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TOP TIPS TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

6 replies

tryinghi778 · 30/05/2025 20:28

Hello wise mumsnetters

travelling for the first time alone abroad with 6 year old and 4 year old and I just wanted to know what are your top travel tips for a smooth holiday? Anything that will make my life easier , things to take or do or make the whole process enjoyable! Anything must pack? Of course will be doing a medical bag toys etc
Beach/hotel holiday mostly

looking forward to hearing all your replies!

thank you

OP posts:
Caspianberg · 31/05/2025 05:13

Just go with the flow. Routines and timings will be completely out of sink due to travel and different cultures, heat etc..

let them chill indoors with movie a few hours in the afternoon is really hot, and then much much later bedtime

mine is similar age and like mini mags, top trumps, smart iq games for travel

tryinghi778 · 31/05/2025 22:08

Thank you @Caspianberg

OP posts:
VillaSearchByAbby · 03/06/2025 18:28

Rash vests - 2 each so if they are wet can change but stay sun-safe
go with the flow on food - one of mine only ate fruit and yogurt on holiday as it was hot she just went off food. She didn't starve but I did worry!
As @Caspianberg has said, quiet time after lunch when really hot works well, also has the advantage of them staying up later to allow you to enjoy your evening.

DinoLil · 03/06/2025 22:41

Lots of duct tape.

Only joking!!

A really good first aid kit, remember all medication, pack a favourite toy (and take a photo in case it gets lots and you need MN to find a replacement 😊). Get some of those wrist bands where you can write your phone number on. If any allergies, get medical bands for those (my eldest was allergic to bananas and nuts and carried an epipen).

More sun cream than you think you'll need. Some pocket money for them so they can buy pool toys/ice cream/general holiday tat.

Forget routines like bedtime, naps, breakfast.

Pack paracetamol from the inevitable headaches. And calpol!

Most importantly - relax and have a fabulous time. Take loads of photos!

samarrange · 03/06/2025 22:54

DinoLil · 03/06/2025 22:41

Lots of duct tape.

Only joking!!

A really good first aid kit, remember all medication, pack a favourite toy (and take a photo in case it gets lots and you need MN to find a replacement 😊). Get some of those wrist bands where you can write your phone number on. If any allergies, get medical bands for those (my eldest was allergic to bananas and nuts and carried an epipen).

More sun cream than you think you'll need. Some pocket money for them so they can buy pool toys/ice cream/general holiday tat.

Forget routines like bedtime, naps, breakfast.

Pack paracetamol from the inevitable headaches. And calpol!

Most importantly - relax and have a fabulous time. Take loads of photos!

Pack paracetamol from the inevitable headaches. And calpol!

I can neither confirm nor deny that when our DC were about 1 and 3, we used to give them "non-non-drowsy" cough/headache syrup. 😎

NJLX2021 · 04/06/2025 03:33

For the Flying + Airport part (if you are)

I travelled solo with a 4 year old, 2 connecting flights, 2h + 12h earlier this year, and my advice to make it as simple as possible is:

Child takes a backpack just full of stuff to do while travelling (you manage what they bring), that includes things suitable for: Looking at while standing in queues, Looking at during take off + landing, playing with on a table during flight. Kids are responsible for carrying their own toys/stuff

If possible get/have suitcases that they can sit down on during any wait times.

Bring food that is fiddly/takes time to eat (lots of small pieces etc.) great for boring moments.

Buy something new in the airport for the flight - the excitement will ride over a lot of the boring parts of airports/journeys.

For the 4 year old - consider a foldable tray. I had one that could fit in my backpack, then could fold out so that it had sides. Put it on his lap or the flight table = no toys always falling off the table under the seats.

Make sure they have their own backpacks, and maybe even small suitcases, give them responsibility and let them take pride in getting through each part of the journey.

If it is a long flight and you want them to watch things - prepare comfortable over-ear headphones, and any adapters needed to connect to devices/airport screens.

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