Travelling with Kids? How to Make It Easier (and Funnier)

2–4 minutes

As a parent, you know the challenges of travelling with kids well. They can be unpredictable, demanding, and occasionally exasperating. However, they’re also charming, inquisitive, and brimming with joy. So, how do you balance the highs and lows of travelling with your little ones? Here are some tips I’ve gleaned from my experiences and a few I wish I had known.

Pack Light:

   Travelling light is vital. You don’t need to lug your entire household on a trip. Trust me; you won’t use half of it. Regret will set in when you find yourself carrying not just your kids but also their toys, snacks, and souvenirs. Opt for packing only the essentials, leaving room for the unexpected. Extra space comes in handy for tantrums, diapers, and, yes, bribes. Sometimes, a candy or a sticker can be the difference between a meltdown and a smile. Don’t judge – you know you’ve done it too.

Be Flexible:

   Anticipate that things might go awry. Flights get delayed, hotels get overbooked, cars break down, and kids fall sick – or all of the above. Don’t panic, stress, or play the blame game. Laugh it off and hope no one calls the cops. Laughter is genuinely the best medicine and the perfect response to the unexpected. Remember, you’re not alone; countless parents have faced similar ordeals and emerged unscathed. So will you.

Prioritize Your Family:

   Follow your instincts. Ignore the critics, the judgy stares, and the in-laws. You understand your kids better than anyone else. Know their likes, needs, and limits. Don’t let others dictate how you should travel with them. Refuse to succumb to guilt or shame about your choices. Your focus should be on enjoying your time with your family. So, if skipping the museum for the playground brings joy, go for it. If ordering pizza and watching cartoons in the hotel room makes you happy, so be it. You’re doing it right as long as you’re safe, respectful, and responsible.

Create Memories:

   Document your journey with photos, videos, journals, or make-up stories; no one will know. The goal is to capture moments that evoke joy, humour, sadness, or frustration. You’ll treasure these moments forever and share them with your kids as they grow. These moments will make them want to travel with you again and again. Travelling with kids isn’t just a challenge; it’s a blessing, an opportunity to bond, learn, grow, explore, discover, and adventure.

So, embark on your holiday with your kids. Or, at the very least, survive it. Share your stories with me; I’d love to hear them – maybe even borrow a few for my next blog post.

Here are some related products that might make your travels smoother:

I hope you find these products useful for your travels with kids.

Feel free to reach out with questions or feedback. For personalized mental wellness services, contact EducateAble at namita@educateable.in or consult via Topmate. Stay informed about upcoming sessions and workshops by subscribing to our website.