Travelling with kids can be a challenge for most, but it doesn’t have to be stressful… 👀 Okay, who are we kidding? It definitely is. But we’re here to help you out with that! Check out these tips for a fun and hassle-free family trip during the June holidays!
To our fellow travel-loving parents, are you dreading the idea of travelling with your little ones this June holiday? Don’t worry, you’re not alone on this! Travelling with kids can be both exhilarating and exhausting and the mere thought of managing a crying child in a new environment can be enough to overwhelm even the most experienced of parents. But don’t fret, we’ve got your back.
As a seasoned family traveller (and self-proclaimed cool aunt), I’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to make every family trip stress-free and filled with unforgettable memories. Buckle up, and get ready for a family adventure that will make all of your friends’ Instagram feeds green with envy!
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1. How To Pack Your Suitcases The Right Way
Image credits: SheBuysTravel
Before you start packing, it’s essential to make a list of everything you need to bring. Parents often have a tendency to pack everything kids use at home and you might think that bringing familiar items will ensure a consistent routine while travelling. The truth is that at the end of the day, the act of travelling will mess with home routines and there’s no joy in carrying multiple heavy pieces of luggage around a new city on top of whining cranky little ones. As such, make a list of essential items you have to bring for each child and try to pack as little as possible. If you find you’re missing something you need, you can always buy it at your travel destination.
Additionally, try packing your essentials in a carry-on bag to ensure you will have everything you need even if your checked luggage is delayed or lost. You can never be too safe when travelling and making sure your child is comfortable and entertained makes it easier for you to keep calm and think rationally in unfortunate situations.
While every parent has a different list of what they would consider essentials for their children (i.e. toys, drinks, snacks, extra clothes), don’t forget to pack in a first-aid kit with basic items like band-aids, pain relievers, stomach medicine, and antiseptic wipes.
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free — Check out our guide on how many months in advance you should be booking your flights
2. Packing For Babies & Toddlers
Image credits: ShishuWorld
For new parents of a tiny sweet infant or a rambunctious toddler, you might want to think twice about packing light when it comes to travelling. As much as most of us prefer to travel light, babies and toddlers are increasingly prone to spills, spit-ups, and other accidents — making it almost impossible to go anywhere without having a few changes of clothes in hand. Similarly, when you’re packing for a trip, make sure to keep enough changes in your carry-on and be prepared to have to change them while on the plane. When it comes to essentials, make sure you bring plenty of diapers and wipes as well.
While some parents might feel reserved about bringing any necessary baby gear along, it might be wise to do so especially if your itinerary involves a lot of walking. For breastfeeding mothers, make sure to bring along a nursing cover and any additional accessories. You might want to bring along an electric kettle to ensure that there will be hot water for your babies’ milk and to sterilise the bottles as well.
Likewise in the previous point, always plan for emergencies and make sure you pack a first-aid kit for your tiny ones.
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free — Check out our guide on how to get ready for your Japan trip
3. Flying With Kids
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When taking the little ones onboard a plane to another country, it’s always important to be strategic about your flight times and seats. As there are several flight times throughout the day for most destinations, we recommend parents consider the length of the flight and pick appropriate timings to better fit their kids’ sleep schedules. Young kids may have a set bedtime and it would be easier on everyone if you took an overnight flight to your destination near their bedtime instead of a midday flight when they’re hot and grumpy.
Additionally, it’s always important to pick the right seats when it comes to flying with children. Picking the window aisles is always the smartest choice as your kids will definitely be entertained by the ongoings of the outside world. It’s also easier for parents to catch the attention of flight attendants near the aisle and bring their kids to the bathroom without disturbing anyone else.
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free —Check out our guide on theme park hopping in Tokyo
4. Keeping Your Kids Sane So YOU Stay Sane: Family Entertainment
Image credits: Ann Le Do
Every parent knows that keeping their child entertained while travelling can make the difference between a great trip and a miserable one. While we understand some parents might have reservations about electronic devices, it can be a lifesaver during long downtimes such as on flights, on car rides, in long lines, or waiting for performances.
Another fun way to keep your child entertained would be through disposable cameras. Kids love taking pictures, and giving them a disposable camera can be a fun way to let them capture their perspective on the trip (and make for some cute momentos for a travel scrapbook). There are tons of affordable cameras on the market, but we would recommend something waterproof with a durable plastic case — just in case.
