Travelling with kids can be stressful. I have mine 5 years ago when Travelling to Bali with Jie Jie, who was then 2.5 years. Here is some learning I’ve gained while travelling with my toddler. With ample preparation, it helps to minimise unwanted stress.
Experience 1: Deciding where to go.
Jie Jie was an active girl and can easily get excited on her surroundings. On the arrival at Bali, the local tour guide brought us straight to the bazaar and we started to shop around. Jie Jie was tired and frustrated with the heat, started to throw tantrum and wanted to go home, we ended up at the nearest McDonald’s for a break.
So, do inform your local tour guide on your expectation and do include some activities that are suitable for your little one.
Experience 2: Booking air tickets and accommodation.
Ensure that air tickets are booked with seating. Do make a special request for basinet if you’re travelling with young kids. Book your Flight early to ensure your request can be fulfilled.
For accommodation, I usually choose child friendly hotels. You can always check on the review by parents with kids who have stayed at that place. The accommodation we have chosen came with swimming pool and a park nearby. Good enough for Jie Jie to roam around with Daddy while Mummy and Popo went to have our spa.
Experience 3: Pack early.
Never do last minute packing especially for children. I have left behind Jie Jie‘s milk bottle and have to rush to purchase one in the airport. Do pack extra baby necessities in your hand carry as flight delay and congestion on the road is common when travelling. Include also kids’ favourite toys or pillow just in case the little one decided to have a quick nap.
Experience 4: Activities on board for the kids
Due to air pressure and boredom in the flight, kids may get frustrated and reckless. With Jie Jie’s first flight, I’ve learned to bring along candies and sweets to suck during take-off. I used to bring colouring books, puzzles and white board for in flight activities.
Experience 5: Refreshments and drinking water.
Besides activities, I’ve packed with Jie Jie’s favourite snack to entice the little girl when she got fed up with her activities. I had with me fruit slices and light crackers (usually the animal shaped) to keep the little one occupied while travelling. Most important, keep the little one hydrated with drinking water and once in a while juice. Avoid carbonated drinks.
Experience 6: Inform the kids.
Prior to the departure date, inform the little one of the destination, planned activities and expected behaviour in the airport and during the flight. For older kids, you can read a book on catching a flight so that the kids know what to expect.
Experience 7: Travel plans.
Recently, I’ve learned to draw up a travel plan together with details of the destination such as address and contact at hand just in case we lost our way. It does minimise stress and arguments on getting to the destination. Below is the example of the travel plan.
Experience 8: Don’t rush and enjoy the time together
Be flexible with your travel plans. At times, be prepared to forgo one or two destinations. Do enjoy the trip with the kids rather than to worry and rush to finish the travel plan.
