Travelling with children: How to have a stress-free holiday!
Whining in the back seat, overflowing luggage, chaos at the airport? A holiday with children can be a challenge. But with the right planning and a few packing tips, you’ll be perfectly prepared – and arrive at your destination feeling much more relaxed.
The essentials: How to pack for travelling with children
When travelling, children need three main things: entertainment, food and a sense of security. Their favourite cuddly toy belongs in the suitcase just as much as games or books. It's best to tailor the activities to your mode of transport: on a train or plane, you can play together with your children; if you're driving, they should be able to entertain themselves. Travel-sized board games are perfect for the train, while a water-painting mat with a water pen can shorten a car journey, for example. A change of clothes also belongs in your hand luggage – after all, plenty of little accidents can happen along the way. With an extra jumper, hoodie or cardigan, you'll also be prepared for the chill of air conditioning.
Healthy travels
Travelling with children can be stressful – for them too. It's no wonder if they suddenly get an upset stomach or travel sickness strikes. A sudden fever or a mosquito bite also needs to be treated on the go. A well-stocked travel first-aid kit is therefore a must. The most important items are child-friendly remedies for fever or pain, gastrointestinal issues, and insect bites. Plasters and disinfectant are also essential. It's always a good idea to take their vaccination record with you and, before your holiday, find out if there are paediatricians nearby or who you can contact in an emergency.
Take the pressure off
One of the biggest challenges when travelling with children is dealing with ear pressure on the plane – and the chaos an earache can cause. Sucking on a dummy, having a drink or eating sweets during take-off and landing can help reduce the pressure. It's important that your children are awake for this. Special earplugs can also help – and they're great for the whole family. You can teach older children the Valsalva manoeuvre: hold your nose and try to breathe out with your mouth closed. To combat the dry air on the plane, things like saline nasal sprays, nasal ointments and eye drops can also be very effective.
