Traveling with Kids: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Vacation!
Whining in the backseat, overflowing luggage, airport chaos? Vacationing with kids is a challenge in itself. However, with the right planning and a few packing list tips, you will be perfectly prepared – and arrive at your destination feeling much more relaxed.
The Essentials: How to Pack for Traveling with Kids
When traveling, children need three main things: entertainment, snacks, and a sense of comfort. Their favorite stuffed animal belongs in the suitcase just as much as games or books. It is best to tailor the entertainment to your mode of transportation: on a train or plane, you can play together with your kids; if you are behind the wheel, they should be able to keep themselves entertained. Travel-sized board games are perfect for the train, while a travel water doodle mat with a water pen, for example, makes a car ride fly by. A change of clothes also belongs in your carry-on bag – after all, plenty of little mishaps can happen on the go. With an extra sweater, hoodie, or cardigan, you will also be prepared for chilly air conditioning.
Healthy on the go
Traveling with children can be stressful – for your kids too. It is no wonder if digestion suddenly acts up or motion sickness strikes. A sudden fever or a bug bite also need to be treated while on the road. A well-equipped first-aid kit is therefore a must-have. Most important are child-friendly remedies for fever or pain, gastrointestinal issues, and insect bites. Bandages and disinfectants should not be missing either. It is best to always bring their vaccination record and check before your vacation with kids whether there are local pediatricians nearby or who you can contact in an emergency.
No Pressure
One of the biggest challenges when traveling with kids is ear pressure during flights – and the chaos that earaches can bring to your trip. Pacifiers, drinking, or sucking on hard candy during takeoff and landing help relieve the pressure. It is highly recommended to keep your children awake during these times. Special earplugs can also help – for the whole family, by the way. You can teach older kids the so-called Valsalva maneuver: pinch your nose shut and try to exhale with your mouth closed. To combat the dry air on the plane, saline nasal sprays, nasal ointments, and eye drops are great helpers.
