Traveling is good for the body and the mind, but traveling with the whole family for the first time can sometimes be scary. If the parents are avid travelers, traveling will not be too much of a worry. However, everything changes when you travel with kids and babies, most notably. Parents who are first-timers in traveling with babies, toddlers, or kids of any age can avoid the worries and hassles by following some of these tips.
Fit for Travel
Before you decide to travel, you must have a consultation with your doctor for any medical advice concerning your babies, kids, and even yourself. Vaccines must be availed if it is required in the country that you will be visiting. A medical certificate and any prescriptions should also be attained, just in case the place you are visiting require one or if you need a prescription refill.
Luggage
Pack smart by bringing only the necessary items that you will need for your babies and yourself. These may include strollers, baby carriers, and clothes. Packing light is the key, but if there is space in your luggage, you may want to bring some art supplies and crafts for toddlers to keep them occupied during long trips. If you are on a tight budget, you may need to bring diapers at the expense of heavy baggage. Disposable underwear can also be brought with you so you will not worry about doing some laundry.
Vehicles and Flights
Make sure to check your vehicles before using them for a long land journey. You must ensure that all the necessary car parts are in good condition such as the engine, brakes, clutch, lights, battery, radiator, and tires. Bring any mandatory devices including early warning devices and also baby seats, seat belts should be checked too.
If you will have a flight and you will be availing a park-and-fly type of car parks, you must research beforehand the cost of parking rates, especially for long-term parking. If you are traveling through Fort Lauderdale International Airport, you may want to verify FLL parking rates and its availability. The airport caters to 35 million passengers, making it the third busiest airport in Florida, so it is wise to research and make preparations before your travel.
Also, allot at least four hours before your flight to avoid any inconveniences that you may encounter going to the airport and during the check-in period of your travel. For those traveling with infants, although you have the privilege to be a priority during boarding time, it is still best to allocate a buffer time. This is to address unexpected scenarios such as diaper changes and outfit changes because of spit ups.
Hotel Accommodation
When you arrive at your destination, your next challenge is staying at the hotel with your kids. Upon arrival at the hotel, inspect the area and set up stations to keep it organized. You can set up a baby station in your room, such as putting a changing pad on top of a towel to ensure a comfortable area for your baby. It is also advisable to make a space for your toddler. This can easily be done by spreading his favorite blanket or putting his toys in the area. Moreover, ask the hotel staff for nearby convenience stores and pharmacies as this would be your go-to shops if you did not bring enough diapers or you need to purchase milk formula and snacks for your little ones.
Be Flexible
The best attitude that you can bring aside from being patient is to be flexible, especially with your travel schedule. You may have planned the attractions to visit or may have created a detailed schedule for your trip. However, unexpected events are bound to happen. Long queues may be encountered if you want to get into special attractions and expect untimely diaper changes, feeding time, tantrums and naps from the kids. Being in unfamiliar places may also make young kids scared and grumpy, and your embrace may just be the thing they need! Give them space too and let the kids do what they want instead of strictly sticking to your itinerary. Additionally, be prepared for interruptions in sleeping schedules, especially if you will be visiting a place that has a different time zone.
Remember that when you have a baby or toddlers with you on your trip, you must not set high expectations that you can visit many attractions. Along the way, you may need to change diapers, go for potty breaks or feed them. So, choose the attractions that you may want to visit that will make your family enjoy your time together. If you have teenagers, make sure that the place you will be visiting will be appreciated by them, based on their ages. Look for attractions that the whole family can enjoy and with facilities that will accommodate the needs of your kids. Fear, not first-time parents, travelling can be fun! Just be flexible, pack light and plan smart!
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