Have you ever tried to herd cats? Travelling with kids – especially young ones – can often feel like that’s just what you’re doing. It ain’t easy! But…there are ways to combat the long flights, long car rides and the overall frustration of just trying to get to your destination when kids are involved.
Here are a few tips to make it easier and to help you keep your sanity intact.
Take Your Time And Book Ahead
No matter where you are or what you’re doing, take your time. Kids love to explore no matter what their age. Giving yourself extra time at the airport or during sightseeing excursions will help you keep your cool and not get frustrated. Plus, make sure you book your hotel ahead so that at the end of the day you have a place to go when the kids are finally worn out.
Give Your Kids Their Own Camera
Kids of all ages, even toddlers, love to take pictures. It’s because they are always curious about the world around them. Let them have some fun, especially the little ones. You will come to appreciate the world from the eyes of your children, even if it is at knee level.
Keep Them Occupied On Long Trips To Your Destination
While older kids will usually be happy to entertain themselves on the long road trips or flights from point A to point B, younger ones tend to get bored easily. If you don’t want to hear the litany “Are we there yet?” a million times before you get there, consider downloading some fun apps for your phone or tablet that they can enjoy. If you prefer your kids not to be on electronics, a goodie bag full of colouring books, stickers, word search games, and puzzles, really works well, especially if you give them something new to do every hour. You can also keep a small number of family games in your bag in case of delays, to help everyone pass the time.
Involve Older Children In Planning The Trip And Encourage Them To Keep A Journal
Older children like to have a say about the things you do and see while on a family holiday. Let them be part of the planning process. You might be surprised at what they suggest, especially if it is something off the beaten path that still sounds interesting. Encourage them to keep a journal while you are all on holiday. It will help them remember the fun they had, the food they tried, the people they met and the places they visited.
