If Hollywood is to be believed then flying with children is nothing short of a nightmare experience. Whether it’s a screaming baby on the plane or a crying toddler waiting for the plane to board, the image is never a peaceful one.
As amusing as these shows are, however, it’s important to remember that they aren’t real. Traveling with a child or a toddler is definitely something which you can do without the drama, you just have to know a few tips and tricks.
Keep reading to find out more.
Preparation Is Key
The worst thing that you can do is to pack your toddler’s bag for the very first time, the night before you fly. Or even worse, the morning before you leave!
Instead, start packing a week in advance in your mind. The week leading up to your trip, make a note of all of the items that you use for your youngster during the day. A couple of days before you are due to travel, sit down and decide where you will store each item, remembering that once you check in a suitcase you won’t have access to it until you arrive at your destination.
Once you know what you will be taking on the plane with you, give yourself situations to get out of. For example, imagine that your child is crying because they are hungry – what will you do? Imagine that your youngster is screaming because they need entertainment – what can you provide?
These thoughts will help you to be prepared for their real-life counterparts.
Fly Comfortably
Unless you are flying first class there is absolutely no reason for anybody in the family to be dressed up, especially not a toddler. In fact, airlines are more than happy to let youngsters board the plane in their pajamas, providing they are wearing shoes. In fact, this is a luxury which everybody can take advantage of.
With this in mind, let your toddler choose the clothes they want to travel in or pick out something that is comfortable, remembering that their pajamas are still an option if you will be flying early in the morning.
Prepare for Boredom
Just as you don’t enjoy flying for long hours without sufficient entertainment, so too does your child not enjoy the activity.
With this in mind, head to the Groupon Coupons page for Lego and pick up some small toys before you leave to keep them entertained. Similarly, load up your cell phone or tablet with games and movies for them to enjoy during the journey.
When taking on this trip, it’s important that you make sure any games and movies you choose can be played offline. Many streaming apps won’t work without an internet connection, leaving you in the air with no way to keep your toddler entertained.
Traveling with a toddler doesn’t have to be a nightmare experience with the right planning and the right tips, just like the ones in this article. So the next time that a great vacation deal comes along, instead of putting it aside with the thought that it isn’t an option, book the deal and enjoy traveling with your family!