Family holidays provide the unique opportunity to spend lots of quality time in each other’s company away from the usual distractions of daily life. Taking a holiday abroad with your family is a perfect time to introduce your child to a whole range of different experiences and to share these together. There are so many reasons why travelling abroad with your kids is a great idea. However, there’s no doubt that the thought of travelling with young children can also bring some anxiety. It’s only natural to be a little concerned about how a young child will react when they’re faced with a long plane journey and unfamiliar surroundings. The good news is that there are many ways to make travelling abroad with younger children a lot easier. Keep reading for some top tips to help you prepare for travelling with young children.
Get Equipped for Travel
Before you travel, it’s wise to ensure you’re equipped with everything you need to make your trip run smoothly. For very young children, it’s helpful to ensure you have a lightweight buggy for your trip. Choosing a stroller that folds compactly, and can be taken on board the plane as hand luggage is especially helpful, as this means you won’t need to check it in, and can push your child around the airport in it.
Purchasing some child-friendly travel accessories is also a helpful way to make your travels hassle-free. Letting your child choose accessories, such as a passport cover, can help them feel more involved in the travel preparations.
Choose Travel Times With Care
Thinking carefully about the best time to travel can make a huge difference to your experience on your flight. The thought of needing to deal with their child being overtired and crying throughout the entire flight is something every parent dreads. While there are no guarantees that your child will sleep quietly throughout the entire flight, booking a flight that coincides with their usual sleeping time can be beneficial.
Pushing your little one around the airport in their stroller can be a helpful way to get them settled and drifting off to sleep, ready to sleep during the flight.
Pack Activities and Entertainment
It’s best to be prepared with some activities to keep your little one entertained in case they don’t sleep through the flight. Choosing items that are easy to pack and whip out of your hand luggage when needed is a wise idea. Packing some age-appropriate fidget spinners for your toddler is a simple but effective way to keep them occupied. Sticker books are another excellent idea to keep little hands busy and entertained during your flight and throughout your trip, and easily slot into your hand luggage.
Final Thoughts
Travelling abroad for the first time with young children can be a scary thought. However, with some careful preparation, you can avoid many of the potential pitfalls that flying with young children can bring, and instead, enjoy a fun first travel experience with your little ones.
