Cost-Effective Travel Tips for Parents with Young Children
By Leslie Campos
Your little ones are everything to you, and you love to travel. But traveling with your little ones can be stressful.
Though it’s challenging, traveling with your young children can also make for a more exciting and enjoyable trip if you do some planning and preparation ahead of time. And you don’t need to spend a fortune getting ready for your trip.
So don’t sweat it, and get excited for the new adventure that lies ahead! Check out these practical, budget-friendly travel tips for parents of young children:
Pack Plenty of Snacks
The whole family likes snacks, so be sure to bring them along. Buy some of your kids’ favorite snacks in bulk, and pack some in your carry-on and suitcase. Food is cheaper in bulk, and if you’re flying, this will save you from having to buy chips and candy bars at airport prices. Granola bars, fruit pouches, popcorn, and trail mix are also winners.
Don’t Forget Electronics
It’s 2019, so let’s not pretend that our kids don’t love electronics. And when you’re going on a trip, you may regret it if you don’t pack some entertainment. Whether it’s a handheld gaming console, tablet, or laptop, make sure your children have a way to fight boredom while in transit.
You also want to consider the times when you’re stuck inside or winding down for the evening. A streaming stick can be perfect for those moments. Assuming you have a WiFi connection and a compatible TV, a streaming stick can provide your kids access to tons of movies and shows for their enjoyment. Remember to pack chargers for all the devices you bring along.
Coordinate Transit with Sleep Time.
Naps are king when it comes to kids. Without them, everything can fall apart, including your trip. Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying, plan to leave early in the morning or late at night. If you’re going on a long road trip, try to drive as much during their nap times as possible. That way, you stand a better chance of your children sleeping for a good chunk of the time.
Bring the Stroller as a Carry-on.
No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, you’re going to need a stroller. The good news is that most airlines will check a car seat at no charge, which leaves you more room to use your stroller as a carry-on. And make sure the stroller you bring is light and compact. Even if you’re driving, you will likely need the extra room for other things. You can get a quality travel stroller for about $80.
Buy a Cheap Inflatable Pool
Whether you’ll be staying in a vacation rental, hotel, or other type of lodging, it’s important to plan for bath time. You don’t want to assume that the tub where you’re staying is suitable for bathing kids, and even if the tub does work, you have to think about bacteria, fungus, and so on. Pick up an inflatable pool at the local retail store or dollar store. They’re super cheap, and they pack easily.
Try to Relax.
Finally, don’t expect everything to go as planned on your trip. It won’t. It’s better to plan than not to plan, but you will definitely hit a snag here and there. If you go in with this knowledge, it won’t shock you as much when it happens. Just try to relax, roll with the punches, and enjoy the time with your family. Plus, if you’re relaxed, your children are more likely to stay calm.
With a little planning and preparation, you can have an awesome trip with your young children. Pack a lot of snacks, and bring along electronic devices for entertainment. Try to schedule your travel around sleep times, and pack a compact stroller and inflatable pool. And try to stay relaxed, even when things don’t go as planned.
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