Thinking about traveling with kids? Of course you can! There is no room for preconceptions such as “too young to remember” or “not a trip for children”. In fact, they may not remember some or even most of it; but you will. A family holiday is first and foremost a precious opportunity to create unforgettable memories, regardless of your children’s age. It’s a shared adventure, a moment to discover new horizons and strengthen family bonds. Every step of the way, the memories you make will last far longer than any potential hiccups, which are likely to turn into delicious anecdotes down the road. These moments of connection and complicity will be etched in your hearts for years to come.
So why wait? Get ready for unforgettable travel adventures with the whole family!
As for the age-old question: what is the best age to travel with kids?
Well, there really isn’t one. We like to think that, depending on the type of travel you have in mind, each kiddo age group has its own advantages and disadvantages. Babies are easy to take with you no matter where you are going, but they can be very fussy about when they eat and when they sleep. Toddlers are easily entertained, but will need afternoon naps, especially if you have dinner plans. And older children prefer to spend their time on things and places that cater specifically to their interests, so you’ll probably spend more time on ‘children’s attractions’ than you used to.
But whatever the age, the reality is that you’ll never know unless you try.
Prepare for that first international trip
Going on a family trip is no accident, especially when you have a baby! Good preparation means less stress and more fun!
Start by showing the children photos of the destination country or putting up a map of the place to explore around the house so get their imagination going. Depending on their age, plan the travel itinerary together with exciting activities to explore and visit. The more involved they are in the planning process, the more likely their enthusiasm will shine through!
Assign each family member a place to explore or a historical figure to discover. Have everyone prepare their mini presentation before you leave. Once you get there, everyone becomes an expert in their field! It’s exciting to discover places you already know a little about!
Manage jet lag after an travelling on an overnight flight from Canada
Ah, the infamous jet lag! Not always easy to deal with, especially after a night flight to Europe. But don’t worry, it only lasts a few hours, and with just a little preparation it will… fly by!
We’re going to let you in on our secret travel hack: once you’ve arrived at your destination, everyone—kids and parents alike—should go to bed! Although the temptation to explore this new place and the excitement of finally getting there will be strong, a short rest (just a few hours!) will help everyone recharge and reset their internal clocks to local time.
If you resist the urge to start the adventure straight away, you will be able to tackle the next few days with energy and adjust to the local time much more easily, especially when it comes to meals. A good nap and you’re ready to go!
Plan your itinerary wisely
To make the most of your precious time at destination, start the day with activities that require a little more concentration, such as a visit to a museum, when energy is still high! If possible, book tickets to must-see attractions in advance to avoid wasting time in queues. This will keep your kids (and yourself) busy and avoid frustration.
Next, save the afternoon for more playful activities, such as exploring a neighbourhood on foot, walking through a park or taking a walk on the beach. These types of activities will help your kiddos burn off energy, enjoy the destination’s beauty, while still relaxing.
Embrace flexibility and accept small mishaps
Family travel is a balance between planning ahead and being flexible. Remember that adaptability is key! Even if you’ve got every detail planned out in a colour-coded spreadsheet, know that the unexpected is bound to happen. Your kids may wake up grumpy, it may take longer than expected to get from A to B, or an activity may not be as enjoyable as you thought.
The lesson here is to be open to adjustments, to remember how lucky you and your children are to travel, and to make the most of every moment!
For example, if the kids wake up super early (and honestly, there’s a farily high risk they will—so much for sleeping in!), use it as an opportunity to watch the sunrise together on the beach. You’ll have the whole place to yourselves and share a magical moment. And when the show is over, you can enjoy a quiet breakfast. Pure magic!
Use technology to your advantage
Who said kids had to limit their gadget time on holiday? On the contrary, electronic devices are invaluable allies! Take them along for those moments when there is nothing else to do, such as sleeping in on a rainy morning, keeping them calm during a flight or queuing in a museum. You can also allow them to extend the evening in the restaurant when the little traveller’s energy level starts to drop and the adults just want another glass of wine.
After all, everyone is on holiday, right? Might as well make the most of it!
Before you embark on your travel journey, take a moment to download the best content for kids, whether it’s a game app or a film. They can be educational, yes, but they can also simply be a great way to keep them entertained in quieter moments.
Make the whole family happy
Family holidays are about making everyone happy, not just the parents! Choose one ‘fun activity’ per person so everyone gets their share. A visit to the zoo is a must, for example, but throw in some surprises too, like discovering your kids’ new passion for a local sport or going on a boat trip.
Travel is the perfect opportunity to get off the beaten track and enjoy unexpected experiences. And remember, sometimes the unexpected can be a magical moment. These are often the most memorable moments! Each member of the family becomes an explorer in their own way, bringing a new perspective to each stage of the journey.
Don’t be afraid to take a break
Sometimes all you need is a break after days of gallivanting. Treat yourself to a day or two of relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of tours and excursions. Don’t feel guilty! Relaxing at the hotel or enjoying the pool is part of the reality of travel. These restful moments will help you recharge your batteries so you can enjoy the rest of your adventure. This is not the time to focus on performance—you have plenty of that at home. Just enjoy yourself and your kids will too!
Delegate tasks to the kids
Depending on their age, kiddos may be independent enough to handle their own carry-on luggage. Parents can ask them to pack a small backpack with their snacks, spare clothes, favourite toys and books. This is a great way to get your kids involved and gradually build their sense of responsibility. The more independent they feel, the more likely they are to enjoy the travel process.
Of course, a final check is always needed to make sure that what they’ve chosen makes sense and that nothing important is missing!
Keep them engaged with fun games
Why not turn every walk into a game? For example, count the dogs that you see on the streets, find geometric shapes in the architecture, explain the flying process, ask locals for new words in their language, or name all the tropicl fruits in the hotel buffet.
These little games stimulate curiosity and make exploration a lot more fun, even in the simplest moments. It’s a wonderful way to encourage your kids’ curiosity, help them connect with the places you visit and get them comfortable being out of their comfort zone.
That’s what we mean when we talk about the transformative power of travel!
