Joanna James
Regardless of your destination or the duration of the trip, holidaying with toddlers can be a difficult and stressful experience. Here are 8 tips to help you navigate travelling with young kids with ease and enjoy a hassle-free vacation away from home.
Having a car seat is especially useful for those who are embarking on a road trip with the family or are planning on travelling by road to their ultimate holiday destination. Those who are flying overseas will find it a hassle to carry a car seat but if there are any road trips and other excursions planned during the holiday, this toddler accessory will come in handy and keep your child safe.
Your carry-on luggage must be carefully packed so as to encompass nearly all of your toddler's needs. This means in addition to diapers and wet wipes, any favourite snacks, toys, medication and a water bottle/sippy cup must be securely packed. Those who have active kids may also want to pack some toys, a puzzle or an extra set of clothing for the child, should he or she soil her outfit along the way.
While this may not always be feasible, especially if one's family is large, packing a single suitcase is ideal for travelling with young children. Carrying and keeping track of several pieces of luggage can add stress to your journey so try to pack all of the family's belongings into a single large suitcase so you can have your hands and mind free to attend to the toddlers' needs at the airport or on the plane.
Make sure every item you pack has at least two uses. If an item can only be used for one purpose, then it is better left behind at home as you want to cut down on how much you're taking on the trip. Baby blankets can easily be replaced with a beach towel while a yoga mat can also come in handy for your workout session and as a regular mat to use by the pool or by the beach.
A rested child is one that's likely to be more compliant on the road so try to schedule a few naps when travelling.
Finding a hotel or resort that caters to family needs with babysitting services, laundry facilities and an in-house swimming pool are ideal for those who are hitting the road with the toddlers in tow. So make sure the venue is family-oriented whether you select the Aliya Resort & Spa or any other hotel Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, has to offer.
From colouring and drawing to reading or storytime, make sure your toddler remains occupied with quiet activities during the flight.
In addition to carrying a day bag with toys and snacks, parents of toddlers will also benefit from carrying a bubble solution, stickers and a portable stroller.
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