Did you give up on your traveling dreams after having kids and starting a family? Would you be surprised if we told you that doing so isn’t necessary? Well, prepare to be surprised!
Just because you have children doesn’t mean you can’t travel the world and explore new things. In fact, bringing your young explorers with you is a great experience for both them and you. And it’s a chance to make memories that will last forever.
Needing some advice? Here are 10 vacation tips for international travel with kids. If you’re debating on whether or not you should take your kids on a trip or how to travel with them, then keep reading for these great tips.
1. Stop Thinking About It and Do It
If you have a large family or even a small one made of all different ages, or maybe just young ones, chances are you’re probably stressing over how to travel with them. But it’s time to stop overthinking and just do it. Because the more you think about it, the more you’ll stress about it.
And with any kind of traveling, you want it to be as stress-free as possible. Now that you have a family and children, there’s no getting around it. If you want to continue living your life to the fullest, you’ll have to find a way to include the whole family.
2. Try Your Best to Not Over Pack
With small families and large ones, it’s best to not over pack. Overpacking causes unnecessary hardships when traveling. Pack as lightly as possible and only include the necessities.
Keep in mind that many of your everyday products can be found in other countries. So, it might be best to wait until overseas and then purchase what is needed. Diapers, baby foods, and other baby products can all be purchased abroad.
Do keep in mind, however, that if your little one uses a specific brand or eco-friendly and all natural product, it might be harder to find. And most airports do allow baby foods, bottles, and formulas on the plane. The screening process takes no more than a couple of seconds, and you’ll be on your way.
3. But Do Try to Pack Wisely
Although packing as lightly as possible, you still want to pack as wisely as possible. Do remember to bring all proper forms of identification for everyone in the family when traveling internationally. And take the time to learn what can and can’t be purchased in the destination that you’re traveling to.
If you take the time to do the research beforehand, you’ll pave the way to a much smoother traveling experience.
4. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
When traveling with little ones, it’s important to give yourself plenty of time. You don’t want to find yourself running through an airport with little ones trying to keep up behind you. Give you and your family enough time to get through airport gates and security without having to rush.
It’s better to be early than late. Bring some fun activities along with you for the little ones to do while waiting to board the plane and while on the plane. This will decrease your stress levels and theirs.
5. Bring Their Favorite Snacks
Don’t forget to pack their favorite snacks! This is not only true for when at the airport or on the plane. This is also true for when arriving at your destination.
Not every foreign place will offer the same foods and snacks that your little ones are used to. And this might make your trip a little complicated. We want our children to feel comfortable and remain healthy.
Try to pack their favorite healthy snacks along with you to exchange for a meal that they may refuse to eat.
6. Anticipate and Accept Hiccups Along the Way
Any time that you take kids with you, no matter where you go, you always have to plan for a couple of hiccups along the way. Do anticipate that not everything will always go exactly how you planned it to. This is okay.
Accept it and keep it moving. Don’t let it distract you from having a great time!
7. Keep Track of Them and Give Them Your Contact Info
Keep track of your kids at all times when visiting a foreign land. You should also give them your contact information so that they know exactly how to get ahold of you if needed. A good trick for the little ones is to write your contact information on their arm in marker.
You can also use other techniques like writing the information down on a bracelet for them to wear or a sticker on their back so they can’t pull it off.
8. Know How to Explain any Special Needs
If any of your children require special needs such as food allergies or others, be sure to know how to communicate this in the language of the area that you are visiting. Special details like these should be addressed correctly to avoid any accidents.
You might also want to consider downloading a language app that helps you translate between your language and the new one.
9. Plan for Family-Friendly Tours or Attractions
When planning out your family vacation, be sure to schedule in some family-friendly tours or attractions. If you are planning on traveling to a specific area, make sure that there are family friendly things to do around the hotel or resort.
If the destination that you’re planning to visit doesn’t offer family-friendly attractions, don’t panic. Simply check out other destinations nearby and see what they have to offer.
10. Choose a Family-Friendly Resort
Not only will you want your little ones to have special and exciting things to do that are geared towards them, but you’ll also want to book a room at a hotel that is accepting of kids. Knowing that you’re staying in a resort that isn’t going to kick you out for loud children.
Even some of the most luxurious resorts around Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica are family-inviting. Choosing one of these hotels ensures pure relaxation and a worry-free stay.
International Travel with Kids is a Piece of Cake!
Don’t be scared off by the thought of international travel with kids. Follow these 10 tips for the most relaxing and stress-free family vacation.
And for more tips on planning an amazing Costa Rica vacation, check out our blog!
