Even non-parents know that traveling with kids can be stressful. The last thing you want is for your little one to start having a tantrum mid-flight or to reach your destination and find that you’ve left your kid’s favorite toy at home. Traveling with young children is more involved than with adults, but there are dozens of ways to make family travel more enjoyable. Here are some tips for stress-free travel with kids.
Write a family packing list
It is always a good idea to pack light when you go on a family vacation. Having minimal luggage to carry will make the travel less stressful. You also won’t worry about being charged at the airport for going over your allocated baggage allowance. However, you need to remember to pack everything that your family needs for the trip. Write a list of vacation essentials to ensure that you don’t forget to pack important items. This should include a variety of outfits, sun protection (if you are traveling somewhere with a warm climate), toiletries, shoes, entertainment, and so on. There are plenty of family packing checklists available online to help you pack for your trip.
Arrive at the airport early
Arrive at the airport early – remember to allow plenty of time for traffic jams and delays. You don’t want to arrive at the airport last-minute feeling rushed, or worse, miss your flight entirely. Early check-in will mean that your family is relaxed and able to enjoy a meal or browse the shops before your flight. Definitely book airport parking in advance if you are planning on driving – that will save you a lot of worry. Various companies allow you to book a secure parking spot near your airport of choice. For instance, you can visit LaGuardia airport parking and book a convenient parking bay online in minutes. This means that you won’t need to worry about finding and paying for parking once you arrive at the airport. Having your parking and transfers pre-arranged will avoid any delays or issues once you arrive at the airport.
Pack plenty of entertainment
Most people find traveling boring and children are likely to become tired and frustrated after sitting still (possibly with no view) for hours. Fight boredom by packing lots of fun activities to keep your kids entertained on long journeys. Some popular travel activities for kids are coloring books, card games, lego, and soft toys. You can also download audiobooks and games onto a smart device like an iPad for your kids to enjoy while traveling. Remember to keep hunger tantrums at bay with lots of snacks. Some of the best kid-friendly travel snacks include granola bars, almonds, dried fruit pieces, and mini rice cakes.
Summary
Traveling with kids is more difficult than traveling alone, but it doesn’t need to be stressful. Don’t let the fear of traveling with young kids put you off planning fun family vacations. Use the above tips to help you achieve stress-free travel with kids.
