The thought of travelling with kids can be a scary one but with a little bit of forward planning and organisation it needn’t be any more challenging than travelling alone.
The secret to successful travelling is to pick and choose holidays and destinations according to the needs of you and your children. If you have very young children still in prams or pushchairs, a walking holiday may not be the best option for you.
Here are a few tips and hints to make your next family trip a memorable one:
Be safe
If you’re planning a road trip, then being safe is paramount. Check important documents are up to date and spend a little time checking you have the correct level of insurance cover. It’s now quick and easy to compare Australian car insurance products using Internet comparison sites.
Take your time
In order to fully enjoy a holiday with kids in tow, you’ll need to take things a little slower than you would usually. Be realistic about how much you’ll be able to cram into your break, the less you plan, the more you’ll enjoy it. By planning too much in advance you’ll feel restricted if you want to stay in one day, or the kids are tired.
Split chores
When traveling with partners, spouses or other families, it’s a good idea to split chores between you. Take turns minding the children, preparing meals and driving so you all feel like you’ve had a proper ‘holiday’.
Allergy alert
If you’re travelling to a hotel that will be providing meals for you and your family, ring ahead to notify them about any allergies your children may have. If they have severe allergies you may want to consider getting them a card written in the language you will be travelling to explaining what they’re allergic to.
Alternative venues
Gone are the days of couples only resorts or relaxing spa hotels. Having children means changing priorities and looking at venues that cater to the needs of all your family. Farm stays are gaining in popularity, as are hotels that offer arts and crafts and sporting facilities for little ones.
Kids clubs
Kids clubs are fantastic for giving you a couple of hours child-free relaxation time but you will want to check they’re not just sitting them in front of the TV. You’re kids are on holiday too so will want to have fun.
Lightweight strollers
It’s worth investing in a lightweight stroller to take away with you. Even if your toddler is independent enough to walk unaided, having a lightweight stroller with you means that you can stay out a little longer and enjoy a peaceful evening drink whilst your child has a sleep. Sleeping children are surprisingly heavy!
Don’t forget the medicine
It’s a great idea to take a small emergency kit away with you. This could include:
- Liquid painkiller suitable for children
- Bite and sting cream
- Medicated nappy cream
- Antihistamine medication
Keep a travel journal
Encourage your children to keep a travel journal. Encourage them to fill it with tickets, leaflets and keepsakes from the areas you travel to. This will supply them with hours of entertainment and provide them a lovely keepsake for years to come.
What other tips would you add?
Photo Credit: iosphere
