The ability to travel is one of life’s great pleasures. Exploring the world is the best way to learn about other countries, cultures and cuisines. To these goals, traveling with children is a wonderful way to expose them to the world around them especially during their school years.
Early involvement is key
One of the most difficult aspects of traveling with kids is taking into consideration their ages, interests and the final cost of the trip. This aspect alone can require advanced financial planning, as the ages of children in a family may vary by a number of years and the costs fluctuate. What’s important is that every member of the family is able to enjoy a trip away from home at their own level.
Parents will want to narrow down choices of locations and activities to a manageable number. Children should be invited to discuss upcoming plans to give their valuable input. If opinions vary regarding a destination or activity, holding a vote establishes a degree of fairness in the proceedings.
Small comforts go a long way
Children have established patterns and daily routines. While you may be sleeping in a deluxe hotel or camping outdoors, bringing a bit of home wherever you go works best. This means packing away a favorite blanket, pillow or towel in your suitcase. For young children, a beloved stuffed animal or doll to cuddle up with at night goes a long way to helping them fall asleep in a strange bed or unfamiliar hotel room.
Make food fun
One of the most intriguing aspects of travel is being able to try new foods and styles of cooking. Unfortunately for many children having to eat unfamiliar food can be more frightening than fantastic. Add to this scenario young family members who are picky eaters and meal time is bound to become less than delectable.
To combat terror at the dining table and homesickness while abroad, be sure to pack a few favorite snacks from home. These munchies are perfect not just at the airport, but as a reminder of home wherever you go. As well, try to keep to mealtimes that closely mimic your normally scheduled breakfast, lunch and dinner times.
Advance planning saves the day
If young children in your family require a booster seat, check with your chosen airline well in advance of your travel date. They will let you know if you can bring your own seat on board and if your booster seat adheres to current airline regulations. If it does not, you’ll have time to purchase a new one or rent one from the airline before you fly.
International travel may require inoculations, depending upon where in the world you have chosen to explore. Check with your family doctor or pediatrician to make sure your children have the required vaccinations before you leave. In addition, you’ll need to take along a sufficient amount of prescription and over the counter medications to sustain child for the duration of the trip.
Have your paperwork in order
Young travelers need to have their documents in order for domestic and international travel, just like adults. Make sure you’ve assembled your child’s birth certificate, passport or photo identification on their behalf. Remember that unlike adults, a child changes in appearance as they grow and mature so you might want to retake passport photos as needed.
