Q: I have 2 children: a five year-old boy and a three year-old daughter. Both of them are very naughty and as this will be the first time they have travelled with my wife and myself, we will need some advice for travelling with children?
Hoang Hoa, Hanoi
A: Dear Hoa,
Psychologists reveal that from three years onwards, kids are aware of their surroundings and gradually become acquainted with new environments. Allowing children to travel with you helps them to discover the world and provides unforgettable memories for your family. Here we have some advice and suggestions for you to consider:
Choosing a suitable tour
It’s not a good idea to go on any adventure or backpacking tours. These tours normally involve long treks or stops at several destinations. Therefore, they are not usually suitable for children. You should instead organise to stay somewhere relaxing that caters for children. For example, you could try a resort or beach hotel that is near re-creational centers such as a theme park, the zoo or an oceanography museum, etc.
Something to consider when travelling by plane
Most pediatric experts advise that kids below 6 months of age should not travel by plane as they are susceptible to tinnitus. As the plane takes off you should give your child something to drink and some earplugs.
What to bring
Before the trip, you should list all the things your family will need for the trip. Remember to take only indispensable items or your heavy luggage will sap the energy you will need to entertain your kids, and may even end up costing you extra in excess luggage. It’s also important to be well informed about the weather at your chosen destination. Knowing what to expect will help you to decide what to take.
- Personal items: It’s hard to buy personal items at tourist sites, especially ones for children, so you should think about all of these in advance. Things like nappies, toothpaste and brushes for kids, shower cream, hand gel, napkins, etc, may be hard to find.
- Toys: Toys will help children to entertain themselves on the flight or on car and bus trips. Items such as portable game players, colouring books and music CDs for kid will come in handy.
- Food and beverages: Remember to always carry a bottle of water. You will need water to drink or to moisten a towel to clean off with or to clean dirty hands. It’s also advisable to bring some snacks like milk, rice porridge bags or candies in case your children are not happy with the food at the destination, or for them to eat on long journeys.
- Medicine: You should always take any medicine with you that you need, and don’t forget to also have the prescriptions with you when going to foreign countries. Don’t forget sun cream, diarrhea medicine, anti-insect cream, medicine for motion sickness, antiseptic cream, cotton wool and bandages.
- Take a small pair of scissors: It sounds strange but they always come in handy for a multitude of tasks. However, remember that on most international flights you will not be able to take these in the cabin with you. Instead, put them in your checked-in luggage.
- Camera: Don’t forget to all the lovely moments of your kids’ trip. You can also teach your kids how to the camera – they will be proud of their snaps and will be happy to show them off when you get home.
- Luggage: To avoid missing your luggage at the airport, make sure that you attach a note with your name and phone number to your pack or suitcase. You can let your kids carry their own light bag which will make them feel part of the action.
For further information on travelling with kids, please visit the website: http://www.travelwithyourkids.com.
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