Know Before You Go: Tips for Traveling with Littles
I’m gearing up for a 9 day vacation with my fam and thinking about how it’s so true what they say..
that bit about “wherever you go, there you are”. A good reminder that the challenges in each of our unique phases of parenting in our homes will still be with us on our travels. I was reminding myself to keep expectations at bay, and how that often helps us enjoy these trips most.
I imagine we’ve all been conditioned to expect our children to “behave well”, to navigate their emotions with grace and ease, including in public settings (anyone flown with a toddler?!). Yet, in doing so, we overlook a basic truth: we, as adults, often struggle to maintain composure and handle our emotions with grace and ease. So why do we sometimes hold children to a higher standard than we hold ourselves?
We all have our moments of frustration, of overwhelm and of simply not having it all together. If we hope others will understand us during our own moments of vulnerability, shouldn't we extend the same compassion to our children?
If it would be helpful, keep these reminders in your back pocket for any upcoming travels:
✈️ Kids are allowed to feel uncomfortable in a new environment.
✈️ Kids are allowed to feel uncomfortable with new people.
✈️ Kids are allowed to get frustrated.
✈️ Kids are allowed to have a hard time.
We also love these practical tips from HWG Mama, Ronni Kess, of @touristtot:
Right Travel Gear: Ensuring you have the right travel gear can make a big difference. For example, a stroller that reclines for naps and comfortable travel car seats can enhance your little one’s experience and make your life easier.
Test your gear before your trip: Kids can sense when we’re stressed, so testing out the travel gear at home and knowing how to set up everything can lead to a more seamless travel experience for everyone.
Comforts from Home: Bringing familiar items like a sound machine or using a blackout pod can help your child sleep better while away. Have them test out the travel crib and blackout pod at home before traveling to avoid meltdowns during the adjustment. We try to make it fun by calling it a “camping party.”
Activities to Prevent Boredom: Pack small toys, books, games, and plenty of snacks to keep your child entertained while in transit.
Flexible Itinerary: Avoid overpacking your schedule. Leave plenty of flexibility in your plans to accommodate your child's needs and energy levels. We always try to locate a playground or some kind of kid-friendly activity to help them burn off energy.
We encourage creating an environment where our kiddos feel safe to express their emotions, where they're allowed to stumble and learn, just as we do! And sometimes (often!) that’s even (especially!) on vacation.