Essential Tips For Travelling With Kids

Ever felt like you needed a break after a family holiday? As parents, we want to expose our children to the beauty of the world yet planning and going on family vacations can be exhausting. Gone are the days of jetting off at the whim of fancy; travelling with kids requires much more planning (and things to bring with you!). From choosing a suitable destination to ensuring the comfort and safety of your kids, we've got your back. Plan your next family trip with these essential tips for a memorable and enjoyable time together.

Start with Planning and Research

Check Your Travel Documents

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Granted, Singapore’s formidable red passport allows us visa–free travel to 195 destinations worldwide but countries, like Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, require an Electronic Travel Authorization for travel. The online application process is relatively quick and easy, but we recommend applications four weeks before your trip.

Don’t forget to check your kids’ passports for the minimum six-month validity, as travel documents issued to children under 16 are only valid for five years. If your child is born on or after 1 January 2020, know they get their first passport for free if you apply before his or her first birthday.

 

Look for Child-Friendly Destinations

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Research child-friendly destinations that offer a variety of activities suitable for the entire family. As parents indulge in a little retail therapy, keep it interesting for your children with visits to all-encompassing theme parks like Everland in South Korea or meet friendly animals at Iris Lodge Alpacas in Australia. Interactive museums like Kids Plaza in Osaka, Japan, or the National Taiwan Science Education Centre are great for family bonding, and you’ll be surprised how fun they can be!

If you need the stroller, consider the accessibility of the place. Destinations with escalators, elevators, better connectivity, and road conditions will reduce the hassle of moving around. 

 

Schedule Fight Times

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Consider your kid's natural biological clock and schedules when selecting flight times. Early risers will wake up on time and stay lively for early morning flights. On the other hand, if your children tend to get cranky or have meltdowns in the morning, opting for an afternoon or evening flight might be a better choice. 

Night flights aligned to your child's bedtimes would also make it easier for them to fall asleep through the journey. If they get too excited to feel sleepy, work in some exploration and play time to release excess energy before the flight. But if your child just can't sleep on the plane, time your arrival in the late afternoon or evening so they can get a good sleep when they arrive. 

 

Plan your Travel Itinerary

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With so many things to see and do in a new country, it’s tempting to fill every hour with new activities and experiences. Besides considering children's interests and preferences, bear in mind that children require downtime. Overstimulation from emotional or sensory overload can cause kids to melt down. In between sightseeing, schedule breaks with cafe stops or sitting in nature to help them wind down. 

Kids who attend childcare likely have body clocks attuned to afternoon naps, so they may require extra breaks to snooze. Plan longer commutes around this time so they can get their naps on the go. If you'll be pushing them in the stroller, this will be an excellent time to get some shopping done. 

 

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Although children tend to adjust more quickly than adults, jet lag can also affect them. In the days leading up to the trip, ensure they are well-rested. When you arrive, minimise the effects of jet lag by realigning their circadian rhythm. This means planning outdoor activities and getting sun exposure in the first few days to help the internal clock adjust to the new time zone. 

 

Accommodation Considerations

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Even though most of the time in another country is spent outside the room, choosing suitable and comfortable accommodations will ensure everyone gets a good night's sleep. Look for accommodations with spacious rooms or suites with separate sleeping areas for children. Family-friendly hotels offer baby cots or extra beds for children, and may even provide separate amenities, such as toothbrushes and slippers for the little ones. Looking to book an Airbnb instead? Enquire about childproofing measures such as corner guards, electrical outlet covers, and cabinet locks. If you need to heat food or make milk, you'll want to check on the availability of electrical appliances.

 

Essential Items to Pack for Travels with Kids

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Make a checklist of necessary items such as clothing, toiletries, and medications. Packaging a small first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and any medicines for your children is a good idea.

When it comes to clothes, pack extras for everything! Plan for one outfit per day and bring at least two to three extra outfits and pyjamas to account for any accidents or night spills. Also consider packing an extra set of clothes, with a sweater, in the carry-on bag. To ease the organisation process, packing apps like Packpoint will advise on what to bring based on the length of travel, weather, and planned activities. 

Packing some of their favourite snacks will also help ease the journey. Not only will it replenish their energy, but it can also help to keep them occupied and satisfied on long commutes. Keep a couple of lollipops or juice boxes on hand to help relieve air pressure in the ear during takeoff and landing. 

 

Food Considerations

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Look for child-friendly dining venues, such as restaurants or cafes that offer kid's menus or have options suitable for your children. If your child has any dietary restrictions or allergies, inform the staff in advance to avoid any potential issues. Consider packing a few food items from home that your children enjoy, especially if you are travelling to a destination with limited food options. Snacks or meals that they are used to, provide a sense of familiarity and ensure your children are well-nourished throughout the trip.

 

Transportation Tips

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Travelling with children on long-haul flights or commutes can be challenging, especially when they get bored of waiting. Although the inflight entertainment system does a decent job keeping the kids entertained, it won't hold their attention throughout long-haul flights. Items from home, such as reading books, Legos, soft toys, and colouring books keep them engaged on the go. You might want to invest in travel pillows and blankets for extra comfort during long flights.

While travelling on the road or train, play simple games such as "I spy with my little eye" or "spot the colours". When all else fails, or if you are too tired, turn to the tablet, preloaded with some wholesome apps that’ll introduce your little ones to different world cultures, like Kids World Cultures, or an interactive game, like Bamba Airport, that teaches them about air travel. Help them relax and sleep through stories, songs, and games with story and mindfulness apps like Moshi.

When it comes to local transportation, plot the most convenient and child-friendly modes available at the destination. Check if the buses, trains and stations are stroller-friendly. And consider ride-sharing, car rentals, or even engaging a driver if you travel to the outskirts. Use local map apps where possible for better efficiency and accuracy.

 

Set Expectations

 

Prepare your kids for the upcoming holiday. Talk to them about the destination, show them pictures, and involve them in the planning process. Knowing what to expect can help kids feel more comfortable and build anticipation for the trip.

Lastly, set realistic expectations for yourself and your kids. Even after all that effort put into planning the perfect trip, travelling with kids can be unpredictable, just like the weather. Embrace spontaneity even when things don't go as planned, as they can lead to unexpected adventures and cherished memories!

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