Summer is here once again, Soulful Moms! Yay! I can feel that many of you are starting to plan your family getaway in a month or so. That planning also means a common fear for us parents, specifically single parents – how will I make traveling with kids stress-free?
But there’s no need to panic, okay? We parents travel with our kids ALL. THE. TIME. Whether for school trips, family visits during the holidays, or even just a random road trip to the nearest Walmart. Traveling with our kids is always an adven-chore (just kidding).
I remember when my son was just 4 months old, and we were moving across countries to Canada. I was so nervous that I felt I would mess up and forget about something that would ultimately delay our move. It was such a humbling experience for me.
Be sure to spot my favorite 3P down on the list!
1) Become a Carry-On Connoisseur.
I know that families tend to be different in how they pack during their trips, which all boils down to your child’s age. It’s a familiar scenario where we, moms, tend to overpack like there’s no tomorrow.
A usual inside joke with my family is I pack the whole house whenever I go out with my kid. Here’s a challenge for your next trip. Travel lightly.
Although I pack more than I need, this reminder is to help you learn to choose the essential things to bring on your trips wisely. I go more in-depth on this in these articles about what to pack when traveling with kids and the carry-on essentials when traveling with a toddler
2) Snack Savior.
Pack various healthy, travel-friendly snacks (and remember to carry water!). Packing food in advance reduces your need to stop for a fast-food chain or spend more money on junk that will only do your or your children’s body good. I typically pack easy, healthy snacks like nuts, carrots, and fruits, and yes, kids may not like these, so here is a list of healthy travel recipes they will like.
Before proceeding, I highly recommend this article for the tips to make flying with kids easier; coming from a flight attendant, best believe they are spot on!
3). Let Kids be Kids.
One thing I realized when traveling with kids is that they tend to act like– well, you guessed it- KIDS! They, too, have emotions and fears, and they get stressed with all the moving, too, so instead of being the strict grown-ups we are, let’s let our kids experience their journey how they want to. One of the most “horrific” yet completely everyday situations to experience is having your toddler cry non-stop during a plane ride. As a mom, you don’t need to be embarrassed about this; you’re doing just fine! Let your kids be kids! We don’t need to force them to become adults immediately to save face in a room filled with people who are also busy living their lives.
A plane ride can be long and so boring for little minds. Distraction is the best way to let them be kids while respecting other travelers’ space. Keep them occupied by packing their favorite toys and activity sheets, and even surprise them with a new coloring book or travel-sized game!
4). Loosen up on the Rules when Traveling with Kids
Am I crazy? Not really. Of course, rules should be followed when traveling, but imposing dozens of rules on your kids and yourself will bombard your brain with too much to think about, and you won’t even have the time to sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip.
Letting go of the reins may be too difficult for us parents, but it will help build a connection with our kids. So let your kids sleep in and have the smores; you can still remind them to wake up a little earlier so you won’t miss that continental breakfast; just let them know that pancakes and ice cream will be served for free, and you’re all set!
5). Apartments are the way to go.
Ditch the cramped hotel room for a homey haven! Consider booking apartments instead of hotels for your next family adventure. Apartments offer a plethora of advantages for families. First, they provide more space, with separate bedrooms for everyone, reducing bedtime battles and creating a sense of normalcy. Kitchens in apartments allow you to prepare meals or heat snacks, saving money on eating out every meal and catering to picky eaters. Plus, laundry facilities can be a lifesaver, especially with messy travel adventures! This flexibility and space can make your family trip more relaxing and enjoyable.
6). Play with Your kids.
Fight boredom at altitude with a fun game! Scavenger hunts and bingo are fantastic ways to keep kids entertained during flights. Craft a scavenger hunt with items commonly found on airplanes or at the airport, like spotting a specific type of airplane outside the window or finding a flight attendant with a certain hair color.
Bingo boards can feature squares with pictures or descriptions of things kids might see or do on the flight, like encountering turbulence or using the in-flight entertainment system. These games pass the time, encourage observation, and keep little minds active. Remember, pack small prizes for the winners to add an extra layer of excitement!
7). Be flexible.
Like what I mentioned a while back, the key to stress-free traveling is to be flexible. Sometimes, the hotel suddenly becomes overbooked, or if your itinerary is not working out, learning to work around the conflicts as they arise is a good step towards becoming a soulful traveler. Don’t stress too much if you missed that group tour; you’ll be OK with your little ones. Ultimately, if you find that your planned trip is not going according to plan and your kids want to avoid visiting the museum and prefer to go to the lake and feed ducks, let them. Don’t take the rejection too hard, and learn to do what your kids want; it’s to make one memorable visit for them.
Similarly, we mothers need to learn how to float like a Butterfly even if there’s a bee. It teaches us that no matter how much we try to control things, we cannot. All we can control is our reactions to the things happening around us.
So take a breath, allow things to happen, and remove yourself from the position to stress about what may or may not happen. Enjoy.
8). Comfort first
Comfort is definitely a must for a smooth flight with your kids! Ensure they’re dressed in loose-fitting, breathable clothes to move around quickly. Pack their favorite blanket or stuffed animal for a sense of security. Remember essentials like pacifiers (for younger children) and any creature comforts they rely on at home.
