I am a mother of three and I have mastered traveling with my young children
We all dream of a perfect summer vacation, but when you’re traveling with kids, the hope of a prosperous trip – let alone a relaxing stay – can actually make you anxious.
But according to ‘mum-fluencer’ Sarah campusmother of three children herself, that does not have to be the case.
Sarah, personal trainer, nutrition coach and founder of Fitness for moms in Londonfirmly believes that ‘the benefits of travel outweigh the drawbacks’ when it comes to school holidays.
And while she admits she too gets “nervous” when it comes time to take the kids, she manages to “take a deep breath and relax” so she can focus on the task at hand.
In a conversation with FEMAIL, Sarah shares her time-tested tips from her own experience traveling by plane, boat, train, and car with three little ones.
Sarah Campus, who has traveled by plane, boat, train and car with three kids, shares the tactics she employs to keep them happy and their journey smooth
1. Get organized
My biggest tip is to be organized! Sounds easy, but I try to make sure I have everything packed a few days before I take the kids diaper bag to the airport,” says Sarah.
“I have a list (one of many) that I add to it when I remember things I need and then I would check it off the night before to make sure I didn’t miss anything.”
2. Communicate with your children
Sarah explains: ‘Children can experience fears, fear of flying or fear of boats so it’s important to try to be prepared for this and be able to communicate with them, talk and comfort them through their fear by reassuring them.
“Try not to get angry and take your time.”
3. For short distances… travel light
Sarah’s top tips for minimizing the number of items you take abroad are:
- If possible, take hand luggage with you: Remember that you can wash anytime, anywhere.
- Take a small folding stroller: You can put it in the overhead storage box and then you have instant access to it when you land, which makes everything so much easier.
- Bring a diaper bag: Look for one with an integrated baby changing mat.
- Get a baby carrier: So that you have your hands free.
4. Dress the children in light clothing
Sarah also recommends dressing the kids in brightly colored outfits so they’re easy to spot in a crowd.
For many parents, there’s nothing more terrifying than having to keep an eye on multiple kids in a busy airport full of people – so Sarah’s tip could come in handy.
Sarah says it’s important not to assume that children will walk everywhere. Travel gets everyone tired, so bring your pushchair or travel basket so they can sit down
5. Snacks
Sarah recommends, “Be over-prepared with pre-flight snacks to keep kids entertained, but also try to feed them before the flight to reduce the risk of them becoming hungry and irritable.”
6. If you travel long distances…
Sarah revealed her tips for traveling greater distances by plane:
- Choose your seats in advance: And if you have a baby, try to buy a bassinet, which will provide some extra leg room. It also allows you and your baby to have some time apart, and maybe even sleep.
- Precharge your electronics with things to watch for the kids to keep them entertained.
- Order meals for the children in advance that way they are served first and any hunger-fuelled tantrums are avoided. Special kids meals are also more likely to include foods they enjoy eating.
7. Avoid very late flights
“The more overtired the kids are, the greater the risk of tantrums,” notes Sarah.
“It’s also worth remembering that children like to copy their parents’ behavior, so try not to get noticeably stressed.
Also try to avoid connecting flights. The more direct the route, the easier the journey will be for everyone.’
8. Pack extras
“Accidents can happen when you least expect it, so be sure to pack extra diapers and extra clean clothes,” Sarah recommends.
9. Don’t think your kids will walk everywhere
“Bring your stroller or luggage rack, because kids like to sit down, especially at major airports where the distances to the gate can be very long,” says Sarah.
“Giving children the chance to sit also makes the inevitable queue easier to manage.”
“Build in extra time for toilet breaks and even the occasional tantrum. Kids hate rushing,” notes Sarah.
Nutrition coach Sarah says it’s important to get organized before you travel, whether that means preparing snacks ahead of time or packing the kids’ bags a few days before your trip
And if it all goes wrong?
“Children are not robots and we can’t control their every move, no matter how well we prepare,” says Sarah.
She believes that communication is the most important element when it comes to traveling with children.
“Keep calm and collected, because children will feast on you. Reassure and comfort children and calm them when tantrums arise. If you can distract them and remove them for a situation, do so.
‘Don’t worry about anyone else. you are responsible for the well-being of your children and yourself. Be respectful, but don’t waste your time worrying about what others think.
“This silly idea that we should apologize for traveling with kids is slowly becoming the norm and it’s ridiculous. It’s not something I do – the more I’m involved with my kids and what I can control, the more I’ll be fine. As soon as you think about others, things go wrong.
“Again, this doesn’t mean you should let your kids go crazy. It means not being disrespectful and making a mess and not cleaning it up. Or let your kids scream for the whole flight and try not to make them happy (although sometimes this is unavoidable). It means doing your best and shrugging off the rest.
And for those flying without kids, tolerance and a positive attitude will go a long way.
“Maybe even offer your help – just a thought. Finally, remember that it will all be worth it in the end!’