Traveling long distances with young kids can be a challenge, but it’s a challenge we’ve embraced. Our children, Floris (4) and Lotte (2), have already seen multiple continents and are no strangers to 18-hour flights. While it’s not always smooth sailing, we’ve found ways to make it work. Here are our top 10 tips for traveling long journeys with young kids.
10 Essential Tips for Long-Distance Travel with Young Kids
1. Preparation is Key
Start by preparing not just yourself, but also your child. Talk about the destination, show them pictures, watch films, or read books about it a few weeks in advance. This helps your child know what to expect, making them more flexible and your trip more relaxed.
2. Opt for Night Flights
If possible, book a night flight. Your child can sleep during the flight, and you might even catch some shut-eye too. Arriving well-rested at your destination can make a world of difference. Remember, less tired kids are less cranky kids.
3. Pack a Jar of Peanut Butter
Our kids, Flo and Lotte, have always been picky eaters. When we travel, we’ve found it helpful to bring along a jar of peanut butter. This way, they can have a peanut butter sandwich in the evening with some vegetables. It saves us stress, and after a few days, they’re usually more open to trying the local cuisine.
4. Don’t Forget the Multivitamins
Another essential item for your luggage is a jar of children’s multivitamins. Maintaining a balanced diet can be challenging while on holiday, so to ensure your kids get all the vitamins they need, have them take one of these pills each day.
5. Limit the Number of Accommodations
Our kids find it unsettling to sleep in a different bed each night, so we try to keep accommodation changes to a minimum. We usually stay in one place for the first few days and avoid booking too many different hotels during our trip.
6. Pace Your Travels
When traveling, it’s important to take things slow so the kids have enough time to adjust to their surroundings. Traveling by camper is ideal for us as it provides a consistent sleeping environment for the kids while allowing us to explore the country.
7. Always Carry Basic Medical Supplies
When your toddler suddenly feels hot on a Thai island, you’ll want to be able to take their temperature and administer paracetamol. It’s also important to be able to disinfect cuts and grazes from a dirty Cape Verdean street and apply a band aid. Always carry the basics: a thermometer, paracetamol, band aids, disinfectant, and ORS.
8. Don’t Forget the Favourite Stuffed Animal
Don’t forget to pack your child’s favourite stuffed animal or small toy. It’s comforting for them to have something familiar to play with far from home. However, avoid packing too many toys as you can buy toys in every country, and local ones may be more interesting than those from home.
9. Adjusting to Jetlag
Jetlag is a common issue when traveling far. Young kids often have more trouble with jetlag than adults. Start your trip at a slow pace and allow your kids time to adjust to the new time zone. Stick to the local time for meals and bedtime and spend as much time outside as possible to help them adjust faster.
10. Relax and Enjoy
The most important tip for traveling long journeys with young kids is to relax. Most babies and toddlers are very sensitive to their parents’ state of mind. If you’re rushed, stressed, and short-tempered, your children will likely sense this and act out. Remember, you’re on holiday! It’s time to chill and embark on new adventures. Enjoy, and your kids will do the same!