Wednesday, July 26, 2006

Traveling with Children Can Be Enjoyable!

Baby at the beachMany of Virgin Vacation’s travel packages are terrific choices for families with children of all ages.  If you decide to travel as a family to one of our unbelievable destinations, here’s just a few tips to make sure everything goes smoothly and your family has an amazing time!

If you start traveling with your children when they are young, you will discover that they become very adaptable and easy going on future trips.  Exposure to traveling opens their eyes to how big the world is and how unique and different we all are.

Family on VacationFor the purposes of this article, we will focus on traveling with children from the ages of three and up.  First of all, right from when you have booked, start talking to your child about the trip so that he or she can anticipate the trip and look forward to going.

Talking about the trip in advance will give your child an opportunity to ask any questions and in turn give you the chance to quell any fears he or she might have.  Show pictures, brochures and websites of your chosen destination to help make the trip more concrete in your little ones’ mind.

Talk about the modes of transportation you will be taking.  If it is your child’s first time going on a plane, bus or train, the transportation can be as exciting as the destination!


Packing

When it is time to pack for your trip, be sure you set out firm rules regarding what your child can bring or you risk filling up two suitcases with their favourite things!  Let your child pack comfort items like their favourite stuffed animal or blanket because these familiar items will be essential when they are in unfamiliar surroundings.  Be sure to pack quiet activities like books, activity books and small toys to keep your little ones occupied when they are confined in an airplane or bus.

Remember to pack the necessary essentials like sun protection, insect repellant, weather appropriate clothing, swimsuits, comfortable shoes, first aid kit including over the counter drugs for a variety of ailments, antibacterial hand wash and anything else you can think of!


Food

If possible, try to get your child used to the foods he or she will experience on your adventure.  Visit ethnic restaurants of the region you will be visiting!  If necessary, pack a few familiar portable food items like fruit bars, granola bars or dried fruit that you can take with you when you go on longer sightseeing excursions. 


Safety

Review your family’s safety tips in advance of your trip.  Be sure to cover any new rules that may be necessary for the country you are visiting.  If you’ll be visiting the ocean or other body of water, advise your children about tides, currents and dangerous sea creatures. 


Keep it Fun!

Take many pictures and encourage your child to record their experiences in a scrapbook, notebook or travel journal.  Even younger children can draw pictures or paste mementos from the trip. 

Include age appropriate activities during your trip.  Remember to take cues from your children to determine if they are maintaining their energy for the various sightseeing jaunts.  If they are getting tired, take a break and relax.  Your adventures won’t be fun if you’re dragging along cranky kids. 

By following these tips, you can help ensure your vacation is stress free and enjoyable for all!  Vacationing with your children can fill every member of the family with memories that will last a lifetime.

Posted by VV Blogger on 07/26 at 10:26 AM
Travel Tips • (1) Comments • Permalink
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