Traveling internationally with kids can feel like a daunting challenge, especially when you’re faced with the prospect of flying long distances. If the thought of flying makes you nervous, the idea of managing both a baby and a toddler on a plane might seem overwhelming. But fear not! With the right mindset and preparation, it’s entirely possible to enjoy the adventure.
Let’s start with a little tip: embrace denial. If air travel is essential, there’s no point in dwelling on your fears. Even if you don’t have a fear of flying, taking a flight with little ones means sacrificing some adult pleasures—like watching that movie you’ve been dying to see or savoring a drink without worrying about spills. Instead, you’ll be focused on keeping your children entertained and content throughout the journey.
Domestic flights can be tricky enough, but international travel comes with its own set of complexities. You’ll encounter different customs, languages, and regulations. For example, you might find yourself fumbling to remember the correct date format when speaking to customs agents or trying to mime your needs to non-English speakers at duty-free shops.
However, don’t let these challenges deter you from exploring the world with your children. Traveling internationally offers enriching experiences that can shape their perspective and memories. Plus, until your child turns two, they can often fly for free—what a deal!
Before you book your flights, select a destination that is at least somewhat kid-friendly. While visiting the Great Pyramids might be on your bucket list, it’s probably not the best first trip for your little ones. Instead, consider family-friendly locations like London, where you can relive Paddington Bear’s adventures, or Spain, which offers numerous attractions suitable for children. You might even want to look into the most family-oriented airports, like Amsterdam’s Schiphol, which boasts play areas and quiet zones with cots for babies.
When it comes to surviving a flight with children, think of it as damage control. Remember how you used to feel when you saw parents struggling with little ones on flights? Now, that’s you! To make the journey smoother, try to befriend fellow passengers—especially those who seem sympathetic. Compliment them on their patience and mention how easygoing your kids are (a little white lie never hurt anyone). These connections can be invaluable when you need an extra hand, especially when rushing to the bathroom.
You’ll likely find that normal rules don’t apply when traveling. If your kids aren’t allowed juice, well, make an exception—hydration is key! And if they need a little candy to keep them happy, so be it. Just remember to manage the timing to avoid sugar-induced chaos. Kids can often sit still for longer than we think, so take full advantage of any screen time options available.
Most importantly, approach the journey with a positive attitude and a bag filled with activities to keep your children entertained. Keep in mind that, despite your personal feelings about flying, you’ll be so busy making sure they’re engaged that the time will fly by.
So grab that guidebook, book your flights, and befriend the nearest grandmotherly figure at the gate. The world awaits you and your family—happy travels!
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