Eliminate the stress of international travel with kids using these simple tips. Your family vacations to any destination overseas will become a breeze.
You’ve probably seen videos on social media with a child throwing a tantrum on a plane or in the airport. And, you’ve most likely read all the horrible stories about children on planes. But, traveling with kids doesn’t have to be the nightmare you imagine.
Preparing for your trip overseas can help you to avoid annoying passengers on the plane and avoid embarrassment from your kids having a meltdown.
Here are some tips to make your international trip go as smoothly as possible.
13 Tips for International Travel With Kids
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1. Check Passport Expiration Dates
Having the necessary documents e.g. passports and visas is one of the most essential travel preparations you need to do. Children’s passports are usually valid for five years only. So, ensure their passports have not expired before you plan your travel arrangements.
2. Explain What Will Happen
If you’re traveling abroad with children for the first time, remember it’s as much of an experience for them as it is for you.
Simply to explain what will happen. Go online and find videos of planes taking off and landing. Let them listen to what it sounds like to be inside of the plane and show them what the interior looks like. Let them know what to expect so they’re not completely caught off guard and scared when the time comes to fly.
3. Tips for Flying With Kids
When booking the flight, remember the following:
- If you are traveling with multiple children, you’ll want all the help you can get. It would be awful to check in only to realize that you and your significant other will not be sitting in the same row. Use an airline that allows you to select your seats so your entire family can sit together.
- Avoid red-eye flights. Passengers actually expect to be able to relax and sleep on the flight. No-one wants to be forced to listen to noisy, restless or cranky children. Save yourself from the torture of dealing with your kids and irritated passengers on the plane the entire night.
- Select non-stop flights whenever you can. Then, there’s no need to rush to make your connection dragging luggage and your kids behind you.
- Get an extra seat for your children even if they are under 2 years old. Do you really want to sit through a long haul flight with a squirming child in your lap?
- Make sure your children are well-rested so they’re not tired and irritable the entire trip. Do not try keeping them awake hoping they will sleep the entire way. It may just backfire on you.
4. Pack For Kids
If your children are older, they may want to pack a few items for themselves. The problem is they may include unnecessary things that just add to the weight of your luggage.
Instead, pack your kids’ travel suitcase and ask them if there is anything they would like to take on vacation. Doing this is smart because you can veto any items that you don’t want them to take along.
Click here to download a free Travel Checklist printable.
5. Secure Your Child
Traveling with kids is made all the more difficult when you have children that like to wander off. Write your contact information (name and phone number) on a piece of fabric with a fabric pen or permanent marker and attach it to the inside of your kids’ clothing using safety pins.
Tell them why it is there and when it should be used. You can easily remove it and attach it to various outfits as they change.
You may also consider investing in GPS trackers for your children. While this is a more costly option, it does mean that you can easily locate them if they get lost.
6. Be Early
Get to the airport early. That way you have plenty of time to check in, stroll through security, take a bathroom break or anything else you would like to do.
Imagine running through the airport only to have your kids melt down while your name is being announced over the intercom. Not a fun scenario is it?
Save yourself the stress and get to your point of departure with plenty of time to spare.
7. Entertainment is Vital
International travel with kids is a lot more fun for everyone involved if they are entertained the whole time.
Bring a fully charged tablet loaded with games and movies, toys, books and anything else you know your children love. Then, you won’t have to hear “I’m bored!” or “Are we there yet?” a million times. Don’t forget the charger and a travel power adaptor suitable for your destination country.
8. Food
Food is expensive at airports so be sure to pack plenty of snacks for your international flight. No-one likes to be hungry, kids especially. Avoid taking more than 3 oz of dips or sauces as they will not be allowed through airport security. Here’s a list of snack ideas to take with you.
Also, take reusable water bottles along with you. Due to travel regulations, the volume of liquids you can take through security is restricted. But, after you have cleared security, you can fill up your bottles at water fountains in the airport.
Just in case, have enough cash on hand to purchase food or drinks, if you need them.
9. Extra Clothing
If your kids are younger, place extra clothing for them and yourself in your carry-on just in case they have an accident. Use Ziploc bags to store the extra clothing so you can place the dirty ones in the bag and seal them up. No wet stinky clothes among your belongings.
10. Know The Climate
Be sure to check the climate of the destination to which you will be traveling and pack suitable clothing. The weather can change rapidly and may be unpredictable.
Even if you are going to a warm climate, pack a sweater for your kids in case it gets chilly.
11. Beware Of Bugs
Tropical countries are home to mosquitoes, biting flies and other pests. These critters carry dangerous diseases such as Dengue and Malaria. Use kid-friendly insect repellent to keep them at bay.
12. Medication
International travel with kids is hard enough. Traveling with a sick child is even worse. Take along medication like Children’s Panadol in case they do get ill.
The ascent and descent of planes can wreak havoc on adult eardrums leading to pain. Imagine what it can do your little ones. Pain medication may help to alleviate any discomfort they experience.
Stay away from drugs that will make your children drowsy as this may make them groggy and cranky.
13. Cleanliness Is Key
Take baby wipes and hand sanitizer along on your trip. Use the wipes to clean table tops at restaurants etc. and hand sanitizer when soap is not available. This will help your family to stay healthy while traveling.
Traveling with your kids will be much easier if you follow these tips. Take it slow, be patient and have fun on your trip!
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