Jetting off on a summer holiday with kids? It can be daunting to travel with little ones – but fret not, we have all the travel tips you need to ace your next holiday!
Travelling with little ones can be both rewarding and anxiety-inducing. For starters, packing – what do you need to take with you? How can you best prepare for the plane ride? We asked our Launchpad members, who are seasoned parents themselves, for their hottest travel tips. Read on to ace that summer holiday with the kids!
1. Toys from home are a winner, especially time-consuming puzzles on a summer holiday with kids
“When travelling with young kids, I always bring a few storybooks or toys that will keep them entertained. Some of the toys we bring on a summer holiday are usually stacking toys (these double up as great mini sand buckets at the beach!). We also like challenging toys that will work their minds, like Rubik’s cubes and puzzle activities the kids can play on their own. This is useful because, as usual, kids get bored easily, and then you don’t need to rely on screen time to entertain little ones, which is something we personally try and avoid”.
Senthilkumar Subramanian, CEO, The Noteway Gifts
2. Pack smart and light, and plan for all weather!
“Summer holidays are always enjoyable, especially since having kids. Every year, we make it a tradition to take a trip back to Europe to spend time with our family and explore the countries we come from. It can be hectic (and very full on!) when travelling with little ones, especially if you are doing solo trips. My advice is to pack smart and light but be prepared for the weather and plan things so you are ready and can tell kids what is coming up and get them excited!
Saying that sometimes it is good to go easy on routines and bedtimes and enjoy the time during holidays and trips and make the memories as kids do remember all the fun times and adventures!”
Linda, Founder and Creative Director of MiliMilu
3. Be flexible and adaptable – travelling with kids doesn’t always go to plan!
“Remembering that when travelling with young kids, things don’t always go according to plan. Being adaptable, going with the flow and trying to keep calm (no matter how chaotic things are) will make the holiday more enjoyable. I also try to allow my daughter to have a say in the decision making which makes her feel empowered during the trip!”
Natalie Hiong, Founder and Director, Creative Hearts – Centre For Performing Arts
4. Pack an entertainment bag, and don’t forget some little surprises!
“As a professional home organiser and a mom of two young kids, my top tip is to pack an “entertainment bag.” Trust me, it’s a lifesaver! Fill it with a mix of their favourite toys, books, and activities to keep them occupied during the journey. Don’t forget to include some surprises too! New colouring books, small puzzles, or stickers – things that you know will get them excited. Don’t forget the snacks because, let’s be honest, that’s a huge part of keeping kids entertained.
Also, to me, there is no shame in screen time. Get a pair of kids’ headphones and a tablet loaded with their favourite shows or games. This little bag of tricks will keep boredom at bay and make your trip so much more manageable. Happy travels!”.
Nassim Secci, Founder, The Happy Space Company
5. Don’t forget to take some me-time to recharge – it’s your summer holiday too!
“Traveling with kids can be a whirlwind of excitement and chaos. Amidst the hustle, it’s essential to find moments of stillness. Embrace those brief respites to recharge. Stay an extra moment in the bathroom, or extend your solo shower by one minute longer. Take a deep breath and close your eyes, savouring the tranquillity. If fortunate enough to have friends or grandparents present, allow your kids to explore freely.
Don’t succumb to mom guilt; relish those precious moments of stillness. By prioritising self-care and embracing moments of tranquillity, you can truly enjoy your travel experience with your children.”
Dana Wolf, Feng Shui practitioner and Marie Kondo consultant, founder of Anjia Living
Thank you to our Launchpad members for contributing to this feature. Happy travels!
