Travel and Outdoor Fun for Kids

You remember the thrill of going on a vacation when you were a kid.  The excitement and adventure of going to a new place was just so overwhelming!  Now, you think about how you are going to keep the kids entertained in the car or wonder if they are going to scream on that five hour flight.  We are here to help ease the stress of travelling with the little ones so that you can go back to that carefree feeling of enthusiasm yourself.  

Planning your Trip

Planning trips with children is easier than you might think!  You will first need to do a little bit of your own research, finding an itinerary or budget that works for your family and their interests.  You can then choose to book the accommodations yourself, or ease the burden by using a travel agency.   

Things to Keep in Mind

Let's first talk about the hotel.   When staying with kids in a hotel, the most important factors to consider are not necessarily the thread count of the sheets  or the stunning view of the room.  It is more practical to arrange your accommodations to meet your itinerary.  You may want to stay near the top spots  that you will plan to visit, making commuting time between places much easier on the family. Investigate family tours.   They cater to your children's interests and make your planning a breeze.  Check to see if there are family-friendly restaurants near the hotel, and research the neighbourhood.  Look for a hotel staff that is known to be welcoming to families!  Often these kinds of hotels will provide cribs, babysitting services,  in-room kitchens, and more.  Check out our Guide to Lodging to learn more about booking a room and to pick up some great travel tips!

 

You will also want to consider modes of transportation.  When travelling with children of all ages, you want them to be safe and comfortable at all times.  Think about what sort of transportation will work best for your family and your itinerary.   Kids just love trains,  as they are often intrigued by how they work and how fast they go, making this a great option for travel.  Travel by sea is often fun for families because there is something for everyone!  Look at the Guide to Cruises for information on cruise lines, ports, and prices.  Flying with children can sometimes be tricky.  The high pressure often hurts their ears and a long flight can feel like torture.  If this is your mode of travel, don't worry, there are ways around the stressors.  You will first want to find an airline that provides a number of flights and departure times to your destination, as being delayed with children is never fun.  Also consider the remedies to ease any problems with motion sickness  or ear popping.    For some, standard travel by car may be the best way to go.  You can feel safe and comfortable by using your own car seat,  and don't forget travel toys  and games  for the ride!  If you are planning to rent a car in another region, look at our Guide to Car Rentals before you book.

What to Pack

Avoid packing everything under the sun.  For younger children, you may need to pack a little bit more, but for older ones keep in mind that some ordinary things can be shared.  When organising your luggage, think about using roller bags, as they are easier to transport when you might need another arm to carry a sleeping baby.  Our Guide to Luggage can help you plan that out.  Think about only packing the essentials, as you will have a lot of stuff to take along, and condense wherever possible.  

Must Haves

No matter where you final destination is taking you, here are a few things that top our list.

Sickness and Health Bringing children's medicine  along on your trip is always a wise idea.  Consider taking a portable first aid kit  as well for any scrapes along the way.  Be sure to pack any medication for allergies  just in case.  It's better to be safe than sorry.	The Nappy Bag For travel with babies and toddlers, pack the nappy bag  with everything you will need -- nappies,  ointment,  wipes,  formula,  bottles,  sippy cups.   Using instant rice,  instant hot cereal,  or anything that only needs water, you can use this kind of food no matter where you are.	Toiletries Travel bath sets  and children's tooth paste  are just a few of the important things that a small child will need.  Look for water proof bags  to put shampoos  and other liquids in, but keep in mind that air travel regulation sizes have changed.	Clothing Basics Think about where you are going and what type of dress your child will need.  Be sure to pack comfortable outfits  for travel days, and bring a few dressy items  just in case.  Safe and comfortable shoes  are a MUST, as are extra socks  and undies.   Pack a raincoat  or poncho  even if it's not rainy season; weather can be unpredictable and you don't want to hear the complaining that goes with being wet and cold.	Entertainment Bringing along a few books,  toys,  and games  from home is never a bad idea.  For longer trips, surprise your child with a few new toys, as the novelty will keep a child occupied; otherwise, a few favourites from home will do.  Look for travel sized fun  and bring along a small stuffed animal,  as they make great travel companions.

For the Water 

There is bound to be some kind of water on every destination, whether it's a pool, lake, water park, or ocean.  Be prepared with these water essentials for kids... and don't forget to bring your own suit  so that you can have some fun with them!  For Caribbean  and exotic destinations, you may also want to check out our guides on Snorkels, Masks, and Fins.  Snorkelling excursions are always popular among families with older children!

Swim Suit Though it might seem obvious, people DO forget.  Please remember to bring along one of the most important components... the swim suit.	Water Shoes In public places you want to keep your child's feet clean and safe.  Look for water shoes  with a rubber sole for the best protection against slips.	Water Safety Little ones will need to be safe around the water, and you can help them by bringing along a tube,  arm bands,  or other swim trainer  to wear.	Water Toys Let them have some fun!  Bring along a shovel and pail  for the beach or any floating water toys  for the pool, and watch their imaginations at work.	Towels Avoid the post-water chill and bring along your own towels.   There might not always be enough provided at the pool!  And, you can also use these towels to claim your spot.

Related Guides 

Check out these related guides to help you further prepare your trip or to get even more ideas on what to bring along on your holiday! 

• Baby Bags and Carriers
• Baby Health and Hygiene
• Beach Games
• Clothing for Kids
• Fun Times for Kids
• Games to Play
• Kids' Summer Camp Supplies
• Kids' Travel Essentials 
• Prams
• Products Onboard
• Travel Organisation

External Links

• Flying WithKids.com: Infant, baby, toddler, and child air travel tips.
• HolidayWithBaby.com: Look for baby friendly holidays.
• TimesOnline.co.uk: A collection of the best web sites for baby and toddler travel.  
• TravelForKids.com: A collection of travel tips and stories for those travelling with children.    

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