It’s been so very cold so far in January! Just the more reason to pack the bags and head somewhere warm and sunny to take a break from winter. Here are some tips on travelling with children to help make your vacation even more amazing!
Travelling somewhere warm and sunny this winter with your children? Here are some travel tips to help you:
Know what you're allowed to bring:
Children get hungry—so be prepared! Solid foods such as granola bars, some fruit, or sandwiches can be packed in your carry-on for the plane ride. Any liquid food, such as yogurt or pudding, must be in containers of 100ml or less and placed in a clear, closed, resealable one-litre plastic bag.
If you’re traveling with a baby under the age of two, baby food, breast milk, formula, water and juice are exempt from the 100 ml limit and do not have to be placed in a plastic bag. You do have to show these items to the screening officer for inspection.
Check wait times:
Preparing for your departure is easier if you’ve done your research before hand. Check to make sure there are no flight delays before heading the airport, especially in the winter.
Breeze through security:
Did you know there is a Family/Special needs lane? This lane is for passengers who need more time or help with their belongings to get through security. Check when you arrive if this lane is available.
Make sure to dress is easy-to-remove outerwear, clothes, and shoes, to make going through security easier.
Dress comfortably:
When you're travelling, wear something comfy. Your favourite pair of jeans, a pair of lulu's, or a dress that, no matter what position you end up in, will not fall off or expose any body parts unintentionally! Always pack a sweater for everyone, too.
Pack a (smart) carry-on:
Packing a fun and smart carry-on is simple. The essentials? Plenty of snacks, water, and surprises. Keep children busy with new books, colouring books, and small games. For the older kids, bring them a notebook so they can keep a journal of their travel experience. Load up favourite shows and movies on your iPad or tablet, and don’t forget the chargers and headphones! Also important: an extra change of clothes for the kids, and a little pillow for them to rest their heads.
Stay at child-friendly resorts:
No matter where you're travelling to, try to stay at a child-friendly resort. One that has a lot of activities for the entire family, like swimming, biking, tennis, and more. Most resorts, when you’re travelling to Florida or down south, will have a Kids Club.
Travel with your entourage:
The more people you travel with, the better it is, and the more fun, too! Why not bring your extended family for some fun in the sun? You’ll have built-in baby-sitter’s, too! Travelling with lots of family members adds to the overall vacation experience.
Get out there:
Get out and explore the city you’re in—take time to do your research about what you can do where you’re travelling to ahead of time so you have some sort of an idea of what to expect, and so you can figure out your travel budget.
Don't leave home without:
Pack a little first-aid kit. Include items like band-aids, polysporin, alcohol wipes, Gravol, Tylenol, Advil, vitamins, bug spray, sunscreen, aloe lotion for burns, and a thermometer. This will save you trips to the pharmacy if anything minor should happen.
Don't overpack:
Try hard to pack only what you know you'll wear, and don't bring too many pairs of shoes with you. Always leave room in your suitcase for shopping!
Get a room with a balcony:
Assuming you're traveling somewhere with an ocean view, get a room with a balcony. There is nothing quite like waking up to the sound of the waves and seeing the endless ocean in front of you. This way, if your children just want to hang out in the room for a few hours because they're tired and need to nap, at least you'll still feel like you're on vacation.
Be flexible:
When you're travelling, you're bound to encounter some problems, starting at the airport. Don't sweat the small stuff. Be flexible. Children will be off their routine, so do your best to go with the flow. Let the kids nap under the palm trees, and relax.
Have a warm and safe vacation!
