Traveling with kids can be the most wonderful and enriching experience – or the worst nightmare.
Take these 7 tips from mom and traveller Christine Knight drawing from the valuable lessons she learned from traveling with her preschool kid visiting four countries and five cities aboard eight flights across six weeks, (wew, that’s a lot.)
1. Bring a stroller
Your kid won’t enjoy strolling along the streets of Paris for hours as much as you would so be sure to tag along a lightweight travel stroller so you can pop them right in once they start being grumpy for being made to walk forever.
2. Bring your own snacks and toys on flights
Be a soldier and prepare to fight thirst, hunger, and boredom on long flights. Bring a tumbler and fill it with water once you get through flight check-in, pack snacks and liquids up to 100 ml. Bring their favorite small toys and activities and hand them out one at a time if you see a meltdown is about to happen.
3. Break up flights
Take short connecting flights rather than long ones to make it easier for the kiddos to adjust.
4. Pack only what you need
Pack lots of lightweight tees, underpants, shorts, dresses, or skirts. Always pack a small amount of gentle detergent so you can wash your kid’s clothes in the sink whenever you need to. Never travel without sunscreen and a small medical kit.
5. Choose your locations wisely
Choose to travel in cities with lots of activities within walking distance of your hotel of choice, or just a short subway ride away. The last thing you’d want is to arrive somewhere and then travel some more just to sightsee.
6. Plan less
Your itinerary traveling with a kid should list only a single thing to do each day. Spend more time doing that one thing and plan well on how to get to and from there. Take the time to soak it in and enjoy the journey.
7. Schedule down time
Go out in the morning to sightsee and ride all the rides, then return to your accommodation after lunch for a siesta before heading out for a family dinner. It will do wonders for both you and your kids’ energy and mood throughout the trip!
Read the full article by Christine Knight on Huffpost here.