We all know that traveling can be a particularly stressful time. It probably does not come as a surprise that seldom does it appear how we all see it on Instagram. Flights get delayed, baggage gets lost, mosquitoes get under several layers of clothes, and you find out the Airbnb you have booked does not exist.
Now picture that with two children in tow who are hungry, tired, bored, need the toilet, or have no access to WIFI, and you might wonder if you can even call that a vacation from real life. Good luck! Here are some top tips for traveling with children to make your holiday go as smoothly as possible.
Call a Family Meeting
Before you are due to set off on holiday, it is worthwhile discussing the basics of the holiday, what is expected of everyone, and the plan for the days spent traveling. Getting everyone on the same page before leaving can help eliminate feelings of anxiety and confusion and make sure everyone is working toward the same goal.
Explain to your children what will happen the day ahead of traveling to your holiday destination. This can include anything from how long it will take for you to reach where you are going, what modes of transport you will be taking, and what they might need to make their journeys more comfortable.
It has been a long while for many children since they have been able to go on vacation, so it can be overwhelming to get back into the real world just as much, if not more so, as it is for adults. Talking to them through everything ahead of time can help lessen the anxiety or stress that can come with sudden changes, which can then turn into tantrums and other unhelpful behaviors. It also might be worth letting the children know what activities they have to look forward to when they arrive there. Check out things to do in Orlando for those who are heading to the area for some inspiration.
Do Not Panic Pack
There sometimes seems to be an innate need that drives us to overpack for trips including our entire wardrobes, which our children can’t help but emulate. Not only are we packing two pairs of underwear each day for ourselves for no reason, but we then double that amount for the kids. Unless you are going out into the middle of nowhere for your holiday, there will realistically be shops close by where you can pick up any children’s clothes or essentials if you desperately need them. Just try to pack a typical week’s worth of clothes, along with holiday essentials such as bathing suits, trunks, an extra towel, and some holiday shoes, and you will be good to go!
Focus on Entertainment
If you are going on a long trip, you will want to get some entertainment for the kids ready whenever boredom starts to creep in. This can be anything from coloring books to music, travel games, and a device to watch movies on. And don’t forget to pack the snacks as they are also crucial for long trips and keeping the hangry away for both you and your family! This can help the time go by much faster and much more pleasantly for everyone involved.
