Lige and I have racked up a fair bit of travel experience together. From exploring Germany, Portugal, Spain, and multiple trips to France, to plenty of staycations here in the UK, we've had our fair share of adventures. Over time, I feel like Iโve got the whole "traveling with kids" thing as nailed down as it can be. Of course, we all know that with kids, things rarely go entirely to plan, but Iโd say Iโm as close to mastering it as Iโll ever get.
So here are my 7 tips:
Pack Smart, Not Heavy
When traveling with kids, less is often more. Bring versatile clothing that can be layered, and pack plenty of snacks to keep them happy (honestly, for Lige this is theee most important rule!). I always bring a mix of his favorites and a few new treats to keep things exciting. Bring small toys and tablets (electronics) to keep them occupied for the long journey. Oh, and donโt forget a first-aid kit โ itโs a lifesaver. It doesnโt have to be large, Iโve purchased mini ones from Boots that fits in my handbag or car glove compartment.
Involve Them in the Plan
Depending on your childโs age, letting them have a say in the trip can make all the difference. Lige loves looking at pictures of potential destinations and helping me choose activities. It gets him excited and keeps any "I donโt want to go there" moments at bay.
Plan Rest Stops Like a Pro
Long journeys can be tough for kids (and parents!). Whether youโre driving or flying, factor in regular breaks to stretch legs, grab a snack, or just recharge. Some of our favorite memories are from impromptu stops at roadside cafรฉs or scenic spots.
Create a Comfort Zone
Kids thrive on familiarity, so pack a few items that make them feel at home. For Lige, when he was younger, he had a kids pillow that he loved and carried everywhere. When I gave it to him after we arrived at our hotel the first time we travelled, it literally calmed him right down โ he was delighted! These little comforts can make a big difference in helping them settle, whether itโs on a plane or in a hotel room.
Embrace the Unexpected
No matter how much you plan, things will go awry โ and thatโs okay. Delayed flights, missed buses, or a toddler meltdown mid-sightseeing? Itโs all part of the adventure. Stay flexible, take a deep breath, and remember: some of the best stories come from the unplanned moments.
When returning from France, our flight was delayed by three and a half hours. I immediately got stressed worrying about how we would fill that time. While waiting, we decided to take a walk around the airport and found that PlayStation had set up some consoles and were showing a new game for people to try out for free. Lige ended up playing with kids there for ages and had a great time. This turned out to be one of his favourite bits of the holiday.
So, when things donโt go as planned, try to roll with it. Look for the silver lining, turn detours into opportunities, and donโt be afraid to laugh it off. Kids are great at adapting when they see you doing the same, and it teaches them a valuable lesson about flexibility and that things cannot always go to plan.
Keep It Fun
At the end of the day, itโs all about making memories. Let your child explore, ask questions, and just be themselves. Lige loves spotting animals and street art, so we always make time for those little discoveries.
Boat ride, Portugal Donโt Overpack Your Day
Itโs tempting to want to see everything, but overloading your schedule can lead to stress โ for both you and your child. Kids get tired quickly, especially when theyโre adjusting to new environments, so aim for a balance between sightseeing and downtime.
On our trips, weโve learned the hard way that trying to do too much in a day often leads to exhaustion (for both of us). Now, we keep the days flexible and leave room for impromptu breaks, whether thatโs a trip to a local playground or simply relaxing at a cafรฉ. One or two major activities is more than enough for a day.
For example, in Spain, we planned a visit to the Sagrada Familia and had lunch nearby, but we also made sure to leave time for Lige to run around in a park and enjoy some quiet time. This helped avoid any meltdowns and ensured we both enjoyed the experience.
And donโt forget, some of the best travel moments happen when you take it slow and let things unfold naturally. A relaxed pace can help you appreciate the destination and create quality moments with your little one.
Traveling with kids might not always be easy, but itโs always worth it. The laughter, learning, and bonding that come with it are priceless. So pack your bags, embrace the chaos, and go make some memories!
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