Travelling with kids
Family holidays are a great opportunity to spend time together, away from the stresses of work. Whether it’s a weekend visiting friends or a week at the beach, a holiday can refresh and revitalise you. Children, though, can become bored during the journey to your destination, and can get fidgety and irritable. It helps to be organised.Take along games they can play in the car and music that they enjoy singing along to. Simple games like eye-spy or car bingo cost nothing but keep the kids entertained.
In the car
Plan to stop for a break more often than if you were travelling alone. It will take longer to get to your destination, but the journey is all part of the fun of the holiday. Plan stops that are child-friendly, for example, playgrounds or picnic areas.
There are a few things that you can bring along on your car journey, to make it a little easier.
- Wet wipes and paper towels.
- Empty plastic bags for rubbish and soiled clothes.
- A change of clothes for each child, in case they become car sick or get dirty when playing.
- Sunsmart clothes – like a sunhat and sunglasses.
- A plastic bowl or small bucket can be useful in case of car sickness.
- A bag of activities/toys to use on the trip.
- Bottles of water to drink and fruit for snacking.
Entertain me!
There are lots of ways to entertain children while travelling in the car. If there are two adults, you might want to take turns sitting in the back playing with the kids.
Babies like to have something to look at, so hang a mobile above their car seat. Tie a couple of favourite toys to their seat in case they drop them. Play music and sing while you drive. Make car trips interesting for toddlers by pointing out animals or play games like ‘I spy’. Give them toys to play with and talk to them as your drive.
Flying
Whether going overseas or to another city within New Zealand, flying can be a great way to travel. Flying with your children can be a great adventure for them, and there are ways to make it more enjoyable for you.
Ask other parents which airlines they have flown with – some might be better than others at accommodating parents and children.
Dress your child lightly, but take extra layers. The air temperature can be very different on the plane compared to the place you are leaving and your destination.
Travel sickness
Travel sickness is fairly common in kids – avoiding eating fatty foods can help. The Kids Health website and the Raising Children website have more tips for avoiding travel sickness.
More travel tips
The Kiwi Families website has ideas on where to take the kids for holidays or day trips.
