Tips for travelling with young children
Travel is great for broadening the mind, even if you’re a five-year-old. Start getting your little ones prepared for their holiday by treating it like a project. You could read a guide book to them about your destination, talk to them about what to expect and how things may be different such as the food. Perhaps even try some of the traditional dishes from your chosen holiday destination. Also encourage them to keep a holiday journal, collect photos, ticket stubs and draw pictures of what they have seen and record new words they may have learned along the way. These are great to look back on.
Get your little ones to travel with a small backpack, that way they can carry their own drink, hat and sunglasses, book and crayons. If you are like me, my handbag is full of everyone else’s bits and bobs. Let them take responsibility for a few items of their own. Maybe they can even have a bit of the local currency in a purse or wallet, although beware, once they know it is there it is likely to burn a hole in their pocket.
Research your destination and prepare a “things to do and places to go if the weather isn’t great” list. (This is particularly good if travelling out of season in the February or October half terms). As your Travel Counsellor I will provide you with this ahead of your trip.
Where possible, I check my customers in online so I can hand you your boarding passes and save you time at the airport. Sometimes this means free allocation of seats before you leave. Most airlines make a charge for pre-booking seating, but if it provides peace of mind, I would be happy to advise on this.
Taking a buggy or pram even if your child is now walking can be handy as they can double up as places to rest from the heat or if up a little later than usual to rest in a restaurant for example. Most airlines carry this for an infant free of charge, but it’s possible for small children too.
It goes without saying that I will research the accommodation options for suitability for you and your family, with two young children of my own I understand what is necessary to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible for everyone.
It’s not possible to carry liquids over 100ml through airport security, but once through it makes sense to get some drinks before you get on your flight, it can be warm when you arrive at your destination and whilst waiting for and travelling on your transfer, a bottle of water is often very welcomed.
Once on board it’s helpful to have a treat such as a lollipop during take-off and landing, it can all help. Make sure you have plenty of ways to entertain your little one such as crayons, books and their favourite toy. Also, small presents that are well wrapped and take a while to open make great distractions, during turbulence for example.
Once you’ve arrived and you’ve checked in satisfy yourself that your room is child friendly. Check the locks on doors and windows to make sure the room is secure and all fittings are sturdy including balcony railings i.e. there are no gaps big enough for a child to get through. Don’t be afraid to ask to be moved to another room if you’re not satisfied. Requesting a ground floor room if available is often a good idea and checking the hot water temperature is another top tip to ensure it’s not too hot for little hands.
Most of all have fun, taken lots of pictures, write notes in the journal and the children will enjoy sticking some of the photos in there when you are home. It all helps them remember the destination and the fun times you have enjoyed.