Traveling not only literally takes you to places, it is also very educational. The best way to enhance all the learning from school is to experience life firsthand. However, traveling can be tough. Traveling with kids could be even more challenging. Do not be discouraged. Here are basic tips to help ease your worries and make traveling fun for everyone:
Before traveling
It is best to be well-informed about the places you are visiting when you have kids in tow. Book your hotel, hostel, or apartment in advance. Teach your kids about basic safety information, and any agreed rules or procedures if they get lost or sick or in emergency situations. Create a travel itinerary, and leave a copy to a family member or close friend. Whether you are climbing Mount Kinabalu, going on a groovy catamaran cruise Dubai, or riding the roller coaster in Disneyland, let loved ones who are left behind know your travel whereabouts.
Pack light and prioritize the necessities. If the kids are older, each of you can bring your own backpack that’s light enough to carry around. Do not forget to pack a first-aid kit, and medicines for fever and allergies. Wet wipes are good for wiping and cleaning just about anything while on travel.
To help keep your kids from getting bored, bring a good set of toys and books that will entertain them for hours. Coloring books with crayons can keep the young ones busy, while a favorite toy will comfort them while being away from home.
Before and during the travel, you need to prepare your attitude towards the whole event. Traveling is one big adventure. Keep an open mind. No matter how you carefully planned and prepared for the trip, things can go wrong, so be prepared for them to happen.
Airplanes and hotels
Airports and airplanes test your patience. Review security and safety procedures with your little ones, and tell them to listen to airport officials. Let them know it is for their own safety to behave well when told, especially in big airports like those in London, Dubai, Tokyo, or Atlanta where it is easy to get lost.
When you get to your hotel, hostel, or apartment, check for hazards such as furniture with sharp edges or exposed electrical outlets. Know where the nearest fire exit, fire alarm, and fire extinguishers are located. Review the basic emergency actions that you have taught your kids, and look after them at all times. If you can, it is best to stay longer. Three days is not enough to know a place. Five days to a week would be best.
Out and about
Do some walking or use public transport. It is more enjoyable and cheaper this way. You can immerse yourself in the surroundings and meet the people yourself. Wear comfortable footwear, and take your time walking down medieval streets, taking pictures at ancient fountains, or grabbing a bite at a local bakery. Biking around is also a good alternative.
When the family is out and about exploring their new environment, closely supervise or monitor the kids, especially in public areas like large crowds, restrooms, carnivals, swimming pools or other bodies of water. Agree on a safe place where you can meet up in case someone gets lost. It always helps to write your contact information on a card and to put it in your child’s pocket, just in case.
Learn while traveling
Traveling makes history come alive. Research about the sites you are visiting, and tell your kids the stories. You can also learn a bit about the language of the country. You don’t need to be fluent. Knowing the basic or common greetings, like hello or thank you, is more than enough.
To know more about a country’s culture, ask the locals. Guidebooks and the Internet are helpful, but the locals know the best places for you to experience the heart and soul of their country. Avoid tourist traps. Visit the historical attractions, but avoid the expensive souvenir shops and restaurants nearby.
You and your kids can also learn something new together. Learn about the country’s culture and tradition. Learn water skiing, kayaking, or deep sea fishing while taking a fun catamaran cruise in Dubai . Learn origami or ikebana in Japan. Learn how to ride a horse in Kentucky or scuba diving in the Philippines.
Relax and keep it alive
You and your family are going on a vacation, not a marathon. Schedule lazy days where you can just lounge around on the beach or have a picnic at the park. You can catch the sunset, build castles in the sand, or read a good book while the kids run about.
Let your kids document their travel experience. They can write down their adventures and thoughts on a travel journal. They can create a scrapbook or collage with items they have collected while traveling. You can also give them a cheap digital camera, so they can take pictures, and you can put them in an album. Make sure they will always have a keepsake of your wonderful travel times.
Again, traveling is a grand adventure. Things will go wrong. You will get lost. You will miss flights. You can make all the best plans, but you still cannot control whatever happens. The best travel buddy is a bright and open mind ready for any adventure. Be flexible, smile, and make everything a part of the whole travel experience. This attitude is what your kids will see and learn from you. It is what they will take with them when they, too, can already go traveling on their own.
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