Mama Life
Taking your children on their first holiday can be an incredibly exciting time, with the opportunity to make family memories that your children will remember for the rest of their lives.
However, as any parent will tell you, children can be difficult to manage. The idea of navigating the stress of an airport is enough to make even the most confident parent nervous. If you’re planning a family holiday but concerned about taking your children, we’ve got you covered. Read on to find out more.
Get Travel Insurance
Children are naturally inquisitive and will eagerly explore and play wherever they are. This can result in them getting into some less-than-safe situations, and they have a tendency to pick up cuts and scrapes anywhere they go.
If your child was to get injured or to fall ill while on holiday, you could well have to seek out medical assistance. Unfortunately, medical services abroad can be difficult to access and extremely expensive, so you could be faced with a substantial bill should your child require treatment. The best way to protect yourself against such an eventuality is to book travel insurance ahead of your trip. Providers like Staysure offer a range of different insurance packages, including for people living with pre-existing medical conditions, so have a look and find a reputable provider that is right for you and your family.
Plan Your Trip Thoroughly
Children respond well to structure and routine. By planning your trip in detail, you will be able to avoid any potential disruption or delay. Your planning should encompass all aspects of your holiday, from waking up and making the journey to the airport to the flight back home. Children can be stubborn and may need attention at any given moment, so ensure you leave your self plenty of time when making travel connections to avoid missing anything.
As for the holiday itself, drawing up and sticking to a schedule or itinerary can help ease any potential worries or anxieties your children may have. Knowing where you are going and what you are doing can also help you avoid any stress. Deciding on things to do on a whim can be tricky and lead to arguments, by having everything prearranged you can focus on ensuring you and your family have the best possible time.
Keep Them Entertained
Children have notoriously short attention spans. When they are bored or feeling under-stimulated, they will certainly make you aware of it. This can be a difficult situation to manage at home, but will be magnified tenfold when on a long, busy flight full of strangers.
Make sure you bring lots of toys and games for your children. This will help keep them entertained and distracted during the more boring parts of the holiday and will prevent any tantrums or bad behaviour. These games will prove useful throughout the holiday, they can keep your children occupied while you relax by the pool with your favourite book.
If you are still concerned about your children’s behaviour on the flight, consider booking a flight at night or during your child’s regular nap hours. This will make it more likely that they fall asleep on the flight, causing less disruption to yourself and other passengers.
Conclusion
The idea of taking children abroad can seem like a daunting prospect. However, with the correct planning and preparation a family holiday can be a fantastic experience for both parents and children alike. Follow the steps we’ve outlined in this guide to prepare for taking your children abroad for this first time.
