I used to be the person who would give side eyes to screaming toddlers and apologetic parents on flights. Until I became that apologetic parent when we had to fly to Miami with our 15-month-old to my sister’s quinceañera on an early morning flight. Oh, how the tables turn.
For folks with a built-in wanderlust, it is impossible to imagine summers without traveling. But having kids does not have to change everything like they say.
It’s natural to be scared of traveling with a cranky toddler or a moody teenager who refuses to listen to you. Not to mention, the constant worries about their safety and comfort when you are away from home. I get it; it’s not easy, but that doesn’t mean you call it quits on your summer travel plans.
All it takes is a bunch of planning, almost the same level as carrying out a top-level government mission. To ensure your travel plans do not go down the drain, and you can enjoy serene locations as a happy family.
This traveling-with-kids guide will help you gear up for your next vacation with family. You can expect to learn to enjoy amidst the chaos of poopy diapers, meltdowns in the middle of the streets, long-haul flights, and skipped naps.
4 Tips to Keep in Mind When Traveling with Kids
1. Choose Family-Friendly Destinations
It is natural to want to book a flight to the next place on your bucket list that you made in college. But before you do that, make sure that place is kid-friendly. It’s pointless to go through the hassle of traveling only for you to end up in a place with no activity for your kids.
This is why it is super important to research destinations before booking. A friend of mine went with her toddlers to Rwanda for a Gorilla Safari, only to find out that kids under 15 were not allowed.
Therefore, make sure the place you are going to has sufficient activities for kids. I recommend researching thoroughly on sites like TripAdvisor to see activities for your kids.
Bonus Tip: I involve my kids in the planning process and ask them to find one activity they want to do when we reach our destination. They will look forward to the trip, trust me.
2. Don’t Forget the Snacks and Entertainment
If you are traveling to a foreign country or another state, make sure you pack ample snacks for your kids. This is because kids tend to magically become picky eaters while traveling. Plus, they might not be willing to try exotic cuisines. So, make sure you pack their favorite food or food that is familiar to them.
Moreover, having their favorite snacks is a great way to distract them on long-haul flights or talk them out of a full-blown meltdown.
Apart from food, make sure you have stuff to keep them entertained. I like to keep a balance between screen and no-screen. So, while I have their iPads charged, I also like to have a bunch of screen-free activities like coloring/sticker books, toys, etc.
Having access to an internet connection can also help keep boredom at bay. When I am traveling within the US, I like to use Optimum’s WiFi hotspots on roadtrips. In fact, I even plan routes where there are WiFi hotspots available. To know about the location of WiFi hotspots, I contact Optimum servicio al cliente en español. This keeps my kids entertained, especially on road trips.
3. Skip Hectic Itineraries
Itineraries are an essential part of planning a trip, and we all want to visit the maximum number of tourist attractions on our trips. But with kids, you have to take it easy.
If you plan to visit a gazillion places in one day with your kids in tow, they are bound to get burnt out. The result? Full-blown meltdowns. Therefore, make sure your daily itinerary is not long and that you have slots to let your kids rest and chill.
Moreover, it is also important to keep a balance. If you are doing something adventure-filled one day, take it easy the next day and give your kids time to enjoy on their own.
4. Family Safety is Important
I cannot stress enough the importance of keeping your children safe and how so many travelers take it for granted.
If you think you can ‘keep an eye’ on your children always, you are risking it. Most tourist places are crowded, and kids tend to wander away. So, make sure you are prepared to combat this.
Child harnesses are great for keeping your toddlers with you. You can also teach your kids what to do if they get separated from you, and the stranger danger rule. I pin AirTags in their pockets so I can track them if things go south.
Lastly, make them wear family ID bracelets that have your contact number, names, hotel names, etc.
Following these tips can guarantee that you will have an enjoyable vacation with your kids and you can make lasting memories with them while having the time of your lives.