13 Things No One Tells You About Traveling With Kids

There’s no adventure like traveling with kids. It’s unpredictable, cluttered and hilarious, and it’s also deeply rewarding. Most parents are armed with tips from friends and parenting blogs when they first dive into the experience, but there are a few truths about family travel you won’t hear until you’re in the thick of it.

Hitting the road with little ones teaches you lessons you didn’t even know you needed — from unexpected meltdowns to surprising moments of joy. If you’re about to embark on your first family vacation or you’re a pro at traveling as a parent, this list will help you out.

Your “Perfect Plan” Will Fall Apart

Despite your best efforts to plan, kids will find a way to derail the schedule. Even the best laid itinerary can be thrown off by a missed nap, an extra-long bathroom stop, or an obsession with the airport’s moving walkways. The good news is, some of  those hiccups often end up being the most memorable—like the impromptu gelato (ice cream) stop in Italy because the toddler would not take another step.

You’ll Pack Too Much—And Too Little

The most experienced packers find their suitcases overflowing with things they don’t need and still manage to forget something important (like the baby’s favorite blanket). You need a bizarre mix of essential things for kids—snacks, diapers, spare clothes, toys—and there’s always that one thing you wish you had but didn’t think to bring. Pack half the clothes you think they’ll need and twice as many snacks.

Airports Will Test Your Patience

Airport security is stressful enough now, but try doing it with a baby, stroller and a preschooler who suddenly finds the conveyor belt fascinating. Families don’t get a break from TSA rules, so be prepared to juggle shoes, stuffed animals, and sippy cups while hopefully avoiding a mental breakdown.

Kids Are Natural Icebreakers

Strangers are children’s people. Kids can break down barriers in ways few adults can — whether it’s waving at fellow passengers, chatting with waitstaff, or making friends on a playground in a foreign city. Your little ones will help you meet more locals and fellow travelers—and they’ll often get special treatment from locals or insiders for their charm.

Not All “Kid-Friendly” Places Are Created Equal

Not all hotels that say they’re “kid-friendly” are going to work for your family or meet all your family obligations. Some places allow kids, some will have a kid’s menu and a play area, and others don’t allow kids at all. Do your research and don’t be afraid to ask specific questions before booking. A truly kid welcoming spot can make all the difference.

You’ll Appreciate “Boring” Activities in a New Way

With kids, a slow afternoon at a quiet park, or a simple walk on the beach can be the highlight of your trip. Watching them wonder at what seems mundane – like seeing a crab or chasing bubbles, makes you remember the delight of slowing down to enjoy the moment.

Bedtime Routines Are a Myth on the Road

That bedtime routine you pieced together yourself specifically at home? Forget about it. Kids are jet-lagged in unfamiliar surroundings, and the excitement of travel often means they don’t want to sleep. You’ll learn how to get creative—bedtime stories in hotel bathrooms, lullabies on planes, and cuddling until they are so exhausted and pass out.

Snacks Are the Real MVPs

Snacks always save the day. They stop meltdowns, assuage boredom, and, yes, they become bargaining chips (“Finish this museum tour, and you’ll get a cookie!”). Stock up on them like your sanity relies on it, because it does.

You’ll Redefine “Relaxing Vacation”

Kids’ vacations are removed from the leisurely beach day or the quiet sightseeing tour. They’re noisy and, sometimes, stressful. But there is also joy, laughter, things you’ll remember forever. Expectations need to be adjusted and uncertainties embraced, it’s part of the fun.

Kids Are Surprisingly Resilient

You may be concerned about long flights, strange foods or missed naps, but kids tend to adjust better than we think. They will sleep in strollers, eat strange foods, and recover from tantrums quicker than you can say ‘passport’. You’ll be relieved and proud watching them adjust to new experiences.

You’ll See the World Through Fresh Eyes

If kids are traveling with you, you suddenly slow down, and you cannot fail but notice the little things. It may be a street performer, a playground or a quirky roadside attraction that you’ll find yourself wondering at for hours. Their curious and excited moments are nothing but normal moments that turn into extraordinary memories.

Bathroom Breaks Will Rule Your Schedule

Whether you’re smack in the middle of the Eiffel Tower or deep in the rainforest, when a kid needs to go, they need to go. Much of your day will depend on your bathrooms (or lack thereof). Bring wipes, hand sanitizer, and a good sense of humour.

You’ll Realize It’s Worth It

In the long run, after all the hissy fit, missed flights, or spilled juice you wonder why you ever left home. And there’s the giggle-filled carousel ride, the first look at a sparkling city skyline, or the ‘this is the best day ever’ from your child. They remind you why you did this crazy thing in the first place.

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10 Best African Photo Safaris You Must Experience

Even if you’ve been on a safari in the past, an African photo safari is something you want to experience or at the very list add to the top of your bucket list.

But first, what is a photo safari? The phrase “photo safari” is not a common sentence structure but its meaning can be deduced easily. An African photo safari in general context means going on an adventure with the sole purpose of taking high-quality pictures.

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