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Here Are 10 tips When Travelling With Kids – Shared By A Mom

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Noor Aishah Karim •  Jun 08, 2023

Travelling with children can be a daunting task, but with a bit of preparation and flexibility, it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience. Meet Natasha, a maker of goodie bags and party boxes for kids' birthday parties and a mother of one who recently embarked on a memorable trip to Melbourne with her husband, daughter, and extended family. Here, we break down her tips for stress-free travel with kids, allowing you to create lasting memories while ensuring a smooth journey.

1) Choose a Family-Friendly Destination

Credit: Natasha

2) Timing Is Key

Credit: Natasha

Timing your trip is essential, especially when travelling with young children. Natasha opted for a time when the weather in Melbourne is neither too hot nor too cold. This ensured a comfortable environment for the family to explore the city and engage in outdoor activities without worrying about extreme temperatures.

P.S. Looking for family-friendly restaurants to head to in SG? Check this out!

3) Consider a Red-Eye Flight:

Flying with a young child can concern many parents, but Natasha discovered the benefits of taking a red-eye flight. By boarding the plane during nighttime, she followed her daughter's natural sleep patterns. Much to her relief, her daughter slept soundly for the entire 7-hour flight, allowing the family to arrive in Melbourne well-rested and ready to start their adventure.

“It was my first time travelling with my daughter, who is at that point about 3.5 years old. As suggested by many, we took a red-eye flight and were thankful she slept throughout the 7 hours!”

4) Embrace Road Trips

Natasha and her family found road trips to be a highlight of their Melbourne journey. Exploring the Great Ocean Road and venturing to Cowes to witness the Penguin Parade created memorable experiences for everyone. The cool weather during their road trips made the scenic drives even more enjoyable, and the family cherished the freedom and flexibility of having their vehicle.

P.S. Inspired to road travel until Melbourne? Here’s an itinerary to follow!

5) Keep the Kids Engaged

To ensure a stress-free journey, it's essential to keep the kids occupied and engaged throughout the trip. Natasha discovered that her daughter enjoyed visiting Puffing Billy, Werribee Zoo, and other kid-friendly attractions. By including activities tailored to her daughter's interests, Natasha ensured the family had an enjoyable time together.

P.S. Thinking of what you should get as essentials? Check this article out

6) Create a Familiar Atmosphere

During long drives or flights, it's essential to make the environment feel familiar and comforting for children. Natasha's husband devised a brilliant idea of creating a playlist with their favourite songs. You can try playing familiar tunes throughout the journey, which provides a sense of security and makes the travel experience more enjoyable for the little one.

7) Be Prepared for Chilly Evenings

When travelling to Phillip Island for the Penguin Parade, Natasha and her family encountered cold weather. Although the kids initially found the temperature uncomfortable, the experience was still worth it. To tackle the chilly evenings, Natasha packed jackets, heat packs from Uniqlo, and additional layers to keep the little ones warm and cosy.

8) Travel with Extended Family

Natasha found that travelling with cousins and siblings made the journey less stressful. With more children around, they kept each other occupied and entertained, leaving the adults less worried. The shared experience also fostered stronger bonds among the family members, creating lasting memories for everyone involved.

9) Maintain Flexibility

Natasha's most valuable piece of advice is to go with the flow. While some structure and preplanning are necessary, being too rigid with schedules and meal times can add unnecessary stress. Instead, embrace spontaneity and allow room for unexpected detours or additional rest breaks. This approach ensures everyone can relax and enjoy the trip without feeling overwhelmed.

10) One Activity Per Day

To avoid overwhelming parents and children, Natasha suggests planning only one significant daily activity. By pacing the itinerary, the family had ample time to fully experience each attraction without rushing from one place to another. This allowed them to savour the moments, create lasting memories, and ensure a more enjoyable journey overall.

Natasha's trip to Melbourne proves that travelling with kids can be a rewarding experience. By selecting family-friendly destinations, following natural sleep patterns, embracing road trips, and maintaining flexibility, she created a stress-free travel adventure for her family. With these tips in mind, you, too, can embark on a memorable journey with your loved ones, ensuring that shared moments will be cherished for years to come.