It’s true — travel really does broaden the mind. But when it involves kids it can also shorten tempers and raise blood pressure! A little planning will go a long way towards making the process safer, more convenient and enjoyable for all concerned.

First off, the basics. If you’re traveling abroad, make sure you have all the necessary paperwork and documents. Passports are often required to be valid for several months after your planned departure date, so renew in good time. Remember that any visa requirements usually apply to children too and that if you are traveling with children other than your own (e.g. adopted children) you will need extra documentation such as birth certificates.

travel-kids-overseas

It’s also essential to check for any medical requirements, such as malaria medication or inoculations. In fact, you should visit your doctor well in advance to get advice and details like your blood type or how best to deal with any pre-existing condition. It’s handy to get a translation of any important medical terms — for instance, any known allergies that your children have — to help you access emergency treatment quicker or avoid any confusion over medical requirements while away.

Once you set off, safety is of course the top priority. Many parents (and children too) dislike the idea of physical ‘reins’ even though they’re cheap and effective. The hi-tech solution is a child locator — a device that stays on the child with a receiver for the parent. Once the child strays beyond a certain distance an alarm sounds. If that feels a bit OTT, then a very low cost alternative is to write your cell phone number on their arm in ink or even make an ID badge.

Comfort will make all the difference between a vacation that is tolerable and one that you look back on with fond memories. Here it’s the little things that need to be sweated over. A travel cot, for example, that a toddler is used to is often preferable to an old, rickety one provided by a hotel — even if does add to the luggage load. (If you’re not sure where to look for one of these, you might wish to browse online and try a travel cot from Tesco).

A smartphone with a range of child friendly apps will keep older kids amused in airport lounges or long car journeys and a good supply of antibacterial hand wipes have a multitude of uses. And how about getting a nice notebook for your child to keep a travel journal? The entries could include postcards, local bus tickets or even food packaging that is different to what they are familiar with.

So, there’s plenty to consider even before you think about what to pack for yourself. Remember though that the benefits of travel are very real — in years to come your kids may even thank you for the opportunity!

Image by Daddy-David, used under Creative Commons license