Travelling abroad with kids can be an eye-opener for a lot of families. Parents and guardians of children sometimes feel that the entire experience can get a little overwhelming for kids. However, if you plan everything correctly and make allowances for your children, the trip will be enjoyable for the whole family.
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Being prepared might take a while, but the ultimate reward is staying organized during your travel. When making trips with children, it is essential to think of their comfort and plan for the worst. If your kids are travelling to a foreign country for the first time, they may have some anxiety. As parents and guardians, we must put them at ease and help them with their concerns or queries.
Let us help you prepare your kids for overseas travel.
Map the Destination:
If your kids are toddlers, you may not need to worry much about preparing them, but you may have to sit down and have a friendly chat if they are over the ages of five years. As soon as you have finalized the destination, you should show the place to your children on a map. Let them pronounce the country’s name, teach them how to spell it, and explain how long the journey will take.
Ensure you point out areas that would be of interest to them – beaches, parks, wildlife, different flowers, new foods, and so on. By mapping the destination, you will effectively help your kids generate interest in the travel and the new place. After speaking to them, ask them if they have any questions about the destination, and answer them patiently with a smile. Seeing you at ease will help them get rid of their anxiety.
Watch Travel Shows Or Videos:
Watching travel videos or shows about the destination will introduce them to the culture. You could also point out places from the show that they will be visiting. Being able to visualize the place will generate enthusiasm and build interest. Since children are naturally curious and enjoy watching TV, the thought of going on a trip abroad would help them immensely.
If there aren’t any documentaries available, you could also show them a children’s movie based on the location. You should ensure that you watch the show or movie with them while pointing out noteworthy areas and places that could interest the whole family. During this time, you could also bring out picture books of birds or animals native to the destination. Planning a trip to a safari or a zoo, or a wildlife sanctuary can also make the trip enjoyable.
Try Out The Foods:
Learning to like and enjoy different cuisines is an integral part of travelling overseas. If you’re travelling to a country that has a very different gastronomical palate than what your children are used to, you should make them try out some dishes. Having a heads up about the kinds of food and the taste will make it easier for the children to accept the new flavours at the destination.
Order in some of the new cuisine from a local restaurant, and allow your children to have a bite of the food. Offer them some drinks that are also popular in the new country. If you’re visiting South East Asia, introduce your children to some fish and a few sips of coconut water. Allowing them to try the food in advance will prepare them for when they actually travel.
Get Them Involved In The Planning:
Kids love to be part of things they consider ‘grown up’. Allow the children to take control of which toys or shoes they would like to take with them. If you are visiting a safari, let them know that they must have sturdy shoes and socks, and let them think about how to pack their stuff.
When making a medicine kit (and if your children are old enough), you could ask them to fetch you extra bandages, some lotions and ointments, and gauze from the medicine cupboard. You can also let your children tell their friends and family members about the upcoming trip and what they plan to learn from the experience.
Top 20 Tips On How To Engage Your Kids While On A Luxury Vacation was provided by Club Med