Trips take on a different tone when they are young children involved. Those carefree vacations you were accustomed to before having kids? Yeah, those are a distant memory. But that doesn't mean you should cancel your travel plans. In fact, traveling with kids can be meaningful for all family members. Follow our tips on how to survive your next family vacation and you will return home ready to start planning the next one.
The importance of family vacations
Before you consider asking grandma and grandpa to watch the kids while you and your partner take off for a week, consider the many benefits of a family vacation. John McDonald, Chief Executive of the Family Holiday Association tells Mother.ly, a family vacation can help immensely if they are faced with more challenging times. Reflecting on memories of happy times can change their outlook. “By using these memories as an anchor to take us back to more cheerful moments, we’re often able to approach problems with a fresh sense of perspective,” he says.
These are your reasons why spending the extra money–and yes, dealing with the additional stress–associated with traveling with kids is 100% worth it in the end.
Traveling with kids means:
- Spending quality time with your children away from home creates new memories that can last a lifetime.
- Traveling offers children new perspectives and gives them opportunities to try new things and step away from their comfort zones
- Traveling with kids actually reduces stress – you heard that right. A vacation is your opportunity to take a break from work, too.
- Traveling with children boosts their self confidence. Depending on their age, you can ask them to participate in navigating or choosing an activity.
- The top benefit of vacationing with children is that it is the best way for family bonding.
Tips for airplane travel with kids
You have decided that a far away destination is your travel choice –good for you! Traveling by airplane with children is not for the faint of heart, but it can also offer many fun experiences as well. Before you head for the airport, keep in mind these top tips for airplane travel with kids.
- Don’t shy away from pre-boarding. When the airline asks for those with small children to board before everyone else, this is your cue to step right up and get on the plane early. By getting on first, your kids can get settled in and set up in their seat with all their extra things. The other passengers will be very appreciative that you took the time to do this before they board.
- Bring snacks. And lots of them. Rather than hedging your bets that your children will want to eat the food offered on the airplane, load up on their favorite snacks before you head to the airport. Not only is it way less expensive, but handing out their most loved treats during the flight, will keep them amused and munching away. While healthy snacks are preferred, all bets are off when it comes to feeding your kids on the plane. The goal here is to keep them happy and not complaining. Save the nutritious stuff for when you’re back on land.
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Flying with babies under the age of two presents a whole set of unique hurdles. First there is the question of whether or not to purchase a ticket for them at all. While the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) does not require parents purchase a ticket for their child, it is still recommended for your baby to have their own seat. According to HealthyChildren.org, the safest way for kids under the age of two to fly on an airplane is in a child safety restraint. This means:
– Infants who weigh less than 20 pounds are to be buckled into a rear-facing car seat during airplane travel.
– Children who weigh between 20 to 40 pounds should be restrained in a car seat.
When a child reaches 40 lbs or over, they can use just the airplane's lap belt.
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If your child is under the age of two and sitting on your lap during the flight, as opposed to their own seat, then get ready for a special kind of trip. Ideally you have scheduled your flight during your child’s naptime for obvious reasons. Keeping them asleep during the majority of the plane ride is a win-win for all. However, if your little one is not ready–or not in the mood–for a snooze, then it’s time to call for backup. This can be in the form of your partner, too. Switch off who gets to hold the baby during the flight. Get ready to take some walks down the aisle with your child, too. This is not going to be a relaxing flight, so make sure you have all your potential needs within arm’s reach.
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Get ready to deal with complaining. There’s nothing like a little change in air pressure in the flight to get most kids screaming, crying or complaining. Make sure you have lots of gum handy as well as lollipops to help deal with ear issues in the air.
- Along with air pressure comes air sickness. You will want to ensure your motion sickness bag is closeby at all times, but especially during take off and landing.
Car travel tips with kids
You’ve opted to get to your vacation destination by car instead of airplane. This means you’re in for some potentially long hours and restless little ones in the backseat. In order to make the most of your family road trip, follow these tips.
- Allow yourself time to stop for potty breaks and snack time along the way to your destination. In other words, be flexible with your ETA. You may even want to have a set of alternative plans if you don’t make it to your destination that day.
- If you are traveling with more than one child in the backseat, make sure each kid has their own designated snacks and activities within arm’s reach. Better yet, if they are old enough, allow them to each take part in loading up a backpack with some favorite (travel-friendly) toys. According to Roadtrippers.com, placing a cooler of drinks and snacks in between your kids is a great way to separate them and leave room for refreshments.
- Choose a destination that will make all family members happy – whether it’s a beach, historical site or amusement park, remember parents are allowed to have fun, too!
