What You Really Need To Know About Traveling With Kids

Are you planning on traveling with kids any time soon?

Don’t want to have anything to do with traveling with kids?

I know that you can imagine that traveling with your children would be a great experience for them.

But, I can also hear you saying that it would be such a hassle.

• All the extra stuff you’d have to take with you.
• Dealing with jet lag.
• Keeping everyone happy.
• Expensive

But let me stop you there and share with you an awesome quote.

Deciding not to travel with your children because they won’t remember the trip, is like not reading to them because they won’t remember the stories.

Now, think about that for a minute.

Hopefully, that’s enough to at least get you to read on 🙂

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Traveling with Kids means:

Talking with your kids

Share your expectations with your kids before the trip.

Explain and practice these expectations beforehand.

For example, using your inside voice, not kicking the seat in front of you, listening to instructions and staying near mom and dad so they don’t get lost.

Having no expectations

Yup, lol, you read that right!

As much as you need to share your expectations with your kids and make sure they understand them, as to the best of their age.

You need to have no expectations.

There will be so many things that might just go wrong that going with the flow will be so important! 

Traveling with Kids also means:

Yes, traveling with kids does mean some work on your part.

Anticipate needs

One of those things is to anticipate their needs.

You know kids need to run out energy all the time, right?

You know they need their rest/sleep or else they will be cranky.

So figure out when during your trip you can let them run, explore, walk and play.

Do it as often and wherever you can so hopefully they will be better behaved when you need it. 

Example: We had a 12-hour layover on our way back to the States which then included a 12-hour flight.

Thankful the airport had a few kids areas (a couple of different playrooms and then also some open areas with play equipment too) to take advantage of.

Not only did we venture to every play area and playroom (several times) but we also walked or ‘ran’ to each area.

Needless to say, I was ready and so was my son to settle down in the plane and rest.

As easy as it would be to just stay seated giving him projects, games or tablets to keep him quiet I knew it would benefit all of us to save those for the flight when he can’t be running around or playing on things.

But Traveling with Kids also means:

Adjusting

Know this, they will probably adjust better than you!! 

And this is from personal experience, in terms of jet lag.

My son, at age 1.5 and 3.5 years old, adjusted to a 12-15 hour time difference so much faster than any of us adults!

Opportunity to teach the world

Traveling is the best opportunity to teach new things.

Whether it be new cultures and/or foods. 

“Not all classrooms have 4 walls” – Anon

“The best education you will ever get is traveling. Nothing teaches you more than exploring the world and accumulating experiences.”  – Mark Paterson

So, how do you feel now?

Do you still feel like traveling with kids is just unbearable or are you ready to give it a try?

I hope you’re at least a few steps closer to planning a family trip!

Here are a few resources to get you started:

• How to Pack
• Toddler packing checklist
• International travel tips
• Travel basics

Do you travel with your family? If so, where’s your favorite spot? If not, where would you like to go? Please share it with us in the comments below. Thanks!!