Going on a vacation is one of the ideal ways to relax and take a break from your stresses. However, traveling anywhere with children, especially young ones, can be a challenge.
Younger kids require lots of different accessories, nappies, wipes, comforters, to name a few. It is easy to go overboard with packing for that just-in-case moment.
This is something to be avoided as best as you can. Save yourself the hassle and keep baggage fees low by following these tips.
Limit Your Baggage
To prevent yourself from over-packing, it’s a good idea to first start with what kind of luggage you are bringing. Think about the length of your trip, how much you can carry physically and who will be saddled with the bags. From there, stick to the size and amount you have decided on.
If you stumble into any issues with fitting items into your predetermined luggage, it is a sign that you are overpacking. Chances are, if there is anything you have not got with you that you need, there will be shops where you are going.
Buy What You Need
The typical mindset when people go traveling is that we need to bring our stuff. This can be untrue in many cases. Sure, there will be personal items that you cannot do without. For adults, this can be personal care items, clothes, electronics, and accessories.
For kids, this includes clothes, medications, and toys. At the same time, you can buy many things at your travel destination. Nappies are an excellent example of this.
You should bring some to last during travel time, but the rest you can purchase once you get there. Other things you can buy are milk powder, some toiletries, and even emergency clothes.
Maximize Amenities
Whether you are staying at a hotel or Airbnb, there are amenities there that you can use to your advantage. Most places will have toiletries ready for you, including dental care, shower caps, shower gels and shampoo, and shaving kits.
You can also utilize their hairdryers and ironing equipment. Laundry is another concern that can easily be taken care of. Sometimes, all you need to do to get access to these things is to ask.
Research Your Destination
Call ahead to verify if the place where you are visiting has certain items or services. Airports and theme parks usually have strollers that you can borrow or rent.
Car hire services can sometimes provide car seats if you request one. However, if you want to be prepared you can hire a baby capsule to help with transporting your infant.
Be aware that your destination might have different legal requirements for your children. This is especially true when it comes to things like car seats and what age is okay for them to go without.
Research is especially important if you are planning a camping or caravan trip. When traveling with infants, plan your route carefully. Know what facilities there are at all destinations. Ensure you have up to date first aid kits and any other medical supplies required.
Portable and Small
It is important to remember that you have to carry all the things you bring on a trip. That said, you might want to go for travel-sized objects.
Things like your hairdryer and toiletries should be small and easily portable. You can use all-in-one personal care and your kids can too. The stroller you use should be the smallest and lightest one you have, foldable and easy to store.
One Item, Multiple Uses
There are certain items that you do not need on your trip. Try to pack things that you require or that can be used for different purposes. A travel journal for you can also be a sketch pad for your children.
Kid snacks can also be adult snacks. Maps can help you navigate and act as a learning guide or storytelling aid. Plus, you may not need as many toys as you think for your young ones.
Going on a holiday gives your kids a myriad of new experiences. As a result, they might not be clamoring for their toys as much. Bringing a favorite toy is a wonderful idea: it’s a familiar item to cling to during this new life experience and can be played with.
But that does not mean you have to bring them all. View this trip as a treat for your child and loosen some rules. Allow them more time on your iPad or phone, which can also save you some packing space.
Divide and Conquer
It helps to know who is carrying what at all times. That said, you can dedicate bags containing specific items to a person and try not to deviate from there. You can carry all the electronics and have your spouse carry all the kid items or vice versa.
Your kids can take some weight off your shoulders too. If your child is old enough for it, have them carry a backpack as well. Fill this bag with their essentials and other light items such as toys, nappies, clothes, and a snack.
Image Pexels License CCO