Travelling with kids can be challenging to say the least. Even a short trip to the supermarket can lead to tears and chaos. Younger children can become confused and upset, and you’ll worry about keeping them safe, and older children and teens would much rather be with their friends, doing anything else, which can lead to plenty of moaning and whining.
Long haul travel can be equally challenging, even when you do it alone or with other adults. It might lead to a brilliant, once in a lifetime holiday, but tt spending hours sat on a plane, uncomfortable, tired and eager to arrive is a bit of a pain.
So, a long-haul trip with kids, especially younger ones? Flying long haul with children is never going to be a walk in the park. But, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t do it. Travelling with children can be the ultimate adventure.
Children see the world with innocent joy. Everything is a massive adventure. They explore, the world is their playground, and they have plenty of fun, even doing the more mundane things. This excitement is lost as we grow up, and often, travelling with your own young children is the only way to get it back. Travelling to somewhere jual rumah indonesia might mean a long flight, but it’s a great way to share some excitement and bond as a family.
Upgrade if You Can
Upgrading your seats on the plane can be a great way to make your flight more comfortable. If you are going to be on board for more than a few hours, having space to stretch and get comfortable, as well as other perks and extra attention is always going to make things easier. But, it can be expensive, and if your budget doesn’t allow it, look for other, smaller upgrades.
Just parking your car at the closest car park to your terminal, paying for airport fast track, or an airport lounge pass can make sure that your journey to the plane is easier, and that you start the flight in a much better mood.
Tire Them Out at the Airport
One good thing about travelling with very young children is that they will usually fall asleep for at least some of the journey. The more you can tire them out before you board the plane, the more likely they are to sleep for longer, once the initial excitement has worn off. So, don’t spend your time sitting staring at the information screens. Instead, take the kids for walks, go plane spotting, play games like eye spy and explore the shops. Have an airport adventure to wear them out and keep them happy.
Pay for a Seat
If your child or children are under two, they are entitled to fly for free with most airlines, as long as they sit on your lap. This is a great way to save money on a shorter trip. But, do you want a baby or toddler sat squirming and wiggling on you for longer than that?
If you can, it’s worth paying for an extra seat for them, even if you have them on your lap most of the time. It gives you all some extra room and a place to keep toys and games.
Don’t Board Too Soon
Most airlines also allow families with young children to board the flight first. Under the theory that it’s easier to get kids, and all of their paraphernalia settled before the plane gets too crowded. Again, all well and good on a shorter trip. But long-haul, that extra few minutes sat on the plane can make all of the difference. Stay standing up, and tiring the kids out for as long as possible.
Dress Comfortably
Your days of travelling in stylish dresses and outfits are long gone. Opt for comfort as much as possible, for the kids and you. Keep a change of top, for you all, close to hand in case of accidents, spills, and sticky fingers, and take a hoodie so that you can get comfortable if you want to nap.
Take Drinks and Snacks
Drinks and snacks keep everyone happy, as well as helping to avoid pain from little ears popping. But, choose them carefully. Try to avoid anything too sticky or smelly, and take a mixture of treats and healthier options. Make sure you’ve got a bag for rubbish until the flight attendant comes to collect it.
When it comes to drinks, you’ll have to buy them at the airport once you have cleared security. But, you can usually take your own food. Check with your airline beforehand.
Plan 30 Minutes at a Time
Young children have very short attention spans. While it increases as they get older, excitement and new surrounds can bring it right back down again. So, try to plan 30 minutes of activity at a time, with drinks, snacks, naps and walks around the plane in between to break things up. Download episodes of their favourite TV shows on to a tablet and find headphones that they will wear. Pack colouring books and activity packs, as well as some favourite toys, avoiding anything with lots of small parts.
Make it Fun
You might find airports pretty stressful. Most adults do, especially when they’ve got young kids in tow. But, your kids will pick up on this stress and start to get anxious themselves. Try to ease your own tensions by being prepared. Then, make things fun. Talk about everything that you are going to do when you arrive, play travel games, turn it into an adventure with role play and keep focusing on the positives to make everything more entertaining and you’ll all feel calmer.
Take a Break
If you are travelling with a partner or friend, take it in turns to take a break. Put your headphones in, block out the noise and enjoy a book, a nap or some TV. Even if you are travelling alone, try to make the most of their nap time to relax yourself, even if you can’t sleep.
I hope this helps with your travels!
Alex x
* Collaborative post
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