This is a guest blog from fellow blogger Daniel Sherwin at http://dadsolo.com/. Please check out his helpful website on traveling with children.
Taking the time to travel with family is a wonderful way to spend quality time together. World travel helps kids become more adaptable and flexible as they face new experiences every day. They see the ways people in various cultures live and gain a unique perspective on the world. However, traveling with kids can sound overwhelming to parents who have never attempted it. Luckily, there are ways to make travel with kids easy so your whole family can enjoy the trip.
Be Prepared for Anything on Flights
School children in Nepal
Before you get on the plane, Reader’s Digest recommends making sure all of your seats are together and getting it sorted out right away if they’re not. If the plane is busy, flight attendants may not be able to help you get seats together once boarding has started.
Tantrums and meltdowns occur on flights when kids get tired, hungry, or bored. So, prepare for these issues by bringing snacks, entertainment, and everything your child needs to sleep comfortably on the plane. One of the best ways to diffuse a tantrum is to have surprise toys and treats ready to distract your cranky child. You can even wrap these up like small presents so they appear even more exciting. Finally, remember to bring a change of clothes for yourself in case your baby vomits or has a diaper accident on the plane.
Pack Smart
Good packing can make the difference between an effortless trip and one spent frequenting stores to pick up forgotten items. Before you fly, find out about the carry-on restrictions for your airline. Baby formula, baby food, and breast milk are usually exceptions to carry-on liquid size rules. Put all of your essentials in a small backpack and everything else you might need on the plane in a quick-access tote bag or another bigger backpack. This should include things like an extra pair of clothes for yourself and each child, books, and snacks for the plane. Teach your kids to pack their own carry-on bags with anything fun they want to have on the plane. This helps them feel in control and even gets them more excited for the flight!
Avoid Germs Like a Pro
Many parents worry about their children getting sick on vacation and missing out on the fun. It doesn’t help that airplanes, buses, and hotel rooms are hot spots for germs. Luckily, you can reduce the germs you and your kids come in contact with by staying vigilant. Use antibacterial wipes on airplane tray tables, armrests, and toys while in transit. When you get to your hotel, wash down hard plastic toys in the sink with hot water and soap. Plush toys can be sponged with a cloth dampened with vinegar and baking soda. Just make sure you’re careful cleaning toys with batteries and never submerge them in water.
Be Ready for Jet Lag
Child in India
Helping kids get their sleep schedules back on track after jumping time zones can be difficult. According to Family Vacation Critic, you should start resetting your children’s biological clocks three days before you leave. This means setting their bedtime slightly earlier if you’re traveling eastward and later if you’re traveling westward. If your kids need to sleep on the plane, bring cozy blankets and travel pillows. However, don’t force kids to sleep on the plane if they don’t want to. Most importantly, expect to lose a day of your vacation as you recover from the time zone changes, so don’t make any big plans early on in your trip.
Although traveling with kids might not be easy, it’s a rewarding experience. Sure, you won’t be able to travel in the same carefree way that you did before having kids. But instead, you’ll have endless new adventures you never expected and make memories that will last a lifetime.