If you enjoy traveling long distances and have a kid with you. You must prepare their food, get a good supply of nappies, and even prep sustainable feeding accessories. However, is it truly smart to travel with your child, whatever their age is? Or is there an ideal age to travel with kids?
While kids are different from each other, there are periods of their childhood where you’ll find it easier to travel with them. So, what’s the best age to travel with a child? Here’s everything you need to know.
The Best Age To Travel With Kids
Kids mature at different rates, so there’s no “one-size-fits-all” age. However, some ages are easier to travel with than others. Depending on the type of travel and how early you’re traveling with your children, you can take advantage of several phases of your child’s development.
Kids over two years old are generally easier to travel with than younger children. Generally, kids in this age range like to play and explore, but they’re also easier to instruct rather than carry. They don’t mind being strapped to a car seat or stroller for long periods. However, there are other factors you’ll need to take into consideration.
Kids in this age range are still relatively young and will have an odd tantrum or run around the back seat. They’re also more willful than some, and they can be annoying at some points, especially if they have a very independent personality. Kids in this age range fall asleep fairly quickly. However, you’ll need to prep their sleep routine so they’re in a good place to sleep in the car.
Traveling With Infants
Kids aged six to nine months old are generally easier to travel with. They’re usually just starting to sit up on their own, so they’re not as heavy to carry. They’re also generally happy to sit in a car seat for a long time.
Kids aged nine to twelve months old are generally easier to be around. They often sleep through most of the travel and can sit well for long periods. They’re usually in a better mood than older kids, they’re able to eat solid foods, and they’re generally still sleeping through most of the travel. They’re also less likely to have tantrums than younger children.
However, this is still a phase where you’ll need to prep your kid for traveling. They can become uncomfortable and irritable if they’re hungry or tired. This age group can take a long time to fall asleep, so your travel time won’t necessarily be that productive.
They’re also not very good at sitting still, so you’ll need to prep their travel seat with toys and snacks.
What’s The Best Time To Travel With Kids?
For many parents, summer is the best season to travel with their kids. Long sunny days mean plenty of opportunities to explore with your kids. Plus, taking kids to different countries in Summer is easier as schools are out. However, weather-wise, autumn is the best time to travel.
Traveling with kids in autumn can be easy or hard, depending on their age. Generally speaking, kids aged 6 to 12 months often have the easiest time traveling in autumn. Since they’re too young to travel, keeping them entertained or calm is easier.
Some kids are more comfortable traveling in autumn and winter than in spring or summer. Autumn and winter temperatures are generally mild, so they’re comfortable sitting in a car for a long time. If you don’t like traveling during autumn and winter, you can usually travel during off-peak seasons. Most cities and tourist spots have fewer travelers during the off-peak season so that you can avoid crowds.
Finding The Right Transpo With Your Kids
You’ll probably need to purchase additional tickets for your kids if traveling by air. You’ll need to buy a ticket for children under two years old. You’ll need a child ticket for kids aged two and above.
Before traveling with your child, you need to plan their routine. If you’re traveling by car, plane, or train, you’ll need to plan their feeding time, nap time, and playtime. You’ll also need to plan their sleeping time if traveling by plane, bus, or train.
If you’re traveling by car, bus, or train, you’ll need to consider whether you want to drive through the night. Going through the night can be exhausting, but you’ll save on accommodation costs. However, you’ll need to feed your child during the drive, and you’ll likely need to purchase a child seat.
For some parents, flying is the best option when traveling with their children. While flying can be long and tiresome, it’s one of the easiest ways to reach a destination. However, it’s generally best to fly with older kids.
When flying with kids, you should prep them. You should make sure they’re hydrated so they’re not dehydrated. You should also ensure they’re well-fed so they’re not hungry.
Having their favorite snacks and toys on hand can also keep them occupied. However, you should pack their favorites in your carry-on bag. If their favorite toys are in their checked-in luggage, they may get lost or damaged.
Flying with a baby can also be stressful, so getting a baby carrier is a good idea. Baby carriers allow you to keep your baby close and comfortable. They can also keep your hands free so that you can grab snacks, toys, and your baby’s stuff.
What To Pack When Traveling With Kids
Traveling with kids means having a supply of diapers, wipes, food, toys, and clothes. However, you’ll need to pack different items for different types of travel.
If you’re traveling by car, you’ll need to pack things like blankets, baby bottles, snacks, and travel seats. A travel seat is an all-in-one solution when traveling with kids. It can be used as a stroller, highchair, and car seat.
If you’re flying with kids, you’ll need to pack a stroller, baby carrier, diapers, baby wipes, and a change of clothes. If you’re traveling by bus or train, you’ll need to pack a stroller or travel seat.
You’ll need to supply your kids with food and water if you’re traveling by car, bus, or train. However, bringing food and drinks for your kids while on the plane is generally a good idea. If they’re not fed, they’ll be cranky and uncomfortable. Also, food at the airport can be more expensive than food at a supermarket.
Traveling with a baby means you’ll need to pack a stroller, baby carrier, diapers, baby wipes, and a change of clothes. Depending on their age and the length of travel, an extra change of clothes or more should be ready at a moment’s notice.
The Bottom Line
Traveling with kids can be tiring, but it’s also rewarding. You’ll see the world with your children before they grow up. When traveling with kids, you should consider their age. Kids are the best travel companions before and after their toddler ages, giving you a good idea of when to bring them.
