Going on a vacation with your kids for the first time is usually quite stressful and will present you with more than a few challenges. You have to be prepared that It’s not going to be smooth sailing from start to finish but you’re not the first nor the last one having to go through this experience. You will survive!
Parenting is a 24/7 job and it’s not likely you will be able to have a lot of time for relaxing. Still, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy your trip. Vacationing with a baby is certainly nerve-wracking for those who are doing it for the first time. When you’re traveling with kids, the rule is – Expect the unexpected. But good planning can go a long way and can reduce that tension significantly. Let’s see what all new parents should know before they book a holiday and start packing their bags.
Pre-Booking is Important
If you’re thinking of just booking your flight tickets and then find a suitable place to stay once you land at your destination, forget about it. Doing something like that is a luxury you don’t have anymore. And in case you want to do this, be prepared to have a massive headache and feel like you were dragged through the dirt at the end of the day.
Our advice is to know where you’re headed after you get off the plane. Make a room reservation online or through a traveling agency. This will make things much easier, especially if you were on a long flight. Kids usually get pretty cranky during the flight and you want to be able to let them relax or take a nap as soon as possible.
It’s important to mention that pre-booking is not restricted solely to the room. Do it for everything you can and you will have fewer things to think about during your holiday. As Bill, Kayla, and Luna, a family of RV traveling enthusiasts, from thewanderingrv.com know well, planning is extremely important in these situations. It can protect you from stressing too much and you’ll be able to have fun with your family and enjoy your days away from usual daily obligations.
Entertainment is Critical
One thing that can make a big difference in your trip is having something that will entertain your kids. That’s where electronic devices can come quite handy. Even if you have strict rules about electronics, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to be more lenient during vacation days. By giving them a smartphone or a tablet to while flying, waiting in line, or during a car ride, they will be able to amuse themselves and be quiet during those long and boring processes and procedures. Don’t forget to pack your kids’ favorite toys. Familiar and beloved items will be of great help if little munchkins get antsy. You can also buy them an interesting book. If you read them a new and exciting story, you will be able to make them pay attention and be much less restless. Keep in mind, you don’t have to drag heavy paper books with you anymore. You can simply prepare an electronic edition, days before the trip.
Don’t Forget About Diapers and Wipes
Those traveling with children that are not yet potty-trained have to bring a big reserve of diapers and wipe. Always prepare more than you think you'll need. After all, it’s better to arrive at the destination with extra diapers in your bag than having to deal with not having enough of them during a flight or a ride. You should pack as much as 3 times the amount you think you’ll need. And don’t even consider boarding the plane without a full pack of wipes.
The same goes for additional baby outfits. Carry several of them with you and a Ziploc bag just in case the things get too messy. This way you will be able to contain the smell before you’re able to wash the clothes. Also, don’t forget to bring an additional set of garments for you. There is a good chance what you wear gets ruined as well. So, you know what they say – Better safe than sorry.
Things Will Not Go as Planned
This is a simple truth and the sooner you realize this; it will be better for you. As new parents, traveling for the first time with your kids can be quite overwhelming and any possibility of keeping things under control will most probably go out of the window on the very first day.
Problematic situations are inevitable when traveling with the little ones but try to keep calm as much as you can. You stressing about things will not change them so try to enjoy those blissful moments you have as a family to the fullest.
Bring The Medical Supplies
One of the worst things that can happen on vacation is when a member or a whole family gets sick. From an upset stomach to allergies, everything can happen where you’re visiting some new place. Whatever the case might be, you want to be prepared.
Make sure you buy some over-the-counter medications you might find handy during your trip. Medicines for headache, stomach flu, allergy, motion sickness prevention, and other possible illnesses should be safely packed with the rest of your baggage. If you’re traveling to some exotic destination, get all the information needed about diseases and health risks typical for that area.
Choosing Between a Stroller or A Sling
The choice is up to you but it might not be a bad idea to make a decision based on the climate of your holiday destination. A stroller is certainly more practical for worm and dry locations while sling might be seen as a more functional option for those traveling to a colder environment.
If you’re planning on taking a trip with your kid for the first time, these are just some of the things you need to be mindful about. It’s going to be rocky from time to time but that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to create some wonderful family memories.
