Going on family trips as a family is great fun. You get to enjoy the scenery together and everything a different country has to offer. However, travelling with your kids in tow can also be pretty challenging. After all, you have an unexpected situation to take into account and pack for, tantrums to manage, and boredom to keep at bay. Moreover, you don’t only have to prepare for the actual trip, but also for the time spent at airports, possible transportation delays, accommodation that is below your standards and so on. With children, who are generally not known for their patience, around you, it’ll likely be all the more challenging.
If all those hypothetical situations are enough to make you want to cancel your trip, think again. Although it can sound like a handful, there are also many rewards to going on holiday with your family. However, to enjoy them to their fullest, you must prepare a little beforehand, so you’re ready for everything the trip can throw at you. Here are some of the top tips for surviving a flying trip with your kids.
Before you leave
When you’re in the incipient stages of your trip, it’s essential to think about your flight, not just the activities you’ll do when you arrive at your destination. Get a price comparison of flights to see if you can get a better deal. You should also pre-book your seats in advance to ensure that you can sit together. As a parent, it can be particularly daunting to be separated from your family for the duration of a flight, regardless of its span. Booking in advance also offers more options. If your children require extra legroom, or if you’d prefer your seats to be on an aisle close to the toilets.
You should also consider exactly how you travel. Since you are going with your children, you should ditch the taxi and take your car. The little ones will likely feel much more comfortable this way, mainly if it’s their first flight. You can do some research on parking Heathrow before you leave to get an idea about which provider would work best for your requirements. Airport parking Heathrow offers a wide range of services regardless of the duration of your trip. However, since the best parking deal tends to be grabbed first, you shouldn’t wait too long before booking yours.
When you arrive at the airport, it’s essential to take time in advance. If you live nearby, you might believe that you have all the time in the world and there’s no reason to rush, but that’s not quite so. There are many unexpected events that can happen along the way. You might encounter a traffic jam, or your car can unexpectedly break down, leaving you stranded with your luggage. There’s nothing worse than running late, being boggled with anxiety, and having your children get impatient and start acting up to make matters worse.
At the airport
Most airlines advise travellers to be at the airport roughly three hours in advance. While that will save you a lot of anxiety about checking everybody in and boarding the plane, it also leaves you with one problem: keeping the children entertained until it’s time to go. Since you’re a parent, you already know that this is no easy task, and it’ll require a little strategizing on your part and no small amount of creativity.
The good news is that all airports have free Wi-Fi these days, so you don’t have to worry that your children will become bored. They can bring their smartphones or tablets and spend their time listening to music or playing their favourite games. You can also download apps with games and have some of your favourite films ready to keep boredom away. However, you might not feel very keen about your children getting so much screen time. For this reason, it’s essential to get some magazines or colouring books. Some arts and crafts projects can also keep them occupied and make the waiting time and the flight more manageable.
Get some brunch while you wait. Many dining options are available in restaurants, ranging from fast food to cafes. There’s also a wide array of snack vending machines where you can get some tasty options. You can also spend time wandering around the airport. Although it can sound boring to an adult, kids are usually keen to explore and see it as an adventure. Moving around also allows kids to use up some of their energy, so they’re not so restless when you board the plane.
On the plane
After you get on the plane, you must think of ways to keep the children entertained until you arrive at the destination. You can visit some tourist offices at the airport where you can pick up some maps and get ideas about what you could do when you reach your holiday spot. Discuss the options with your children as well. Talking about beaches, parks, pools, and walks through unknown cities will make them more excited for the upcoming trip.
Make sure that they’re comfortable. Ideally, they should wear their clothes in layers that can be easily added or removed depending on what feels more comfortable for them. The shoes should also be comfortable, with slip-on being the easiest option. If any of the kids feel anxious, find ways to distract them. Listening to music or telling them a story can help. And, of course, ensure they’re comfortable when they want to take a nap. The neck should be resting well, and the blankets should be just enough to keep warm but prevent overheating. If your kids sleep during the flight, they’ll be easier to deal with when you land.
Travelling with kids can be challenging, and it can be all the more difficult if you’re on a long-haul flight. However, you shouldn’t allow that to put a damper on your mood, and enjoy spending time with your family. Doing some careful planning before you leave will solve all your problems.