We can’t improvise as much when we go as a family as only between adults. But that does not mean that there is no room for spontaneity, quite the contrary! Here are our 10 most useful tips to prepare well and make the most of your family vacation. The essential things to tie up so that everything goes well and that everyone keeps in mind the lasting memories of their trip…
1. Choose the destination that best suits your needs and those of your children
Traveling with children, from an early age, is possible anywhere in the world! There are, however, destinations that are more in line with our ideal trip and the type of vacation we are looking for.
The ideal is to find a destination where children can have experiences every day that are interesting for them, that involve them and allow them to have fun.
The ideal is to find a destination where children can have experiences every day that are interesting for them, that involve them and allow them to have fun. For example, if you are traveling with young children and want to relax, while exploring and exploring: Indonesia and Southeast Asia are for you. Are you traveling with children aged 6 and over, in the middle of the exploration phase or with teenagers? Africa could be the ideal destination!
Our advice : listen to your children. For example, you can play a game with them asking them to write on a piece of paper everything they would like to learn from their trip, associate what you are looking for as parents, and the solution is found!
2. Find out about the availability of everything that could be useful to you on site
In particular, ask about food and your real “friends” like travel cots, high chairs, and strollers . There are children all over the world, you will surely find everything useful for traveling with them. But sometimes it really helps to find out what may be more convenient first.
Stroller or baby carrier for example? If you are planning a trip to a big metropolis, from Singapore to New York, the stroller will make the trip for you and your little ones more serene. If you are planning a great trip of trekking, hiking and discovery, or if your next destination is simply Southeast Asia, the baby carrier is undoubtedly your future best friend. Remember that you can rent on site!
There are children all over the world, you will surely find everything useful for traveling with them.
In the main tourist areas, more and more agencies are set up to facilitate travel for families with children , offering the rental of strollers, camping beds, car seats and even bottle warmers. A quick search on the Internet before departure can be very fruitful. Do not hesitate to contact the local Evaneos agents who will be able to advise you best.
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3. What to put in your suitcase? Go light!
We think that traveling with children cannot rhyme with “traveling light”. Think again ! Find out in advance about the climatic conditions of your next destination and act accordingly, packing the bare necessities in the suitcase. You will be the first to be delighted, especially when picking up suitcases at the airport or loading them into the car. Everyone knows, especially on vacation, that children need a change a day. Don’t worry and take advantage of the laundries on site: it will be much simpler and you can find them everywhere.
Also, even if your destination is hot and near the sea, remember to always have a sweater in your bag for temperature changes and for the plane, where the air conditioning is often very strong. So you need a sweater and a blanket to avoid catching cold before the party even begins! 🙂
4. Health: medication to take when traveling with children
Your doctor is the most competent person to tell you which medicines to pack for you and your children depending on the chosen destination . Do not hesitate to make an appointment with him for a health check-up and to obtain a list of essential medications. They might take up a little space in your luggage, but it will be worth it when needed.
5. Always have two essentials in your bag: wipes and antibacterial gel
When traveling, it is not always possible to wash children’s hands and thus prevent all possible diseases. Having an antibacterial hand wash gel in your bag will help you in all those situations where the toilet will not always be available. Also, bring wipes which can always come in handy, anywhere in the world!
6. What toys to take before leaving?
Just like with suitcases, it is better to bet on lightness. During the trip, your children will love the novelty and find it much more fun to play with everything that was unfamiliar to them rather than using their own toy box like at home. Don’t worry, two or three toys will do !
A book, a toy car, a doll, depending on their preferences. Before leaving, let them choose ! The question is different if you have to take a long, often tiring flight.
During the trip, your children will love the novelty and find it much more fun to play with everything that was unfamiliar to them rather than using their own toy box like at home.
When traveling with children, always prefer overnight trips so that it is less boring for them and for you. For very long flights, choose airlines that offer inflight entertainment . And then, arm yourself with a lot of patience and their favorite toys, and it’s even better if you have books or colored pencils to draw with them.
7. Excellent medical insurance: don’t skip it!
She can quickly become your best friend. Think about it! Find out which one best suits your needs and covers the whole family. It will allow you to have access to the best medical services wherever you are. Do not hesitate to consult the Evaneos service in partnership with Chapka and Axa.
8. Involve the children in preparing for the trip
For children, travel is an incredible source of adventure and discovery . Involve them in the preparation of your itinerary, show photos and videos of your destination, interest them in the trip from the preparation at home . They will be better prepared once there, especially in parts of the world where the culture is very different from yours. Let them also experience this great adventure as a game. For older children, give them a camera to discover and immortalize the places with you, encourage them to keep a travel diary. They will be the best memories for them.
9. Get expert advice
If you want to leave in complete peace of mind and take full advantage of your holidays , call on a local agent who will take care of organizing them for you. Depending on your needs, the age of your children, the accommodation, but above all the experiences you can have together. It will save you time and you will be sure of the result.
For children, travel is an incredible source of adventure and discovery. Involve them in the preparation of your itinerary, interest them in the trip from the preparation at home.
10. Advice for parents: Relax and take your time!
Traveling with children requires good preparation but it is still possible and is wonderful. The first golden rule? Be flexible! Consider the needs and desires of your children carefully , do not plan days that are too trying, but rather devote several hours a day to entertainment. Make activities accessible to children by involving them, while remaining understanding and at their own pace . Also travel for them and with them. It will be wonderful! And then… have a nice trip!