Spring is in the air (finally) and it’s that time of year when we start thinking of family holidays and school holiday get-aways. We need a break and we can practically feel it already… sand, sea and relaxation, right?
Well, hopefully- but first we need to prepare, pack and then actually travel to our destination…and that can be the most stressful part of the holiday- travelling with kids!
Maybe you’re planning your first trip abroad with your family or perhaps you do the same trip every year (like we did when the kids were small) but you are looking for ways to make the journey easier. I always looked forward to family holidays but I got completely stressed out with the travel. I’ve since come up with some top tips that I’m happy to share.
Whether you’re travelling by plane, car or boat (ferry, cruise ship, canal boat!) the key to successful travel comes down to being prepared and bringing the right things for the journey.
Step 1: Pack your carry-on bag (aka hand luggage or front seat bag) like it’s the most important thing on your trip. Which it is! A well packed (easy to access) carry-on bag is your key to a stress free trip and a happy child! (which makes for a happy you!)
But wait…before you start packing that bag:
Here’s a photo I found on Pinterest with perfect compartmentalised packing.
- Compartmentalise when packing your carry-on bag:
I find that packing separate items in waterproof bags (extra large zip lock bags or clear plastic cosmetic bags work for me) keeps them clean and easier to find.
Keep your travel documents, snacks, toiletries, medicine, a change of clothes, entertainment, toys all in separate bags within the main bag. This saves you from rooting through a mountain of jumbled up things when looking for the medicine bottle.
Now you’re ready to pack, so here’s what to put in that bag:
- Prepare Snacks Ahead of Time:
Another super example of food preparation and packing from Pinterest.
Whether travelling by plane, car or train, snacks are essential. And if you are going to be in a confined space for a long time, limit the sugar! Pack snacks like raisins, cheerios, grapes, nuts, cereal bars, crackers, dried fruit. Put each item in individual bags or plastic containers and then pack all those bags in one big zip lock bag (I know, it sounds like a lot of bags, but you’ll appreciate having them all kept in one place but still separate so they don’t all mesh together).
Offer different snacks to you child throughout the journey rather than all at once.
- Take a change of clothes for all of you:
You may be delayed or get messy or wet. Take clothes for all of you, and bring an extra layer in case of a change of temperature.
- Don’t forget about the entertainment:
We sometimes rely on just electronics for entertainment for the kids, but I find that too much screen time can result in a restless traveller who gets bored or frustrated. There are so many travel games and kits in a tin that children will love.
There are some items especially made for travelling in handy tins from Apples to Pears.
Perhaps you children are crafty. Then think about packing a bag of crafts- complete with paper, colouring books, dot-to-dot books, pens, crayons, stencils. My advice is to make a bag of crafts for each child so avoid the arguments over that one yellow felt tip pen!
Stock up on books, colouring books and sticker books and remember to keep them in a separate bag so that they don’t get damaged, wet or covered in crumbs.
- Wrap up some new Toys
New toys wrapped up like a present are sure to delight children and keep them occupied for a good while.
I find small fiddle toys or party bag fillers are best. Perhaps you can find a mini tea set, a pack of cards or a little toy that can be put together. You can individually wrap them and give to your child throughout the trip.
Top tips for travel toys are:
- Little cars or trains
- Little figures
- Jacks
- Cats cradle set
- Playdough (although this is not allowed on airplanes due to being on the banned list)
- Magic kits
- Mini lego sets (and bring a zip lock bag to store the pieces afterwards)
Now that you’ve packed your carry-on bag, there are a few more things to consider when packing for travel with kids:
Step 2: Think about Comfort
Travelling can be uncomfortable and you (and your child, hopefully) will want to rest. Car seats can be uncomfortable and airplane pillows (If you are lucky enough to get them) are flimsy. Take your own pillows and travel blankets.
Don’t overestimate the power of cute slippers or cozy socks. Wearing shoes when sitting for a long time can be uncomfortable. Why not make you child extra comfortable in some special slippers or socks bought just for the trip? It encourages snuggling up and relaxing.
Step 3: Invest in a bag for the kids
Kids will help with their bags when they love their bags. Get kids excited for the trip and encourage them to start preparing by packing their own backpack or suitcase.
If you give them a bag with a character that they love on it, they are more likely to take ownership of that bag and carry it on their own! Plus, an eye catching design or a unique pattern will make it more recognisable in the (hopefully unlikely) event that the bag is mislaid.
Step 4: Enjoy and try to relax: Don’t forget to pack some things for yourself; book or a magazine, perhaps? Let’s hope that with the children happily occupied, you’ll have a chance to read it!
Wherever you go, I hope you have a fantastic holiday, and a stress-free and relaxing time getting there.
Do you have any tips to share for stress-free travel with kids? Comment below and share away!
Lisa is the managing director of what2buy4kids. Lisa’s wish is to make your job of finding a gift for the children in your life easier, or help you to take some of the time and frustration out of the search for that special gift for kids.