10 Tips on Travelling with Kids This Summer!

Travelling with Little Ones?

No problem!

With summer in full-swing and many family vacations and road trips, you need to plan and think ahead so that you survive the trip there and truly enjoy your vacation.

These are things that I lived by when both of my girls were little and it worked because both of my girls started travelling when they were itty bitty babies and these were foolproof for me.

10 Tips for Travelling with Kids:

1. Plan and book ahead, spontaneity is usually out the window when you have little ones in tow and to have a hotel booked, check-in to your flight electronically if you can, reserve your car ahead of time and whatever you can book ahead of time, do it! It will save you tons of stress!
2. Travel during your baby’s normal sleeping hours if you can, this is helpful for you so that baby’s schedule isn’t disrupted. No one likes a wailing baby in a car or plane where you are stuck in for hours. Make sure during pit stops you are taking baby out and massaging those tiny little bones. Long trips can do a number on tiny bodies.
3. When packing snacks, avoid sugary treats. It’s good to pack wholesome snacks like fruit and cheese. Have them fueled and not crashing and burning from a sugar rush. You can reserve the treats for when you’ve reached your destination. If you are travelling by car, bring a case of water to keep your kids hydrated during the hot summer months.
4. Pack heavy, pack extra diapers, ointment, toiletries, blankets, PJ’s, onesies, socks, bibs and outfits.  Don’t forget a sun hat! You can never predict the weather, I’m glad I brought extra long-sleeved onesies and pants because it was cooler than anticipated.  I also packed spring jackets in case we happened to run into un-seasonal weather. For toddlers, bring extra outfits in case of any accidents.
5. Pack a first-aid kit and any medications you or your kids will need. As well as a baby kit with thermometer and nasal aspirator. Also, your go-to brand of pain/fever medication, Gravol and Pedialyte, all depending on the length of your trip.
6. For older kids, bring books, markers and if you allow electronics time, bring ear phones and chargers that you can charge in the car. If you don’t want to pack tons of toys, an iPad is the perfect all-in-one toy that you can have for toddlers and tweens! Bring a book or magazines for you, if you get some quiet time.
7. Wear comfortable shoes and have them for your whole family. Vacations usually call for a lot of walking and with comfortable shoes, you’ll be well-prepared. Bring mole-skin just in case!
8. Sun-screen. Bring enough for the whole family. This is self-explanator, with the sun and it’s harsh rays–you’ll need the protection. The recommended age is 6 months and up. Mimi was 5 months on her first trip and she did just fine with it and did not experience a reaction nor sunburns. Shade is your best friend!
9. Hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial wipes are your best friend when you travel. When kids, heck, even us are out of our normal environment, it is super easy to catch a bug. Make sure you are washing your hands regularly and to use sanitizer or wipes frequently and on things that your little ones will have their hands on. Like restaurant tables and high chairs. I know it sounds crazy but, I have had sick kids due to bugs on vacation before. Not pretty!
10. Lastly, anticipate and KNOW that everything will take longer when travelling with kids. If you are travelling with a baby and you’re breastfeeding, nurse your baby while everyone you’re travelling with is taking a break, in the car before you leave the attraction or when you get to each destination. If you’re bottle feeding, make sure you pack enough with you, prepared formula is perfect for travel. Change your baby when you get inside, that way baby is fed, clean and ready to be stimulated by new sights and sounds. For toddlers, use the potty whenever you get to different destinations. Last but not least, remember to engage and interact with older kids and get them involved and lastly, HAVE FUN!

That’s kinda the whole point of travelling, right?

So, if you plan ahead and anticipate as best as you can–you’ll do just fine! Family travel doesn’t have to be stressful and you can really enjoy yourself by following these tips! If you won’t be travelling with kids this summer, you can check out my tips for travelling light, here.

What are your foolproof tips for travelling with kids?

Let me know, til next time–cheers m’deres!