Everyone knows that air travel with children can make your trip that much more fun and exciting – or that much more difficult. Many a holiday disaster can occur while traveling with (especially young) children.
However, although it is likely that your vacation will be somewhat more stressful with kids, there are things you can do to avoid a family holiday disaster and keep your vacation as stress-free as possible…
If you have a baby, try waiting until he or she is at least four months old and somewhat more established with feeding, changing, and sleeping routines. You likely will be feeding your infant every three to four hours with a long stretch at night rather than round the clock, which will make things much easier for you during a holiday. Waiting will also come in handy if you’re driving to your vacation destination – you won’t have to stop every hour to nurse and diaper change.
Avoid a toddler-related air travel disasters by planning sensibly and appropriately for the trip. Planning age-appropriate vacation activities, lots of things for them to do during the trip there and back, lots of snacks, time for naps during your holiday, and scoping out nearby washrooms for the newly potty-trained are all essential.
Pack along extra diapers and lots of changes of clothes in case there is a potty “emergency” and there’s no toilet in sight. If your trip involves any driving, plan to make plenty of stops along the way for washroom breaks.
Air travel disasters with older kids can be avoided simply by doing some advance homework about what the accommodations, restaurants, attractions and activities are really like and really involve. Also, look for places and things to see and do that are older-kid-friendly.
For example, choosing a regular hotel with a pool, snack machines, breakfast buffet with cereal, toast, and orange juice, private bathroom and a T.V. in the room works far better than a “quaint” bed and breakfast with no kids’ activities, canopy beds, breakable antiques everywhere, “fancy” breakfast foods, and shared bathrooms.
No matter how old your kids are (or if they range in age from six months to eight years old), follow these quick seven tips to avoid holiday disasters:
- pack well (lots of activities, snacks, diapers, and changes of clothes)
- research your destination thoroughly
- choose kid-friendly accommodations and activities
- think convenience over speed and even frugality for travel with kids
- travel at night if possible
- have a bathroom plan for all the young potty trainees in your family
- plan for less, and take it slow
Mark Hammond
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/how-to-prevent-family-holiday-disasters-134587.html
Also in Your Affordable Holiday
Air Travel – Stress Free Holiday Flights
Air Travel Tips For Flying With Children
Air Travel With Infants And Children
Recommended Reading
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