Travelling with kids tips

Families travelling with kids has steadily been increasing.

Some families do family holidays while other families have sold up everything and are travelling with their kids indefinitely.

Travelling can be educational, rewarding, enriching and bonding. Travelling can be stressful and challenging.

Travelling successfully with kids is a lot easier than you may think. And a lot less difficult too.

Being prepared and planning are key to a rewarding adventure.

Taking precautions and measures can reduce stress and help to maintain a positive journey.

The more you travel, especially with kids, the more you will fine tune your own top do’s and don’ts.

Bear in mind that even the most seasoned traveller has things totally unpredictable happen.

Part of the magic of travelling is the unknown and spontaneity.

• Don’t plan or expect to see or do everything. In an ideal world we would all have the time to see and do everything but realistically most of us don’t in the one trip. That’s OK. Prioritise what it is you want to see and do the best you can. There is no point being exhausted by rushing to see everything and not really enjoying anything.
• Be flexible and expect the unexpected. This can include simple things like toilet stops, food, rest, etc to the bigger things too.
• Let the kids know what they are doing each day and allow them some choices in the decisions too.
• Eliminate the need for wads of cash. We all know we can easily be distracted when we are out and about especially with kids so to alleviate being ‘ripped off’ or money lost or stolen using travellers cheque, Visa/Visa debit (or MasterCard) or pre-paying for as much as possible before you head off so it is all organised. This can included pre-paying for your arrival such as transfers. Just have a little currency so you can purchase the small things that the above can’t be used with.
• Have fun! Despite what hurdles may arise remember to try to have fun.
• Retain a sense of humour on your trip and it should be more enjoyable. If nothing else the troublesome issues on your trip will be talking points in years to come.
• Most importantly, keep safe! Keep doing head counts, talk about the importance of sticking together and what to do in the horrid event of becoming separated. Ensure your child knows your name and their name and if possible the place you are staying or your contact number (your mobile, if you took it with you, is the best as it is something they are more likely to already know and not be confused in a stressful situation).