A Guide for Stress-Free Family Travel
Travelling with young children can be an amazing experience, but it comes with its own set of challenges, particularly during long flights or road trips. The thought of preparing for the trip and keeping little ones entertained for hours on end can be somewhat overwhelming. However, with some pre-travel planning, a travel backpack full of treats, and a lot of patience, you can make your next family trip fun and memorable for the whole family.
Preparation Before the Trip
Involve kids in packing: Let them choose their favourite toys and books. This not only gives them a sense of ownership, and also ensures they have items that will keep them entertained.
Break It Up: Involve them in the map reading and planning trip distances. Discuss what everyone wants to stop and see. Grab an information brochure on the next place you are going to from a visitor centre and talk about all the things you would like to do there.
Pack Smart: Use ‘TWO CUBS’ backpacks to organise travel essentials, which already include activity kits with colouring books with stickers and engaging tasks together with a notebook and crayons. Choosing the optimum time for your family trip is important as kids are full of energy and eager to travel.
Stay Organised: Keep things together as best you can. Prepare napkins, sanitiser, and ‘TWO CUBS’ wet bags, and create a trash container with extra bags, which you can empty and start afresh anytime you make a stop. ‘TWO CUBS’ wet bags help keep wet and dirty things separate from unused items.
Engaging Activities During the Trip
Creative Play with Crafty Curls: Crafty Curls are versatile, non-toxic wax-coated yarn sticks designed for creative play. Kids can bend and twist Crafty Curls to create unique shapes and figures, such as animals, flowers, or their favourite cartoon characters. They can also form letters, numbers, and shapes, making playtime a fun learning experience. The included activity cards provide guided play ideas. Crafty Curls can stick to windows without leaving residue, perfect for creating window art during car rides or flights. This versatile, mess-free activity is ideal for keeping kids entertained and creatively engaged throughout the journey.
Activity Books: The ‘TWO CUBS’ activity book is a must for travelling families, especially during long drives or flights. It features colourful pages filled with engaging tasks and activities designed to keep kids entertained and interacting. Kids love stickers! The activity book includes themed stickers that they can use to complete tasks or create their own. This activity is not only fun but also helps develop fine motor skills.
Mystery Bags: Prepare a mystery bag with a new toy for your child now and then. Kids love surprises and will be entertained for a good amount of time with a new toy. These can include items like fresh toys, magnet games, card games, small board games, or even a new sticker set.
Educational Entertainment
Educational Tablets and Apps: Recommend kid-friendly educational apps that make learning fun and interactive. Tablets can provide hours of educational content, from maths games to language learning apps. Load documentary movies onto a laptop for long travels, focusing on your destination, planned activities, animals, climate, and nature. Encourage kids to do school work, read, and write stories. Audiobooks are also a great way to keep kids entertained and can be downloaded from the library. These options are both entertaining and educational, sparking curiosity and excitement about the trip. Don’t forget headphones! Balance screen time with other activities to keep kids engaged and maintain a healthy routine.
Travel Journals: Use ‘TWO CUBS’ notebooks for kids to draw or write about their travel experiences. Offer your child to start a travel journal where they can illustrate scenes, write stories, and capture their adventures. Collecting items like tickets, postcards, and receipts adds a scrapbook element, making it a fun and memorable project. This not only keeps them entertained but also helps them create lasting memories of their trips.
Physical Activities and Breaks
Car Travel: When travelling by car, plan your route to include regular stops at parks or attractions where kids can stretch their legs. Use these breaks for movement, such as simple exercises and active games, to help expend their energy. This not only keeps them engaged but also reduces restlessness.
Plane or Train Travel: If you’re travelling by plane or train and can’t make frequent stops, incorporate movement into the journey. Encourage kids to walk up and down the aisle when it’s safe to do so. Simple in-seat exercises, like stretching arms and legs, can also be effective. Use layovers or station stops to get kids moving, and seek out kid-friendly play areas in airports or train stations to let them expend some energy.
Snacks and Comfort
Healthy Snacks: Pack a variety of nutritious snacks to keep kids satisfied and energised. Include options like fruit slices, veggie sticks, cheese, and whole-grain crackers. This helps keep their bellies full and their minds busy. Make sure to have a mix of sweet and savoury options, and ensure kids have access to water to stay hydrated.
Comfort Items: Bring along your child's favourite blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows to provide a sense of security and comfort during the trip. Familiar items can help kids feel more at ease in new environments. Be sure that kids dress comfortably in layers so they can adjust to changing temperatures easily.
By preparing healthy snacks and ensuring comfort, you can keep kids content and relaxed, making the journey smoother and more enjoyable for everyone.
Travelling with kids doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right preparation and tools, you can turn every journey into an exciting adventure. Plan ahead, stay organised, and use engaging activities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip for the whole family.
For more tips and family-friendly travel products, visit the TWO CUBS website and make your next family adventure unforgettable!