5 Top Tips: Traveling with Kids

Journeys with children can be filled with laughter, wonder, and unforgettable memories. But let's be honest - they can also involve some tears, frustration, and unforeseen detours. As a parent, the mere thought of venturing out on a trip with kids in tow can feel overwhelming. Fear not, dear parent, because I am here to provide you with helpful tips and strategies for managing travel with your little explorers.

The Rewards of Travelling with Kids

Traveling with kids offers abundant rewards that far outweigh the challenges. Aside from the joy of creating shared memories, family travels foster adaptability in kids and expose them to diverse cultures and environments. A study conducted by the University of Illinois in 2017 revealed that children who travel with their families are more adaptable and open to learning, as it enhances their understanding of the world around them. However, it's important to remember that each trip will come with its unique set of challenges and rewards. I've been traveling with my kids since they were two months old for the past 16 years. Believe me, each journey has been an adventurous chapter in our family's storybook.

5 Top Tips

Every parent's journey is unique, but these pointers can help make your next family trip an enjoyable and memorable experience:

1. Plan But Be Flexible

The secret to a successful trip lies in the balance between preparation and spontaneity. Having a well-thought-out itinerary helps, but let's not forget - we are dealing with children, masters of unpredictability. As a life-long traveler and mom, I have learned this lesson first-hand. A few years back, we planned a relaxing trip to the Mediterranean seaside. I had an image in my head of calm beach days, but my then six-year-old son had other ideas. We stumbled upon a small farm on our way, and what was supposed to be a quick visit turned into a day filled with hayrides, fruit-picking, and playing with farm animals. This 'farm journey' became the highlight of our trip, and a precious memory that we all still laugh about today.

2. Maintain Sleep Routines

Children need their sleep to remain energetic and in a good mood. But travel, especially across different time zones, can disrupt their regular sleep patterns. Research conducted by the University of Massachusetts in 2018 showed that maintaining sleep schedules even during travel can significantly improve a child's mood and behavior. To keep our kids' sleep schedules intact during our trips, we started adjusting their bedtime gradually a few days before the journey. We've also found that keeping their bedtime routine as close to normal as possible helps, even if you're on a plane at this hour, or train, on a beach or city walk - make sure that they take a nap at at their usual hour. A story before bed, even if it's in a hotel room or a camping tent, can make a world of difference.

3. Pack Smart for Your Trip

Being on the road with kids teaches you to distinguish between 'wants' and 'needs.' The hard way, sometimes. When my friend's daughter was three, they were preparing for a trip, and amidst the packing chaos, they left behind her favorite teddy bear. You can imagine the drama that ensued! We ended up driving around a remote town, stopping at every store, until they found a teddy bear that was close enough to the original to appease her. That day we learned: always pack The essentials first!

4. Engage and Educate Kids During the Trip

Traveling offers children an exciting break from traditional classroom learning. I love using our trips as a platform to inspire curiosity and knowledge about the world. Involve the kids in planning - let them help you pick places to visit, food to try, or historical facts to discover. During our trip to France, we transformed sightseeing into a 'scavenger hunt.' We created a list of landmarks and their histories, turning the city into a living, interactive classroom. The kids loved the challenge, and it made learning about history a fun-filled adventure.

5. Pace Yourself

Traveling with kids is not a marathon. It is a slow, enjoyable journey filled with detours and pit-stops. On a trip to Paris, we had planned a day filled with visits to museums. But as we walked through a local park in the morning, we came across a charming puppet show. The kids were so captivated that we spent the entire morning there. We've managed to see only half of the Louvre museum that day, but it didn't matter. That puppet show was a hit, and the joy on their faces was priceless.

Final thoughts

Every adventure with kids is unique and unpredictable, filled with laughter, learning, and sometimes, a tiny bit of chaos. But remember, the goal isn't ticking off every tourist attraction or maintaining perfect schedules. It's about embracing the unexpected, finding joy in little moments, and creating precious memories that will last a lifetime. I hope these stories from my personal experiences, coupled with evidence-based insights, can serve as a friendly guide for your next family vacation.

But, our journey doesn't have to end here. If you want to delve deeper into the enriching world of parenting and raising world citizens, why not book a free discovery call with me? Let's explore more about our Program "Raise World Citizens: RespectFul Childcare", tailored to support you in your unique parenting journey. Remember, you're not alone in this adventure. Let's explore the thrilling world of parenting and globetrotting, together!

Have fun!

Gulnoz,

Your Life Coach for Parents