16 Tips for Traveling Abroad with Kids Without Losing Your Mind
Traveling abroad with kids is a wild ride, exciting and exhausting. Whether you’re trying to find your way around foreign streets or read foreign menus, it can be a joy and chaos. With a little planning and a lot of patience, those picture-perfect family moments abroad are totally doable.
Kids are unpredictable, that’s part of their charm, but let’s be honest, they are part of the challenge when you’re far from home. The good news? You can keep the stress at bay and focus on making memories with some tried and true strategies. Let’s get to it!
Pack Light but Smart
There’s an urge to take everything for every possible scenario, but you’ll quickly get frustrated hauling around extra bags. Stick to the basics (or light basics), from lightweight layers to travel sizes of all the toiletries you would possibly need. A collapsible stroller or baby carrier can be life-saving.
Quality Travel Insurance Is a Must
Vacation accidents and illnesses do happen. If you have to visit a doctor or replace lost luggage, then travel insurance helps get rid of worries. Many travelers encounter unexpected hiccups during their trips, a good reason to prepare.
Make a Kid Friendly Itinerary
When you have too many activities, it can turn fun into a frenzy. Have one big day planned with lots of time to nap or just play quietly. To keep your kids busy, mix in kid-focused attractions like parks or aquariums. Happy kids make happy parents, remember that.
Research Local Health and Safety Tips
There are quirks to staying healthy in every country. Know some basic food safety practices and keep a stash of hand sanitizers and wipes. Check with the CDC for routine vaccinations before traveling internationally.
Plan for Snacks and Entertainment
Kids and hunger don’t mix. Bring along non-perishable snacks such as granola bars, crackers, and dried fruit. For entertainment, think sticker books, downloaded cartoons, or travel-friendly games. The best travel companion is a calm, occupied child.
Plan for Jet Lag
Everyone can get thrown off crossing time zones. A few days before leaving, gradually adjust bedtime, and upon arrival encourage outdoor activities to soak up natural sunlight. Light exposure can help your body clock reset faster.
Organize Important Documents
Have passports, visas, and medical records in a waterproof pouch that you can grab easily. It’s also a good idea to have digital backups on your phone or email.
Choose Accommodations Wisely
Not all hotels or rentals are family-friendly. Check out places with kitchenettes, laundry facilities, or that are a hop and skip away from grocery stores. It also makes access to familiar comforts easier for the transition and money on meals.
Learn the Local Language and Basic Phrases
A few words such as “hello,” “thank you,” and “bathroom” can go a long way. Locals are happy that you are trying and kids love to practice new words. If you’re worried about pronunciation, download a translation app.
Embrace Public Transport
For kids, public transport is an adventure in itself. Traveling by bus, train, or ferry often can be cheaper and more stress-free than driving around in strange places. There’s no one complaining about who gets to sit in the front seat.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Lost luggage? A missed connection? It happens. Roll with the punches, and keep a small bag of essentials (clothes, diapers, meds) in your carry-on. Sometimes they’re the unplanned detours that lead to the best stories.
Engage Kids in Planning
Allow your kids to choose a destination or activity. It involves them, and they feel in control, and excited. Kids are more likely to cooperate when they feel included.
Take Breaks for Play
Little ones can find travel days to be long. Make sure you build in time for them to stretch, run, and play. Movement can help burn off energy whether it’s a quick game of tag at a rest stop or a visit to a local playground.
Stay Flexible
Adaptability is key, and it’s easy to get stuck on the idea of the perfect vacation. If you don’t stick to plans, take a deep breath and pivot. The missed museum won’t be remembered by kids, but they will remember your reaction.
Capture Moments
It’s tempting to document everything but don’t let the need for the perfect photo take over your trip. Take a few candid shots then live in the moment. Your memories will thank you.
Remember to Enjoy Yourself
Traveling with kids is exhausting, but it’s also a chance to see the world through their eyes. Laugh at the hiccups, try and savor the small joys, and remember why you started this journey.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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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.
