is that you can take their help in carrying some of your bags. Instead of carrying one big bag, you can divide the weight into several small bags. However, make sure that you don’t carry too many clothes or essentials. Kids get easily irritated and heavy bags are one of the key reasons behind it. Make sure that you carry only the necessary things and let your kids enjoy just like you.
Also Read, Difference: Tourist and Traveller
Checking Prerequisites in Advance
If you are travelling out of your country, get complete information about the prerequisites of that particular country. There are certain countries that demand certain vaccination certificates from travellers. Make sure that you have all of those certificates handy as anything that catches you by surprise will only increase the waiting time at different checkpoints and the wait time will lead to your kids getting irritated.
Buying Goodies for Kids
There’s absolutely no one on this planet who doesn’t like gifts. But kids, kids just love them. Getting your kids some gifts makes them very happy and satisfied. If your child spots something interesting and demands it, do not always say no. If what they demand is not very expensive or completely useless, let him/her get what he/she likes. Kids find happiness in small things and you can make the travel experience memorable for them by giving them such small happiness.
Kid-friendly Deals
There are certain hotels and homestays that have separate deals for couples travelling with children or families. When you select your place of stay, try to book such a place that offers some interesting activities and experiences for children. When you travel, you learn a lot from the people you meet and places you visit. Select such hotels where the probability of your child meeting more kids from their age group is higher. This gives them an opportunity to socialise and you too can get some personal space and time.
