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Tips For Travelling With Children


Marijke Wlker
Tips For Travelling With Children
  • It’s all in the planning – take out a world map, choose where you’d like to go then research:

    • Travel guides such as Lonely Planet have some good ideas and travel tips;
    • Visit travel agencies and search the web for information on flight specials and recommended places to visit;
    • Find out about any vaccinations you may need (although I haven’t tried them personally, it has been recommended to me that homeopathy offers some great alternatives for vaccinations and malaria), appropriate clothing (climate, religious beliefs of the local people), potential personal safety issues, whether it’s safe to drink the water and eat salads and/or other varieties of food, the busy seasons (may effect pricing, availability of accommodation and access to facilities) and climate patterns;
    • Make sure all of you have any visas required and current passports (in some cases, if you only have 6 months left on your passport, it will not be accepted – check with the Australian and relevant consulates);
    • If this is your first international holiday, choose a country that would make you feel comfortable yet inspires you culturally, historically, or otherwise.
  • Decide on the type of holiday that suits your budget and would bring you and your child happiness, whether it’s in a natural outdoor area, camping, hiking, adventure sports, cultural activities, visiting museums, catching up with old friends, and so on.
  • Travel lightly and practically – the more you take, the more you need to carry; it’s amazing how much you don’t need. Comfortable clothes and good walking shoes (preferably those that don’t require ironing) make a huge difference. A travelling pram, stroller or baby back pack are great because you can push or comfortably carry your infant or small child around when they tire.
  • When booking your flight – request the bulkhead seat (perfect for a baby and small children as there is more leg room) or a window seat (allows you to lean against the side of the aircraft while the child rests against you).
  • Depending on the child’s age, take a small bag on board the aircraft, the bus, the train or in your hire car including:

    • Items to keep them entertained – a couple of toys, board game, colouring in book and pencils, walkman or CD player with story tapes and/or music, story books you can read together;
    • A snack pack for the flight – items ranging from bottles (the flight attendants can heat them for you), sandwiches, biscuits, fruit, juice; something light and refreshing just in case your child does not like the food offered. Child meals are available however if your child does not eat red meat, you will need to request either a white meat or vegetarian adult meal (on Qantas, these are delicious);
    • A spare change of clothes (in case of accidents or air sickness), face and hand wipes, nappies;
    • A basic first aid medical kit including bandaids, antiseptic lotion, sunscreen, bandages, medicine for vomiting and diarrhoea, eye and ear drops, etc;
    • Hot off the press – vegemite now comes in a tube!
  • Breastfeeding – if you are still breastfeeding your child, doing so on an aircraft is comfortable and easy (as it can be throughout the duration of your holiday). It can pacify and relax an anxious or uncomfortable child and is a wonderful, natural way to alleviate the build up of pressure in his or her ears during takeoff and landing.
  • Book a hire car (with a car seat if required) – it gives you more flexibility, allows you to reach many ‘out-of-the-way’ places, transport your family and baggage with ease and gives you the freedom to set your own schedule.
  • Keepsakes for your children – I found that collecting a musical instrument or hand-made ‘local’ doll from each country visited has created a wonderful ‘world’ at home that Mikaila and other children can enjoy; plus they become great conversational pieces.
  • Have confidence and faith in yourself that you can do this; that you and your family will have a great time and enjoy the journey.
  • Finally, don’t organise too much – allow yourself to be spontaneous, relax and enjoy quality time with your family.


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