Travelling is wonderful for soloists, couples and indeed families. It can be a little more difficult with families though. The added stress of entertaining children, finding a toilet at a moments notice and constantly handing out the snacks can take it’s toll. Suddenly a holiday doesn’t feel like much of a holiday! Use these top family travel hacks though and you’ll be enjoying your travel trip in no time!
Be Comfortable
One of the worst ways to feel on a long trip is uncomfortable. Whether it’s too war or too itchy, it makes the trip feel longer than it is and it can bring annoyance and even tears. Make sure everyone is comfortable before your travel. Be it a pair of joggers and a hoodie so you feel cosy or something a little lighter. If you’re hoping the children sleep on the flight or you’re flying at night, let them wear their pyjamas! Comfort is key when travelling.
Pack By Category
One of the worst things to do is make sure everyone has their own carry on bag with what they need in it. This creates a lot of extra bags! Whilst the kids having their own luggage might seem like a good idea, how long are they actually going to be happy to carry it for? If the grown ups have a bag each (see below) you can simply pack by category. Packing squares are perfect for this, keeping snacks together, entertainment and toys together, spare clothes together and toiletries together. This way you’ll know where to access things when they are required.
Use Backpacks
You might have some wonderful suitcases but suitcases take up space. No one tends to under pack a suitcase, often taking things they don’t need. When you take things you don’t need, you might end up paying to take items with you that you never actually use. A great holiday for a jumper that is never worn! Suitcases also need a hand to pull them along or carry them. By using backpacks, you throw them on your back and you’ve now got both hands still available. Keeping your children close by is very important when travelling, as is the other requirements of being a parent, such as helping them go to the toilet or opening the snack they’ve just asked for! Backpacks could be the ultimate family travel hack!
Pack Some Sweets
If you’re flying, remember some sweets for take off and landing. Children have more sensitive ears than adults and might feel the popping in your ears. It’s the pressurisation of the cabin that you feel through discomfort in your ears and children feel it a lot more. Sucking on some boiled sweets or chewing some gum can counteract this and make the take off and landing process that much more enjoyable for all.
Take Empty Water Bottles
You can’t take liquids over a certain size through airport security. Yet you can take empty water bottles and fill them u on the other side. Many airport lounges have water refill points. Take a couple of empty water bottles with you to make sure everyone can stay hydrated and have access to a drink when they need it.
Keep The Excitement
You might feel stressed or maybe hate flying yourself. But if the children pick up on this they’re likely to lose interest in the travelling side of things.Maintain that excitement by making a big deal about being on the plane, in a positive way. Ask them what they can see, keep them entertained with games or a new toy and some screen time. Excitement and fun will help the time pass too.
Wipes Are You Friends
Be sure that you have some baby wipes in your bag as children will get messy, even when there is no mess to get messy with! From toilet issues in terminals to sticky hands after meals, wipes come in handy everywhere you go.
Buy An Extra Seat
There was a Mummy hack online not long ago showing how with a certain airline carrier, if you booked an additional seat for £100, you got an entire row to yourself. This meant you could take advantage of the fact the special seats fold out to create a bed space. So you can actually get a decent sleep laying down, instead of creaking your neck trying to sleep sitting up. Sounds good to us!
Use Those Services
The final family travel hack is to take advantage of the free airport services that airlines offer. Lots of them offer an escort service, giving you a little bit of extra help getting to the plane. This could be a great idea if you’re a single parent travelling with more than one child, any help is good! You never know, you might even get a ride to the gate or be boarded before other flyers. Ask about these services and take advantage of them!
We hope these nine family travel hacks help you out on your adventures. Happy travels!