Travelling with kids might be easier than you think. Sure, you might initially see it as a draining and confusing enterprise for younger ones, but seeing
new horizons has actually proven to be beneficial to kids. For instance, studies have shown that children who had traveled performed better than their counterparts who had not at tasks like reading and solving math problems.1 And the best part is that travelling does not necessarily require one to have a huge budget. What really matters is that you invest time and effort to break your kid’s daily routine and offer an experience that will end up being exotic, new, and refreshing.
Top tips to help you travel with your family like a pro:
A very common obstacle can be anxiety. Worrying too much about an upcoming trip is surely a common scenario for parents. In fact, it is completely normal to think about the well-being of your kid as he or she goes through something new. But the secret to letting go of anxiety is to just go. Overthinking might lead you to pass on a day out exploring that could have created wonderful memories.
Break your routine
Breaking the routine is important. By letting your kids wander away from their usual habits, you are allowing them to become explorers. Exotic experiences instill inquisitive traits in young ones, therefore sharpening their interest in learning new material.
Only pack essentials
Do not pack too much. As a rule of thumb, pick a few essentials – such as books or audiobooks, a comfort object, a favorite snack, and a notebook – but do without the superfluous – anything that could distract your kids from actually enjoying their trip. And if he or she gets bored on the way, you can always play family favourites such as cost-free games like I-Spy, The Alphabet Game, and Name that Tune. For long flights, car, train or boat rides help ward off motion sickness by packing a homeopathic medicine such as Cocculine. The non-drowsy, quick-dissolving tablets can be taken by adults and children 2 years of age and older to relieve the nausea, vomiting, dizziness and cold sweats associated with car, plane, train and boat travel.
Bring comfortable versatile clothes
To avoid trouble, think about dressing appropriately. Kids are full of energy and therefore likely to get themselves into particularly messy situations. A good ground rule would be to favor dark colours and to dress comfortably.
Give your kids tasks to help reduce stress
Teach your children to be more autonomous. By giving them responsibilities such as packing their own travel bags, you simultaneously help them grow and reduce the amount of stress that organization involves.
Don’t forget backup chargers for all your tech
Do not forget to bring a power bank. Technology has become practical to the point when it can actually add to a family trip if used appropriately. From helping with navigation to adding content to informative outings, your phone or tablet can be a real lifesaver. So in order to avoid missing out, do yourself a favor and bring a backup charger.
Make a family trip music playlist
Make a fun musical playlist for your kids and yourself to enjoy along the way. Options are endless, and certain music apps even facilitate the process and already have playlists created specifically for family road trips.
Roll with the ups and downs
And finally, have realistic expectations. Whenever you go on a trip, you have to be ready for little and big inconveniences. But if you learn to roll with things and stay optimistic, you very likely have a wonderful experience.
Most important, bring Oscillococcinum with you.
Source:
1. U.S. Department of Education study