FEW TIPS TO REMEMBER WHEN TRAVELLING WITH KIDS.

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Travelling is the most exciting thing to do. Every trip you take brings challenges, fun and exciting times. No trip is ever the same for so many reasons. Then comes that family holiday you have been excited about and your stress levels picks up. It can be an overwhelming .As a full time traveller I have seen it all when it comes to plane travel. And unfortunately there is not much you can do as a parent when your child start screaming or being uncomfortable due to air pressure and exhaustion as long as you are trying everyone understands. Do not feel like a failure as a parent when you get the “looks” from strangers when your child is whining. I have prepared these tips I used on my last family trip with two kids below 5 years old. I hope you find them useful too. PREPARE A CHECKLIST PACK IN ADVANCE VACCINATIONS and BOOSTERS ( check with your local GP) INVEST IN KIDS RIDE SUITCASE AND BACKPACKS (these are great for keeping kids busy and entertained in between flights and at the airport) FLIGHT SEATS (choose the right seats when checking in foe safety reason do not seat kids on isles and remember to request the baby basket as soon as possible to avoid missing on one. Most flight keep a certain number) TOYS ( pack toys that will be multifunctional so you do not end up carrying too much. For instance seaside toys are also perfect for poolside and bath time) HAND LUGGAGE ( include sippy cups, cutlery that your child is familiar with, ready made food they are used too, travel blanket, their cuddle soft toy and 3-4 change of clothes) HOT DESTINATIONS (be sure to pack not only suncreams and sun hats but I highly recommend an after sun cream , mosquito sprays and wetsuit for kids)

EMPTY PLASTIC BAGS ( pack a few of these for different emergencies like dirty clothes, sickness and tidying up after your little one’s mess) CHANGING/NAPPY BAG (to include enough nappies, wipes, nappy sack, changing mat or hand towel , muslin or 2 and hand sanitizer ) EMERGENCY FIRST AID KIT (include calpol , kids plasters and insect repellent) LIQUIDS (make sure you encourage enough liquids and as frequent as possible , bring as much as you are allowed and pack them according to airport security request ) PICK THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION (whether it is a hotel /resort /self catering make sure the place is child friendly and safe for you, the kids and other guests .Also that it has plenty to keep the kids entertained and occupied) INSURANCE (read the small prints and update if necessary to add dependent on your travel insurance and if possible check if there is a nearby kids hospital to where you are going and what does your insurance cover) FEED TIME & TOILET TRIPS ( plan these according to your take offs and landing which will take pressure of you once you on the air. if kids are full and dry they are happy to entertain themselves with colouring or watching a kids programme ) TIME MANAGEMENT (double or triple the amount of time you take when travelling alone. extra time with kids will facilitate a lot of issues like tantrums , toilet trip, feeding etc and always a great idea to do things in a calm environment and not rushed) There is a lot to consider when travelling with kids but I hope the few points I have touched on comes in handy and useful to some parents out there who are either travelling with the little ones soon or are planning a trip in the near future.With a forward planning travelling with your kids can be so much fun , exciting and adventurous.