5 Ways To Avoid Stress When Travelling With Kids

This article was originally on GET.com at: 5 Ways To Avoid Stress When Travelling With Kids

Are you looking to bring your family on a vacation outside of Singapore? Travelling is one of the best things that can happen to anyone, but the same cannot be said for parents who aren't mentally prepared to deal with what their precious little ones might surprise them with while on the road. Here, we at GET.com put together a list of things you can do to avoid unnecessary stress when travelling with your kids.

5 Ways To Avoid Stress When Travelling With Kids

1. Boost Your Kids' Immunity Weeks Before Your Vacation

Nobody likes to be ill, especially not when they're supposed to be enjoying a well-deserved holiday trip with their family. While falling sick is unpredictable, it doesn't hurt to boost the little ones' immune system before letting them travel.

The same goes for yourself and your spouse. The best thing to do is to ensure everyone in your family is sleeping well, has sufficient rest, is eating well, and takes vitamins. Also, don't forget that jabs may be required sometimes.

2. Pack The Right Snacks

Are you a super strict parent who never lets your kids munch on candy or eat ice-cream? For a change, why not make a deal with your little ones where you'll let them have their treats if they promise to be at their best behaviour?

To make sure they the kids aren't filling up on empty calories, pack snacks that are yummy, delicious and healthy - such as cheese sticks, bagels, peanut butter sandwiches, and trail mix. This way, your kids get to keep their mood and energy levels up whilst on the go.

3. Be Well Prepared

One can never be 100% ready for every single thing in life, but it pays to put in the effort to be as well prepared as you can when planning and executing a family trip with little ones in tow. It's important that you and your spouse pack enough things yet avoid overpacking at the same time.

Foremost, bring the basics such as medications, a thermometer, wipes, and sanitisers in addition to your kids' clothes and shoes. Also, do not ever forget their favourite toys unless you're waiting for a meltdown to happen.

To be on the safer side of things, remember to prepare games, colouring books with some crayons, iPads, and little surprises (think: new toy or board game) to keep your kids entertained and happy at all times.

4. Plan Your Flight To Happen During Your Kids' Usual Bedtime

Frankly, this ingenious trick is a godsend. Since you're probably the one who's booking your family's flights, make sure to shoot for those that coincide with your children's bedtime as best as possible. Stick to their usual routines before bedtime and make sure they are as comfortable as possible during the flight.

One other trick is to book red-eye flights so that there might be more empty seats and your kids can lie down and make themselves comfortable. Although this might be tougher on you and your spouse, I think it's well worth the tiredness compared to having to deal with the kids' wailing drama on the flight. Plus, red-eye flights tend to be cheaper and that's a win-win. Read these tips and tricks to getting cheap flights if you want to save some money.

5. Take Your Precious Ones To Places They'll Love

Here's another trump card that will keep you and your little ones in better spirits - take them on a holiday to places you know they'll fully enjoy themselves. Kid-friendliness is of utmost importance if you want to make your life a little easier.

If you aren't sure which places are great to stay at when you're away from home, read about these 5 best kid-friendly hotels and resorts in Asia. Also, consider all-inclusives for your family trip if that helps. The last thing you want to deal with while on holiday is fretting over car rentals, meals, kids' programmes, babysitting services, nurseries, bottle warmers, etc. With some careful planning, you can make your family trip an enjoyable and fulfilling one.

What do you think? Share your comments with us below!

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