Travelling with small children can be a great way to bond with them away from your usual environment. Any parent or guardian knows that having a young child makes you see the world with entirely new eyes, with all sights and sounds becoming something thrilling. Embracing the joy of the simple things in the world is not only great for the development of children but has a positive impact on the mental health of adults. When we find joy in everyday things, we are more likely to have a positive outlook and embrace the world.
Car
Travelling by car is one of the best options for travelling with small children. The fact that you can pack as much as possible into the vehicle without weight restrictions means that you are more likely to have everything you need for every possibility. You also have the ability to come and go as you please and not be worried about delays or any other hiccups that can come with other forms of transportation. Of course, there is always the possibility of hitting traffic, and it’s essential to plan your journey to try to miss the busiest times and days on the road where possible; otherwise, prepare for the additional time you will be travelling for.
There are plenty of things you can do to keep occupied in the car, but do be aware that some children can become travel sick if they are looking at a book or tablet while the vehicle is moving. If you’re unsure about this with your child, maybe try some shorter journeys before a big one and see how they feel when looking at a book.
While you may be able to snack safely in the car, it’s always a good idea to stop for a break on a long journey. You can visit the bathroom, stretch your legs, and break up the monotony of the road, even if it’s only for 10 minutes.
Plane
If you are travelling by plane with your little one, you must be prepared for a more extended trip. The good news is that your journey will likely be broken up into many different sections, so you can keep your child entertained by explaining all of these parts. Speaking to your child lets them know what is coming next and reduces any tantrums that may come from uncertainty, so while it may be exhausting for you to talk through the small details, it may save you further exhaustion from dealing with a meltdown.
You will need a few key things to make your journey smooth; the right equipment, attitude, and snacks. The right equipment is things like your baby stroller. You will definitely want to take your stroller with you, and they are effortless to collapse for storing on the plane. No matter how far your journey is, you can take your
to the other side of the world if you need to, and then be able to use it for tourism while you’re there!
Train/Tram/Bus
Travelling by public transport such as a train, tram, or bus will be an exciting experience for your child. Let them be involved in the process as much as possible, from finding your station on the board and printing off tickets from the machine. Always give yourself plenty of time as it’s better to wait a short while for your transport rather than rushing your child and making the situation stressful.
The joy of public transport means that unlike travelling in the car, you can give your child your undivided attention without being a safety issue. If your journey consists of lots of different stops and changes, let them know what’s coming next and then quiz them on whether they remember.
Bringing activities such as card games and sticker books can be an excellent idea for these kinds of transport, or even games such as I Spy or Rock Paper Scissors that don’t require anything physical to carry with you. Another great game to play is making up a story together. Creating a story can be done by you saying one sentence and then your child saying the next and seeing where the story takes you. You may find it crazy and nonsensical, but your child will love coming up with imaginative ideas and being silly.
