Tips For Travelling Abroad With Young Children


My children are still so little, but they've already done their fair share of traveling. Noah's been abroad three times and Ava has already been abroad twice. Well, three times if you count the time I flew to Germany whilst I was expecting! We've also had multiple holidays across the UK. Family holidays are a priority for us, we think they are so important and are something that we save to do every year.


We were so anxious when it came to taking Noah abroad for the first time because people had put the fear into us, telling us how much of a nightmare it is going abroad with children. I think fear mongering between parents is a current trend, and one which I wish would just go away. Fellow parents need support and encouragement, not further worry. Recently, www.left-baggage.co.uk created an informative infographic full of travel tips and invited me to share some of my own. I hope that this post gives you a little confidence when it comes to taking children on holiday because, in my experience, it doesn't have to be difficult and can be quite enjoyable.

Prepare everything the night before.
This is a no-brainer, but preparing everything the night before makes setting off for the airport so much easier. You don't want to be stressed out before you've even got to the boarding desk. It's also important to make sure you have the recommended cabin luggage sizes as these can vary between airlines. 

Create flight bags.
The main fear that parents have when it comes to going abroad with their kids is the flight itself. You hear so many horror stories about children screaming for the entire flight and being total nightmares. I've never experienced that with both of my children in all the flights that we've been on together and I think it's down to this very simple tip. Pack them a flight bag! The kids have their own little rucksacks that they use every time we travel. I fill with blind bags, sticker books, play-doh, toys, snacks, and a favourite cuddly toy. I also take an iPad with me too, if all else fails but we've never had to use it because they are both so preoccupied with what's inside their bags.

Keep them awake at the airport.
Usually we fly around 6am, when the flights are cheaper and this means that we need to drive to the airport around 2am. We try to keep the children awake during the transfer and while at the airport so they have a nice sleep on the plane. A nap and the flight bag have been a winning combination for us so far.

Pack lots of snacks.
Nothing is worse than a hangry child, especially when traveling! My two can be rather easy to please if you have their favourite snacks at hand! I make sure to pack snack bars, crackers, raisins and chocolate in our bags, all the snacks which you are able to take on board with you. It's also a good idea to pack more than you need for when you land and have to wait to collect baggage.

Do you have any tips that you would like to share?

- This is a PR collaboration.

6 comments:

  1. Good blog. I think by taking the children abroad when they are young, they are provided with early experience. So more likely to take the journey, etc in their stride.

    If parents want to go abroad, and want it to be a family experience. Then preparation, and accurate up to date information is essential.

    Rachel Craig

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  2. Preparation is key to a happy holiday

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  3. For most parents :- Health and Safety are Important aspects. Up to Date Information is absolutely essential.

    Rachel Craig

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  4. Children are curious by nature. So always worthwhile to have a range of activities available for them.

    Rachel Craig

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  5. Once you have taken children abroad for the first time it all becomes easier and you know the ropes so to speak.

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  6. great tips, snacks are so important lol, my daughter would eat eat eat

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