Going abroad with children brings a whole new element to overseas travel. Travel is a great way to show your children a new part of the world, they’ll learn about new cultures, and make new friends. Yes, your children will have fun when they arrive, but how do you make the journey fun? If your children are bored during the journey, then it’s not enjoyable for them, and it’s less than enjoyable for you and the people sitting around you as well.
As veterans, if very young veterans, of travelling abroad with little angels, here are 10 ideas on travelling abroad with your children, and how to make your trip enjoyable and stress free.
10. Take Snacks and Drinks
You want your children to eat and drink healthily, of course, but a holiday is the time for a treat, and that can start from the moment you all arrive at the airport. You can’t bring water with you, so make sure you buy some at the airport shops. When your children are well hydrated they’ll feel happier and less lethargic during a flight.
9. Bring a Colouring Book
Children love to colour, and encouraging their artistic side is always a good thing. If you have a selection of colouring books, and exciting pens and pencils, they’ll be happy to dive straight in. Just make sure they don’t start drawing on the seats, or you if you nod off.
8. Read Them a Story
Does your child have a favourite story, or character? Make sure you bring a book or two with you. Don’t make it one way, ask them what they think about the story or how they think it will develop while you’re reading it. You could have a budding J.K.Rowling on your hands.
7. Play I-Spy
It’s an old favourite, but modern children will love I-spy just as much as you did. Because they’re in a new environment, there’s lots of new things for them to see. If they say ‘M’ is for ‘man in a parachute going past the window’ then it’s time to start worrying.
6. Turn the Trip into an Adventure
It’s amazing how creative children’s minds can be. Encourage that by turning the trip itself into an adventure. Is one of the people on the plane a spy, or a pop star in disguise? Start the story off, and prepare to be amazed at the direction your child takes it in.
5. Play their DVDs
The standard of in-flight entertainment isn’t always what it should be. Bring a portable DVD player with you, then your children can watch their favourite film. Make sure it’s fully charged up before you travel.
4. Plan What To Do When You Arrive
If your children are excited about what they’re going to be doing when they arrive, then they won’t have time to be bored or restless.
Show them pictures of the pool, or the beach. Talk about how you’re going to be hiring top quality bikes with Shimano gears, and go exploring in a whole new location.
3. Bring Their Teddy Bear In Hand Luggage
If your child is scared of flying, or hasn’t done it before, then a familiar teddy bear or doll will be a big comfort to them, especially when they see how bear or dolly isn’t frightened of flying at all. Make sure that it’s in your hand luggage and easily accessible.
2. Bring a Tablet
Does your child have their own iPad or computerised tablet? Bring it with you. Most airlines now allow their operation other than during take off and landing. It will keep your child happy and amused for hours.
1. Use a Ride-On Suitcase
Ride-on suitcases are becoming increasingly popular. They’re not just practical, they’re so much fun for children. The Trunki range comes in lots of fun designs, from tigers, to dinosaurs and fire engines. If only they did them in adult sizes!
I so want to go abroad this year and this post has made me want it more, but it’s not going to happen. Some top tips that I will try to remember if I am every lucky enough to have a child
Me too! In my head I think I’m going in September but in reality we can’t afford it. x