If you’re taking your child on a long flight, don’t fret as most airlines come prepared with all sorts of in-flight entertainment for your little one. Airlines with in-flight entertainment consoles often have a ‘Kids’ category filled with the most popular cartoons, shows, and even games to keep your little one’s attention for hours. Some airlines even prepare activity packs with stuffed toys and colouring sheets for young toddlers — just ask any flight attendant nicely and they’ll be more than happy to provide you with a pack or two!
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free — Check out our guide to affordable Taiwan accommodations from S$57/night
5. Planning The Perfect Family Itinerary & Staying Flexible
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Upon reaching your destination, it might feel like you’ve won the battle but there’s still more to overcome! Being in a new environment might not be as thrilling for your child as it is for you and that can translate into rather unpredictable behaviour. Your kids aren’t going to have fun if the entire trip is full of museums and historical sites. As such, finding balance is key and it’ll be good to include some kid-friendly activities and locations such as theme parks.
When planning any trip itinerary, it’s important for parents to involve their kids and allow them to have their input. This way, your child will feel more comfortable knowing where they’re going and will start to look forward to the destinations that they’ve picked out along the way.
Always be flexible, and remember that keeping your family happy is the most essential part of any trip!
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free — Check out our 7-day Melbourne itinerary
6. Ask For Child Discounts
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For parents who are looking to stick to their travel budget without bursting it, do try asking for child discounts whenever you visit any attraction, restaurant, or activity as most places do offer discounted rates for kids under a certain age. And of course, don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along to lock in those extra savings with the best rates in town (and zero transaction fees!) 😉.
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free —Click here for how to save on luxury shopping in Greece
7. Use YouTrip Perks For Cheaper Flights & Accommodations!
Speaking of saving more, as a YouTrooper, don’t forget you’re always entitled to big cashback and discounts via YouTrip Perks that could help with locking in those extra savings. Make that family trip all the more worth it when you shop and book your next vacation with YouTrip Perks and checkout with your YouTrip Mastercard! It’s time to start planning your next getaway this June holidays!
YouTrip Perks | Deals |
Booking.com | ✅ Recieve up to 15% cashback on accommodations |
Agoda | ✅ Get an additional 7% off hotel bookings |
Klook | ✅ Get up to 5% cashback on your next adventure |
Trip.com | ✅ Get up to 5% cashback on hotels, flights, & bookings |
Qatar | ✅ Get up to 10% off on your flights |
Expedia | ✅ Get up to 10% off your hotel bookings |
How To Use YouTrip Perks:
1️⃣ Tap on ‘Perks’ on the home page of your YouTrip app to view all available deals on YouTrip Perks
2️⃣ Tap ‘Get Deal’ to redeem your YouTrip-exclusive reward
3️⃣ This will open up a pop-up window with more information. Tap ‘Redeem Deal’ to be redirected to the merchant site
4️⃣ Complete your purchase within the same window, enter any promo codes if applicable, and pay using your YouTrip card!
5️⃣ Receive a direct discount or cashback credited into your wallet within 45 days from your date of booking
🔔 We Want To Help You Get Your Cashback!
✅ Ensure that you follow through with your purchase once you click on “Redeem Deal” on YouTrip Perks.
✅ If you jump out of the check-out process (even if to check on a message or just happen to close your browser), click through YouTrip Perks again to re-purchase to get your cashback.
Travelling With Kids In 2023: How To Make It Memorable And Stress-Free — Click here for more YouTrip Perks deals
Things Might Not Go According To Plan, But That’s Okay
It’s safe to say that things don’t always go according to plan when travelling no matter how carefully you plan your trip (with or without kids) — and that’s okay! In fact, you should almost expect to have bumps along the way. Just keep in mind that this is all part of the adventure of travelling. So embrace it, and enjoy the journey. Don’t worry, you’re doing great.
And as usual, while booking those plane tickets and planning a week of family fun, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates and skip those pesky bank fees!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
And while you’re at it, why not join the conversation with thousands of #YouTroopers in our very own Community Telegram Group @YouTripSquad? Get tips and tricks to everything YouTrip including exclusive invites to exciting events and experiences, & be part of the #YouTripSquad! 💜
Safe Travels!
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