Travelling with children might seem daunting and exhausting
and far from the holiday that you imagined, but it doesn’t have to be that way!
Here are our top tips for making your travels enjoyable for
the whole family:
Check the weather
It is as simple as it sounds. Being aware of the climate and
terrain type in your destination means that you can dress your children
comfortably, making them happier when exploring a new environment.
22. Plan ahead
Spontaneity when travelling may have worked when you didn’t
have children, but leaving hotel bookings to the last minute is more difficult
to pull off with toddlers and teenagers who are likely to get hungry, tired and
chew your ear off if you aren’t able to secure satisfactory accommodation.
33. Safeguard against germs
Hand sanitiser and antibacterial wipes are backpack
essentials when travelling with children, particularly if they are toddlers. These
items can come in handy when you’re unsure about the hygiene at a restaurant as
you can wipe cutlery before eating. This can prevent children from catching
common bugs.
44. Remember the medicine
Children are more likely than adults to fall ill while on
holiday and that’s most likely due to not being able to rest as much as they
would at home. Packing medicines and a basic first aid kit can help them feel
better quickly and help avoid sleepless nights.
55. Don’t rush
Travelling with children involves taking extra time to let
them explore. This means that you should factor stalling, toilet stops and
tantrums in to your plans so that you aren’t losing your cool while they’re
wandering off.
66. Check your passports
Depending on their age, children’s passports only last a
certain number of years, so if this is your first trip in a while, it’s
important to check that they haven’t expired. Try to do this at least six weeks
before you travel.
77. Don’t let your children pack
Although it is important to let your children have an input
in what they would like to pack, make sure you check that they aren’t about to
spend the whole trip carrying around unnecessary items that are too heavy.
88. Plan for long journeys
If you have a particularly long flight or car/bus journey,
be sure to plan ahead and pack a collection of toys – think small puzzles,
plasticine, word searches and colouring books. These will give your children
something to do, meaning you won’t have to hear “I’m bored!”
8. Make memories
Travelling from a young age means that your children can get
a head start on making fantastic memories in exotic locations. Encourage them
to keep a diary of interesting things they have seen or foods they have tried.
As adults, they will appreciate looking back on everything they have gathered
over the years.
Another idea would be to give them a child friendly or
disposable camera which can encourage them to take an interest in their
surroundings.
18. Use public transport
Children are curious by nature and like interacting with
people so travelling by train, bus and boat is likely to make for a more fun
experience than travelling by car. Try to use public transport where possible
and take this as a chance to teach your child about the area you are visiting.
88. Pack snacks
Avoid the tantrums and remember to pack healthy snacks for
when restaurants and food places are nowhere to be seen. Unexpected delays can
pause your journey for hours so these are not just for the children!
88. Designate a meet up place
Try to pick landmarks or buildings that stand out as the
place to meet up if you get separated from your children (depending on their
age). Another idea would be to create a wrist band that has your phone number on, which
your children can wear and use if they get lost.
These straightforward tips should help smooth out any family holiday but don’t forget your travel insurance too!
Some of our policies cover under 16s for free
so be sure to get a quote from Discount Insurance on 0800
294 45221
today.
