Having a family doesn’t mean you need to let go of the jet-setting lifestyle you love. Culture, experiences and adventure all lie at the heart of your life pre-children, and they can still be upfront and centre with your family now.
UNSPLASH Kevin DelvecchioEverything from boarding your flight on time, down to getting your baby to have those much-needed forty winks is manageable with these 7 simple tips. Who said you couldn’t have your cake and eat it? Not us!
So let’s journey together and see how you can share your jet setting lifestyle with the whole family:
1. Plan big, but keep it simple
Every experience your child has all add up to shape their lives later on. From seeing how different cultures live, all down to hearing another language are all great ways of opening your child’s eyes to the world around them. Travelling encourages imagination and creative play in ways beyond what your little ones can experience on their home turf alone.
Are you still dreaming of Goa, Kingston or the Maldives? It might surprise you, but the rest of the world has growing families and children too! So all those big plans and places you want to go to aren’t closed off to you. Stripping back grand excursions and epic island adventures may be the compromise you need to make to keep this holiday as stress-free as possible.
Keeping it simple isn’t a sacrifice. It gives you and your family more time to focus on each other; see how your toddler reacts to a bustling Moroccan market or how they respond to a heartfelt wave from a local. You are all in it together, and the payoff is something money can’t buy!
2. Be prepared
All jet setters know that a passport is your ticket to your dream holiday. So make sure that you send off for your children’s passports ahead of time. While most child passports can take up to three weeks to arrive, it’s always sensible to allow extra time for any delays.
Now that you have all the passports sorted, where are you actually going? What facilities does the hotel have? How hot or cold is the climate? Will you need to pack towels? Get my drift? Doing a spot of research before you leave for your holiday is all part of the fun.
Here are some key things to remember when going abroad with your family:
- Do I need a carry-on lightweight pram? Or, will a baby carrier be enough?
- Is there any in-flight entertainment – bring your own set of headphones, as well as family-friendly books, activity magazines and small games to keep you all occupied
- Are we going to need snacks/drinks?
- What do I need to pack in my carry-on and cargo suitcase? If you have a baby, don’t forget enough nappies, bottles, snacks and anything else you think is essential!
- Don’t forget the sunscreen!
3. Leave on time
Unexpected toilet stops, forgotten fluffy bunnies, and passports can all set you back. Whatever happens, you and your family need to board your plane on time. Don’t leave anything to chance, and give yourselves enough time!
4. Make some reservations before you get there
Planning anything with children can go one of two ways: 1) everything goes precisely as planned or 2) why did we leave the house again?
Making reservations for any special trips or meals out are easier to make ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than everything being fully booked or too far away when you have a screaming babe tagging along!
5. Don’t leave home without travel insurance!
Travelling abroad without travel insurance is pretty frowned upon. As soon as you throw children into the mix, you may as well have never left home. What’s more, many airlines won’t let you book a ticket without travel insurance these days, so do yourself a favour and get ahead of the game!
Unknown food allergies, trips and falls can all involve a horrendous hospital bill without insurance. So, that unnecessary expense has now saved you hundreds or thousands, and your family is still in one piece!
6. Nap time is precious
Even with the hype and excitement of a holiday, letting your little ones have their nap is just as important when travelling. With all the new experiences, tastes, sights and sounds, your babe might want a rest.
Making things similar to how your babe would sleep at home, will help you and your little one get the much-needed relaxation. Bring along their favourite toy, familiar blanket and get them to use their baby toothbrush like normal. If you are on a long haul flight, although cramped, the bathroom will allow you to change a nappy, have a quick wash and brush teeth.
If you want some extra help with naptime, bringing a weighted blanket might do the trick. With its “deep pressure simulation” design, your child will be asleep in no time. A sleep sack for your toddler is another great option to keep your child
warm and cozy.
7. It’s the little things
All kids love treats and surprises. It doesn’t matter how old they are, there is always something that will leave a lasting smile on your kiddos face. Whether it’s discovering the best ice cream in town or having a paddle around an island, there’s a world of opportunity to be had.
Little mementoes and keepsakes are all ones for the memory box. So keep your eyes peeled. You could even turn it into a fun “spot the souvenir” game.
Ready for your next family jet setting adventure? Travelling has never been so simple. So plan ahead, keep it fun and the memories will stay with you all forever!
