Traveling with kids can make parents anxious. And when it is your first time, you may have a lot of questions. However, the best thing about traveling with children is that it is a unique adventure that every parent must consider. It has its enjoyable ups and downs that make for great memories!
If this is your first time traveling with kids, here are some of the best tips on traveling with kids. These tips come right from the experience of parents who have been through it all.
Let’s dive right in.
Plan the Trip with Kids
If you have older kids (6+), getting them involved in planning the trip can be exciting for them. It will also mean they feel more responsible and complain less, as you will have decided the destinations with their cooperation. You can work together to discuss what everyone wants to do on the trip.
It is also a great way to teach the kids about tourist hotspots, as they must research the best destinations themselves before making recommendations!
Limit Screen Time
One science-backed tip for flying with kids, especially if they are younger, is to not allow them to use screens for as long as possible before (or during) the flight. This can be difficult for sure. But you want to save the screens for when you really need your children to be distracted.
Screens and their engaging visuals can be calming and relaxing for younger children at first. But with time, it can lead to sensory overload, making the kids irritable, moody, frustrated, and excited. At this point, toddlers can be challenging to handle, especially if you’re stuck on a long flight.
Instead, here are some activities that don’t include screens but help pass the time during a flight:
- Magnetic board games like chess, bingo, checkers, tic-tac-toe.
- Card games like UNO, Skip-bo, playing cards, Phase 10, Canasta
- Learning activities like coloring, writing, sorting
- Fun workbooks like coloring books, word puzzles, mazes, stickers, hidden pictures
- Engaging toys like etch-a-sketch, bop it, Simon game
- Brand new toys that they unpack on the flight
- Books, comic books, audio books, and music
Set the Expectations Right
Flying with children for the first time may come with surprises. Unpredictable situations can stress them out and affect their mood and behavior. Therefore, it is better to make them aware of what to expect on a flight.
You can show them videos on YouTube that virtually take them through the flight experience. Such videos cover everything from boarding and ticketing to in-flight etiquette and safety best practices. Even after that, you should remember that you can’t control everything. If your kids act out for one reason or another, know that it is completely okay.
Pack the Following – Always!
An essential tip for flying with kids is to pack these necessary items:
- Wipes
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Medicines like Benadryl, Tylenol, and over-the-counter painkillers
For Long Flights
- Stuffed toys or favorite blankets for smaller children for when they get restless or stressed
- Books, magazines, comic books, etc., for older children to keep them occupied
- Electronic devices like tablets, portable video games, and e-readers for children with specific interests
- Healthy snacks to keep the kids from getting cranky
- A change of clothes
- A comfortable pillow if they want to sleep
Packing Tip
You can compartmentalize kids’ stuff with packing cubes for better organization. They are convenient, and you won’t have to rummage through your luggage to find your kids’ shorts.
Lastly, never forget to pack patience, as you’ll need it a lot on your first trip with children.
Check Passports and Visa Requirements When Booking
There is nothing worse than having your vacation all planned out and not being able to because you don’t have the right visas or your passport is about to expire. Make it a habit to check all the passports when booking a big trip aboard if you haven’t traveled in a while. Also plan when requesting passports, as the processing time can take several months.
Get TSA Precheck and Global Entry
Often the most stressful part of flying is checking bags and going through security. TSA Precheck takes the stress out of security. Nothing needs to come out of bags. Shoes don’t need to come off. The lines are faster, so it is easier for both kids and adults.
No one wants to stand in a long customs line after being on an airplane for 8 hours. It’s even worse when you have tired and hungry kids. Global entry can be a game changer for you if you travel to (or from) these airports with kids.
Some key benefits of having global entry include:
- Dedicated kiosks at airports that speed up processing
- Significantly shorter wait times at US customs and border checkpoints
- Faster TSA security screenings at specific US airports
- Long-term benefits with a membership that lasts five years
- Multiple entry points at many US and some international airports
Depending on your credit card, you might get reimbursed for your global entry/TSA precheck. It is important to note that everyone in your family must get global entry, even your baby. With TSA Precheck, children under 16 can go through with an adult.
Don’t Do it All by Yourself
Planning trips with children can be overwhelming, especially if it is your first time. Instead of doing it all by yourself, you can invest in a travel partner that understands what it is like to travel with kids and helps you plan a trip accordingly.
By using a travel agency such as Butler Travel, you won’t have to stress over planning all the details. When something goes wrong, you’ll have an advocate on your side to help you navigate any crisis.
Final Words
With this list of no-nonsense tips for traveling with kids, you’re all set for your first adventure with your little ones.
But the greatest tip of all is to not take the problems that spring up along the way too seriously – but to enjoy and cherish every moment to the fullest. Because the thing with kids is, they grow up pretty fast!