How can I make our journey enjoyable for the kids?

Question:

I’m taking the kids away soon and wondered if you had any tips for making the journey easier for all of us. I want to ensure that we all enjoy the journey and that there is minimal stress.

Answer:

By Bob Atkinson, travelsupermarket.com

Holidaying with kids should be a wonderful experience for all. Whether that means you and your children or those who you are travelling alongside. There is nothing worse than the embarrassment of your little darlings misbehaving and having a plane full of eyes staring at you in anger.

You don’t indicate how you are travelling or where to, so I can’t give specific tips. However follow our basic advice below and tailor to your needs and circumstances.

Start off by ensuring your children know about the journey. Explain to them how you will be travelling, how long it will take and how long each stage will take. Talk about how they are going to be entertained on board, when they will get chance to rest and sleep and about food and drink. This helps to set the scene. It’s also worth explaining about being well behaved on board, even if you have to bribe them.
Some airports and ports also have child-friendly areas and even downloadable packs such as those provided by Manchester Airport to make the experience easier. As a kid I had a sticker book and an I-spy airports book which seemed to keep me occupied and quiet for hours.
Let them pack their hand luggage. Help them to choose favourite items that they enjoy or are comforted by, such as a teddy or blanket. Favourite books and games, maybe a DVD player and films/TV programs. Crayons and paper and so on. The key is to have a variety of things.
Ensure you pack some treats. These can be both in the form of little presents as well as snacks and goodies which you can whip out as and when you need them. Plan for any delays with extra entertainment or the money to buy items at the airport should you need to hunker down for a longer than expected wait.
Don’t forget any essential medicines, wet wipes and even a change of clothing if it’s a long journey. And for little ones and babies you will need nappy changing items etc.
Pre-book seats together on board and get to the airport in plenty of time. When at the airport/ferry port, explore the environment with your kids. Let them see what is going on, planes and ships coming and going and get them engaged in the experience.
Pre-order any special meals if you want your kids to have child meals. Some airlines will give you kid’s packs on board with age related activities in a neat back pack or bag.
Remember not to let the kids get too hyper with excitement, so watch the fizzy drinks and sweet intake.
If you can board early, then do so, it gives you chance to get settled with all of the bags. And when arriving, let other passengers get off first so you are not getting hassle when rounding up your party and all its bags coats and other items. Try and use the loos before you board and also as soon as you arrive before you embark on the next leg of your trip.

In addition to these travelling tips, it’s always worth trying to book flight times during the day where you can to avoid disrupting sleep patterns. And if travelling by ferry book a cabin if you are taking a longer sailing. Break long car journeys on a regular basis and try and avoid any overnight journeys unless you have no choice as travelling with tired and grumpy children is no fun for anyone.

However you travel have a fabulous time and remember that it will be a superb experience for your children if you all remain happy and content.