Bonus tip: consider an inflatable footrest mattress to create a more supportive and comfortable sleeping surface for them in their airplane seat.
9). We’re Mary Poppins y’all!
Yes, we’re already Dora, so why are we Mary Poppins now? Do you remember Mary Poppins having this bag filled with amazing things that came in so handy? Yes, that one. As moms, we must be prepared for anything under the sun, even during a rainy day. Traveling with kids will be one of the most fun experiences you and your child will bond over, but things can still get messy. Thinking in advance, like packing your child’s favorite toy or blankie, will ultimately save the day when a sudden meltdown occurs.
Also, packing travel-adapted gear, such as strollers, car seats, carriers, and even boosters, is a blessing when traveling with kids.
10). Use the lifeline.
Family boarding lines can be a lifesaver on busy travel days. These designated queues prioritize families with young children, allowing you to avoid the pre-boarding scramble and potential meltdowns. Take advantage of this perk! It grants you more time to settle your kids in their seats, stow away carry-on luggage, and ensure everyone is comfortable before the general boarding frenzy begins. It will reduce stress for parents and kids, making the boarding experience smoother and less chaotic. However, not all airlines offer family boarding, so check their website or app beforehand to see if it’s available on your chosen flight.
11). Nappy Times on International Flights.
Maintaining your kids’ nap schedule on an international flight can be a challenge, but it’s worth a try to minimize jet lag woes. I mimic my son’s nap time to avoid jet lag and keep naps short! Power naps under 30 minutes are ideal to prevent disrupting nighttime sleep later. Remember, even with napping strategies, some jet lag is likely. So remember to prioritize getting your kids to sleep at a reasonable hour upon arrival to help them adjust quickly to the new time zone.
And don’t forget yourself too! Take as much rest as you need when the little ones are down.
12). Fast Travel Out, Slow Travel In.
Ever heard of the term “fast travel”? This means that people follow a quantity-based approach when it comes to traveling. In other words, more destinations and items in the itinerary. Sounds hectic, right?
If you’re traveling with an older child, this may seem more enjoyable, but following the slow travel mindset is for you if you have a younger kid or a toddler. Just imagine how tiring it will be for your younger kids to go from different places with little time to rest.
So, what’s the best way to get out of this situation? Instead of having more destinations, choose places with fewer tourist spots and more deep stories for new discoveries. Make way for your kids to appreciate low-maintenance places and encourage them to think more about appreciating the places you visit.
13). At night for the long haul.
When considering long-haul flights, nighttime departures can be a game-changer. They allow you to board, wind down with dinner and entertainment, and ideally, drift off to sleep as the plane climbs. This can maximize your in-flight rest, leaving you more adjusted upon arrival.
However, not all routes offer abundant night flights, and some airports may restrict nighttime takeoffs. Remember, a good night’s sleep on a plane isn’t guaranteed, so consider your sleep style and pack essentials for creating a comfortable sleep environment.
For soulful moms who have light sleepers like me, remember to hand-carry your kid’s safety blanket and music box. These two saved me from long flights. It keeps my son relaxed and asleep throughout the flight.
14). Include them from Day 1
Planning a trip with kids can be stressful, but involving them from the start can make it a breeze!
Brainstorm destinations together, letting them pick their dream spot. Once you have a location, turn them into “research buddies” to find fun activities.
Packing becomes a partnership, too, with them choosing outfits and favorite toys. Even daily itineraries can involve their choices, like picking a museum or outdoor adventure. By including them, you’ll share the workload and create excitement and ownership for a more enjoyable trip for everyone.
15). Practice Practice Practice
Parenting has never been easy. There is no way to get things right the first, second, fifth, or even the hundredth time. But it’s alright, we’re okay.
What do you think your kids will remember more, the fun times of your trip or when you scolded them for not following your itinerary?
I know that practice in the form of patience partnered with playtime makes the most fantastic trip for your kids because your kids want to spend time with you in a new exciting place.
Traveling with your kids, whether on a plane, by sea, or on land, will be a challenge checklist-wise. But it will be perfect according to your standards of perfection.
Conclusion
So now you know how I do it. Having a fun, stress-free trip with kids is undoubtedly something I wouldn’t pass up because of what I learned while traveling with Zaya. These tips may or may not be perfect for you, as there is no one-size-fits-all for us parents, but it is something to consider to keep the experience fun for our kids and us.
You’re the mother, and you know what’s best for your child, given that while upholding that “best,” we still respect the boundaries of the people around us and ourselves. Till our next trip, Soulful Mom!
FAQ
How to make kids comfortable on a plane ?
We often have trouble making our children comfortable during the flight. How do I do it? Simple – by packing familiar toys and snacks to keep my child happy. It helps reassure them that they are safe. Similarly, I help prepare my child for taking flights by choosing an appropriate time for the flight and packing essentials like clothes that my child prefers.
What are the rules when flying with kids ?
When flying with kids, you must check the airline’s car seats and liquids policy and familiarize yourself with their stroller policy for gate-checking to avoid any surprises at the airport. If you’re wondering what the perfect age to travel with your kid is, there is no ideal age; more accessible trips are usually taken with older children.
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