Tips traveling with children

I have experienced all the facets of traveling with children. I have traveled with my few months old baby, with a toddler, preschooler and with a school age kid. All of them are different, each requiring attention to detail to make sure that you have a good family vacation from the moment you start to the time you return.

Traveling with Babies: I would consider a baby from new born to 2 years old

• Make sure that when you pack their luggage you have plenty pacifiers on hand and their favorite stuffed toy or blanket that he/she likes to sleep with. Pack plenty clothes to change them, favorite toys to make them feel at home. If you are heading to the beach: hats, sunglasses, sun screen and mosquito repellent for sure.

• When the airplane is taking off, make sure that you feed the baby, the sucking action prevents ear ache due to the change in air pressure. If baby does not need food, use a pacifier, this will make them more comfortable.

 

• I would recommend to have with you on the airplane a bag just with the baby items: baby formula, bottle of water, (check the TSA web for details https://www.tsa.gov/travel/special-procedures/traveling-children) change of clothes, baby snacks,  toys, diapers, pacifiers, cream for  diaper rash , wet wipes, and any medication that your child might be taking.

Traveling with Toddlers: I would consider a toddler from 2 to 4 years old

• Toddlers are more independent and very active, so make sure that you have their favorite toys, clothes and planned activities to keep them occupied while they wait in the airport, in the check-in line at the hotel and so. Some kids love electronics (tablets, phones) but some love to color, read or play with toys; choose something that your child will enjoy and make you feel more relaxed during all this process.

 

• Make sure that you pack for them: tooth brush, tooth paste, comb, plenty clothes because they will need to change clothes many times. Of course if you are heading for the beach, they need the same items that babies need.

 

• They will still look for their favorite blanket or stuffed toy to sleep with so make sure you bring it with you

 

• Plenty snacks to keep them well feed to prevent tantrums

​Traveling with young kids: I would consider kids from 5 to 7 years old on this group.

• At this age they are already going to school so they are more tolerant with the waiting time at airports and hotels but still need to be distracted. At this age I would say it is very important to have either a book to read or a tablet where they can play video games appropriate to their age.

 

• You won’t need to pack extra clothes since they don’t get as dirty as toddlers, but make sure that they choose the clothes that they are taking. They show more their personality at this range of age and they like to dress in their own style.

 

• Bring their favorite snack, their favorite hat, dress, shirt or short. This lets them feel special and close to home. Travelling is always a stressful time for all of us, so let’s make it easy on our kids with little details from home.

​Traveling with older kids: I would consider kids from 8 to 18 years old on this group.

• This group age for sure will pack their own luggage, make sure that they don’t carry too much, that everything is in compliance with TSA if it is a carry-on or that is within the weight limits per luggage.

 

• Plan activities ahead of time, excursions that appeal to them, let them be involved in the process of choosing them so they feel that they are contributing to make this trip memorable for all the members of the family.

 

• Give them their own space, this means set hours per day where they will choose what to do. Resorts in the Caribbean have many Arcades and activities for kids this age, the same with cruises. This is a time for them to meet other kids their age and interact with them, this is crucial for kids that do not have siblings.

 
Happy travels!