The school holidays are upon us and travelling with kids can be a more than a little daunting and stressful.  Remember travelling before kids? When you could sometimes just take carry-on luggage?  Well those days are gone for those of us with little ones in tow.
Now it seems as though the littlest people need the most bags!  Travelling with kids might seem like a stressful event, but it doesn’t have to be that way.
With a little bit of planning you can ensure a smooth transition for you and your children and actually HAVE FUN!  travel with kids
So whether you’re throwing everyone in the car for a camping trip or jetting your way to another city or town, read on to find out how to keep little people happy (which means less stress for you).

Before you go

  • Being organised comes with the territory of being a mum, so you will of course have your maps printed out, your hotel bookings confirmed and your passports safely stowed before you hit the road. Having a checklist is really helpful so that you don’t let any details slide.
  • It can sometimes be hard to pack for a child when you haven’t had a lot of experience. What I find helpful is to imagine a typical day, broken up into times and events. So for instance when I think ‘breakfast’ – I then know I’ll need cereal, bowls, milk, bibs, yoghurt, wipes, fruit. So I can add all of those things to my list to pack (or to buy when I get there). Then if you think ‘beach’ you can add swimmers, pram, swimming nappies, sun cream, bucket and spade, hats, towels, water bottle, apples, beach tent, etc.
  • Pack a lunch box with PLENTY of snacks. Always assume that you will be stuck in traffic or delayed at the airport, and you don’t want to risk you child feeling hungry when there is nowhere to buy a snack or a drink. Great travel snacks include sultanas, apples, rice crackers, tubs of yoghurt (remember the spoon!) and sandwiches.
  • If you need bottles and milk, again be sure to pack more than enough for a trip so that you don’t get caught short without bub’s milk.
  • Let your child know what’s happening. This is even important for very little ones who you may think don’t understand. Tell them in the days leading up to the trip what you will be doing, for instance ‘On Friday we are all going to hop in the car and drive to the beach. We will stay there and we will have a BBQ with your cousins and then we will all sleep together in our new tent.’ This way, when the day arrives your child will be mentally prepared for a bit of a change to their routine.
  • Assume it will take longer than you expect. Give yourself more than enough time to get to your destination in case you have a nappy situation or a sudden case of travel sickness to deal with.

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On the journey

  • You may be one of those lucky people whose little person falls asleep as soon as you start the engine. If not, try to plan your journey when they are due to have a sleep. Don’t forget any favourite blankets or bedtime pals.
  • Get them excited about the journey as well as the destination. Old fashioned games like eye spy can keep young ones amused for at least a little while. Let them know that everyone gets to choose a CD to play. Let them know that in 50km you will be stopping for a picnic lunch and a play in the part.
  • Especially on a flight, the introduction of a new toy or game can be a welcome distraction.

When you get there

  • Set up where the kids will be sleeping and unpack so that all of their belongings are within easy reach. Children are creatures of habit so try to stick with their usual routines (within reason of course, you’re on holiday!).
  • Stay close if you are introducing new people to them, to help them feel more secure.
  • Do a quick baby-proofing check of the room to make sure there is nothing the children can hurt themselves on.
  • Encourage them to explore. Let them have a look around and get a feel for their new environment.

Safe travels!
Love the Healthy Mummy team xxx
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