With the summer season quickly approaching, travel could be top of mind. School’s out, daycare will soon be closing, and you (hopefully!) have more time to spend with your family — it’s the perfect time to make memories on vacation.
But, for parents with young children, the idea of traveling could bring up some concerns. Will your little ones be able to handle a long journey? How will you entertain them once you get there? Will you remember to pack everything you need?
Before you get too stressed, here’s the good news: with some planning and preparation, traveling with young children can be a fun experience for everyone! Here are 8 practical tips that will help make your next vacation as worry-free and enjoyable as possible.
1. Choose Your Destination
Before you even book those flights, take a moment to really think about your destination. While it may be tempting to visit your dream vacation spot, it’s important to be realistic and think about places that are kid-friendly. Think about travel time too — is a long flight or car ride feasible?
Find age-appropriate places with activities and amenities specifically designed for young children. And, research kid-friendly restaurants and attractions that will keep everyone entertained.
2. Pack with Care
When it comes to packing, resist the urge to overpack and focus on versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Don’t forget any familiar comfort items like stuffed animals, blankets, lovies, and the like that can provide another layer of security for your child during travel.
Pack a well-stocked first-aid kit just in case and any medications you may need. And don’t forget entertainment for those inevitable travel delays. Coloring books, small toys, and fun games can be lifesavers.
Finally, if you did choose a destination that requires travel documents like passports, remember to pack those too. You don’t want to end up at the airport only to realize you forgot your IDs!
3. Factor in Delays Before They Happen
Be prepared to build in extra time for your journey. That means potential travel delays that are out of your control (think, flight issues and traffic) as well as possible meltdowns (bound to happen at some point with toddlers!).
If you are flying, consider booking direct flights when you can to minimize travel time. Window seats can also be a game-changer — your little ones will love looking outside. For car trips, plan for breaks every few hours so your kids can get out of the car to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. No matter what mode of transportation you decide to take, make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks too.
4. Be Ready with On-the-Go Entertainment
While electronic devices like smartphones and tablets can be a tempting way to keep children occupied during travel, there are so many other ways to entertain them, screen-free.
Don’t underestimate the power of coloring books, crayons, picture books, and card games. Sticker books, activity books with mazes and puzzles, and classic games like Mad Libs, Bingo, and Uno are always so much fun. Playing “I Spy,” “I’m Going on a Picnic,” and other car games will keep children busy on the road too.
All of the above will encourage your kids to use their creativity and imagination instead of zoning out in front of a screen!
5. Choose the Right Activities
Young children often have short attention spans — it’s just the name of the game when you have an infant or toddler — so plan for short bursts of activity.
Alternate between planned things, like visiting a museum, and unstructured playtime in a park or playground. Embrace the outdoors — parks, beaches, and other green spaces will give your child ample room to run, explore, and get some fresh air. This is incredibly helpful, especially if you’re changing time zones, and bedtimes while you’re at it.
Look for child-friendly attractions like zoos, aquariums, or children’s museums too, as these can be both entertaining and educational.
6. Prepare to Stay Calm
It’s important to acknowledge that meltdowns are a normal part of traveling with young children — again, it’s a part of the deal with infants and toddlers!
If you’re faced with an unexpected meltdown, take a deep breath and try your best to stay calm. Offering your child reassurance and a hug can go a long way. They are likely tired due to all of the excitement.
Creating a plan for managing tantrums in public spaces, whether it’s offering a distraction, providing choices, or finding a quiet spot to take a break can be super helpful.
7. Make the Most out of Mealtimes
Researching the best child-friendly restaurants with a relaxed vibe can save you a lot of stress. If you have picky eaters, pack some familiar snacks. And if you’re visiting a foreign country, be prepared for longer (and perhaps later) mealtimes than you may be used to at home.
Above all, encourage your children to try new things! It’s one of the best parts of traveling as an adult — you can learn so much about different cultures via their food, and introducing this to kids when they’re young is such a great teaching moment. It’s never too early to catch the travel bug.
8. Schedule Some Downtime
When you’re traveling as an adult, it’s a lot easier to push through long days without much of a break. This isn’t the case with young children; in fact, you’ll be setting yourself up for meltdown city if you don’t give your kids some time to relax.
Taking breaks throughout the day is crucial to avoid overstimulation. Remember: a well-rested child is a happy child (and a much easier travel companion!).
With a little prep work, a good attitude, and patience, it is possible to have a wonderful travel experience with your young children. Where will you head next?
This content originally appeared in our monthly Open Calendar Club newsletter.
