By Sayeh Woodman — Here are some tips to ensure travelling with children is a breeze. Based on my weekly meet up with the mums, and listening to them rant on about how travelling and holidays are such a chore; I thought I’d give some tips. As they really don’t need to be hardwork. My holidays with my daughter are always a breeze. Listen to me bragging! I get that keeping to your travel times, flight times and lugging around baggage can be stressful enough without adding tired or bored kids to the mix. Here are some handy tips to consider, which should make it go a little more smoothly.
Plan your stops — Plan your route and allow extra time to stop for comfort breaks and for the children to stretch their legs and let off steam. Many highway service stations have indoor play areas within easy sight of café tables. If your route doesn’t go past any services, look for picnic areas, a bridge over a river to play near, or a nearby village with a playground. There are many picnic and play areas in Oman. And ensure you keep a bag of handy travel essentials like drinks, snacks and wipes in separate easily accessible bags.
Let the kids pack. — This doesn’t mean leaving important packing purely in the hands of your children, but even small children can enjoy having some input and independence, so get a piece of paper and ask them to draw or write all the things they want to take – like teddy, books, favourite DVDs – then on the day give them their own little rucksacks and let them tick off all these things, as they pack. Be sure your own bag has a few essentials to be on the safe side. It creates such a buzz and excitement.
Keep things cosy in the car. — However you travel, make sure the kids feel comfortable. If you’re going by car and they want to wear their PJs and slippers, why not? Just have a coat and slip on shoes handy to jump out for the toilet breaks. You can always pack or have their real clothes to hand. It’s really not worth a fall out and putting a damper on your travels before you’ve even set off and started. If you’re going by train or plane, leggings and loose tops look a little smarter, but still feel like pyjamas. Travelling isn’t a good time to take a much-loved comforter that might get lost. But it’s worth taking a small blanket or a pillow pet.
Charge your mobile. —There are brilliant games and apps for all ages, from babies to teens. Many of these are free and downloadable, so you don’t have to have wi-fi to enjoy them on the go. Remember to take headphones so older children can tune in and zone out. That’s if you’re the sort of parent and family that like to use technology and tablets! Travelling is a perfect time to surprise the kids with a new picture or storybook. This is more my style. Invest in the books or even bring a not so messy craft, they can do and create. Great time killer! Keep it a secret though, until you’re in the airport or on the train, so it’s a fresh treat!
Remember your holidays and adventures are all about making happy memories…so make it simple and easy for all of you.
— sayehwoodman@outlook.com
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