What every parent needs to know about travelling with kids
When it comes to a successful family vacation with your children, it’s all about keeping them occupied. Sound impossible? Don’t worry; it’s not, once you know the secret. Discover how to keep your children happy while on the road.
All parents know that keeping children busy is the key to having a stress-free family vacation. The way to do that is to remember just one thing: “When travelling with kids, being prepared takes on a whole new meaning and importance,” says Laura Bickle, managing editor of Today’s Parent and mother of two.“Failing to plan ahead, not sticking to a schedule and expecting too much from your child are common mistakes that parents make,” she says. To avoid these common pitfalls, here are her top tips for travelling with your kids.
Always think ahead
Even before you start your packing list, Laura Bickle advises parents to do as much research as possible on their travel arrangements, hotel choices and the city or region they will be visiting.- Pre-book your seats. “With airlines, pre-book your seats as early as possible so that you can reserve the bulkhead and get more legroom,” she says. If you’re taking the train, ask about any special arrangements available for children.
- Research your accommodations. Check that your hotel can provide what you need to make your room more comfortable for your kids. That could be a highchair or playpen for little ones, or a swimming pool for older kids.
- Know where you’re going. “Most cities and regions have good tourist websites that will give you information on family activities, accommodation and even recommended restaurants,” she says.
Smooth out the road ahead
There are several things you can do to smooth out any potential bumps in the road.
Practice smart packing. You already know to bring more clothing than what they’ll wear. Also, says Ms. Bickle, “bring along anything that makes your children feel more at home while your family is away.” That can include their own pillow, a favourite blanket, and familiar sippy cups. And don’t forget other key items like a nightlight, if they sleep with one.
Make it a routine thing. Forget about leaving everyday life behind. When it comes to travelling with kids, our expert stresses that you should stick to your home routine as closely as possible.
“Try to maintain your times for meals, snacks, naps and bed,” she notes. “Work other activities into your normal schedule.” As for handling tantrums, follow the same solution as you do at home — whether it be giving a time-out or calming them down with a glass of water or milk.
Research restaurants in advance. Typically, kids emphatically do not want to try something new for dinner. Call ahead and ask about the menu, whether the restaurant can accommodate kids with booster seats and highchairs, and if your children can order off the menu.
Our expert also cautions against planning to eat out three times a day. “That just doesn’t work with children and it’s hard to stick to your usual meal and snack schedule,” she says. “If your hotel room has a refrigerator, store cereal, milk, fruit and yogurt and have a breakfast picnic in your room. You can also buy items from a grocery store and enjoy lunch in a nearby park.”
Being good guests
If you’re staying with family or friends, leave nothing to surprise. “Make sure your hosts know what your normal family schedule is like,” advises Laura Bickle. “They’ll appreciate knowing that your child cries at night, needs a nap at 2:00 p.m. or eats lunch at noon and dinner at 5:00 p.m.”
If you have very young children, bring items to baby-proof your hosts’ home, such as kitchen cupboard locks and electrical outlet plugs — especially if your hosts don’t have children of their own. Unless you’ve brought your own, supplies such as a highchair can be rented or borrowed.
“Remind your hosts to store away any prized possessions such as figurines,” she adds. “And find out if their pets are kid-friendly.”