Travelling with Children: Tips, Tricks, and What to Avoid
Last summer was the first time I travelled with three kids—one of whom was under one. Before that, I had only ever travelled with one child, so this was a big jump! As much as I love travelling and taking the kids to new places, sometimes the journey (and planning the journey) can be so stressful that you start to wonder why you bother. To help make family travel smoother, I’ve put together this short article packed with tips, tricks, and things to avoid when travelling with kids.
Short-Haul vs. Long-Haul Travel: What to Expect
Short-Haul Travel (Under 4 Hours) Short-haul trips, whether by plane, car, or train, can be easier to manage but still require planning. Since travel time is shorter, focus on keeping kids comfortable and entertained for a few hours.
Long-Haul Travel (4+ Hours) Long-haul flights and road trips require more preparation. Expect sleep disruptions, potential meltdowns, and the need for strategic entertainment. The longer the trip, the more crucial it is to pack wisely and plan for rest breaks.
Top Tips for Travelling with Children
1. Plan Ahead
Book flights and accommodation with family-friendly options (e.g., bulkhead seats, hotels with kid-friendly amenities). Choose flight times that align with your child’s sleep schedule. Check travel regulations, including passport requirements and airline policies for kids.
2. Pack Smart
Carry a mix of healthy snacks to avoid hunger-related tantrums. Bring a change of clothes for everyone (accidents happen!). Pack familiar comfort items like blankets, stuffed animals, or a favourite toy.
3. Keep Kids Entertained
Download games, movies, and audiobooks in advance. Bring travel-friendly toys like sticker books, small puzzles, or colouring kits. Play simple verbal games such as “I Spy” to pass the time.
4. Prepare for Sleep
Bring a travel pillow, blanket, and sleep mask to create a cosy environment. Stick to bedtime routines as much as possible, even in transit. If on a plane, use a footrest or inflatable cushion to make sleeping more comfortable.
5. Be Strategic with Seating
On planes, request bulkhead seats or choose an aisle seat for easy access. If travelling by car, ensure the car seat is comfortable for long drives. On trains, opt for family compartments if available.
6. Manage Expectations and Be Flexible
Set realistic expectations – delays and hiccups happen. Be open to adjusting plans based on your child's needs. Maintain a sense of humour and enjoy the journey!
What to Avoid When Travelling with Kids
1. Overpacking
Avoid bringing too many unnecessary items. Stick to essentials and multi-use items. A lightweight stroller or baby carrier is more practical than a bulky pram.
2. Relying Solely on In-Flight Entertainment Airlines may not always provide working screens or child-friendly content. Always have a backup of movies, games, and books.
3. Ignoring Time Zone Adjustments If travelling across time zones, gradually adjust sleep schedules before departure. Try to expose kids to natural light upon arrival to reset their internal clocks.
4. Skipping Breaks on Long Journeys If driving, schedule stops every 2-3 hours to let kids stretch and burn off energy. On flights, encourage them to walk up and down the aisle when safe.
5. Forgetting Snacks and Hydration Avoid relying on airline food – bring healthy, non-messy snacks. Keep kids hydrated, but monitor their intake before flights to avoid frequent bathroom trips.
6. Expecting Perfection Kids will get cranky, tired, and restless. Stay patient and adaptable. Focus on the fun memories rather than aiming for a perfect trip.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with children requires extra effort, but with the right preparation, it can be an incredible experience for the whole family. Whether short-haul or long-haul, the key is to stay organised, flexible, and calm. Every trip is an opportunity to create lifelong memories – so embrace the adventure and enjoy the ride!
