Traveling can be difficult, especially when you throw kids into the mix. It is often accompanied by the challenge of keeping the young ones entertained, comfortable, and content throughout the journey. With a few savvy strategies and patience, you can make your family trip a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
Here are some top tips you can follow to make traveling with kids a smoother experience.
Choose the right flight timing
This is a crucial step when traveling with kids, especially for long-haul journeys. By aligning your flight schedule with your child's natural sleep patterns, you can significantly improve their comfort and reduce the likelihood of meltdowns and tantrums during the journey. Red-eye flights, which typically depart late at night and arrive early in the morning, can be an excellent option. This will minimize disruptions to your child's routine and ensure they get a good night's sleep while in transit.
If possible, try to avoid booking flights during peak travel season, such as holidays and weekends. These flights tend to be busier and more crowded, which can be overwhelming for both parents and children.
Pack early
You need to carefully plan everything to avoid any last-minute hassles. Make a comprehensive packing list that includes everything you will need for your trip. This will ensure that essential items are not overlooked and have enough time for additional purchases. Packing ahead also allows for strategic packing, maximizing space in luggage, and ensuring efficient organization. Additionally, it provides an opportunity to double-check the packing list and make necessary adjustments.
Book seats ahead
Choosing the right seats on your flight can significantly impact the comfort and convenience of traveling with kids. If you are traveling with an infant, opt for seats near the bulkhead for extra legroom and the option to use bassinets for infants. This provides a safe and comfortable sleeping space for infants during the flight. However, if you have a toddler traveling with you, choose window seats or middle seats. Window seats provide a view for your child to enjoy during the flight, which can help keep them entertained and engaged. Booking ahead ensures you get the best seats available.
Invest in a cabin stroller
Traveling with infants and toddlers often involves juggling a multitude of items. One essential piece of gear that will turn savior for you in such situations is the cabin stroller. These compact and lightweight strollers are designed specifically for travel. It allows you to effortlessly navigate through airports while keeping your child safe and comfortable. With their foldable design, cabin strollers are easy to store in overhead compartments or under seats during the flight, eliminating the need to check them at the gate. Look for models that meet airline size and weight restrictions, with features such as padded seats, adjustable recline positions, and ample storage space for essentials.
At Dubai International Terminal 3, Emirates offers complimentary strollers for ease of travel. You can simply pick one up near the check-in desks and drop it off at the stroller park at the boarding gate when boarding. These strollers are regularly sanitized with a long-lasting disinfectant spray for added safety.
Make use of airport amenities for families
Make the most of baby-friendly amenities offered by airports and airlines to ease the stress of waiting times. One of the biggest challenges when traveling with kids is waiting in long lines at check-in and security checkpoints. To minimize queue time and streamline the process, take advantage of priority check-in services. Dubai International offers priority check-in counters for families, where you can bypass the crowds and move through security screening more quickly.
Lounges at DXB provide family-friendly facilities, including designated children's play areas equipped with toys, games, and entertainment to keep kids entertained while waiting for their flight. On Concourse B, you can find Bounce, a popular trampoline park in Dubai.
Pack all the essentials
Prepare a comprehensive checklist for all the essentials you need during the travel, from wet wipes to snacks. Ensure you have everything you need to keep them comfortable and content throughout the journey. You must pack at least one change of clothes for both you and your child, especially for long flights or unpredictable travel situations. Snacks are a lifesaver when traveling with kids. Pack a variety of healthy, portable snacks that are easy to eat on the go, such as granola bars, fruit slices, crackers, and trail mix.
If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, be sure to pack an ample supply of diapers and wipes to keep them clean and dry throughout the journey. For infants and young children, a pacifier can help soothe and calm them during takeoff and landing, when changes in air pressure can cause discomfort or ear popping.
Carry their entertainment onboard
The best way to manage them onboard is to keep them occupied. A well-thought-out entertainment plan will keep them occupied and content during long flights. You can pack a diverse selection of entertainment options, including children's books, coloring activities, and electronic devices like tablets. Consider bringing along their favorite books and activity kits, as well as loading up tablets with kid-friendly games and shows. You should also bring child-sized headphones as the ones provided in-flights do not fit the children.
When traveling with Emirates, take advantage of their ice entertainment system. It offers a vast array of programming tailored to children's interests.
Prepare for flight delays
Flight delays are an unfortunate reality of air travel, and they can be particularly challenging when traveling with children. Pack some food and snacks for your little ones to prevent them from being 'hangry'. If you anticipate a significant delay, consider exploring the airport with your child to stretch your legs and distract them from the wait.
Also Read:
Umema Arsiwala
HiDubai Newswire
HiDubai Newswire
Maryam Pervez
HiDubai Newswire
