With children, overseas travel can be challenging.
Here are our best recommendations for travelling abroad.
Age 0 - 2 Years
This is the age when you have to go with the flow; if you enjoy a routine like we do, it's best to wait until you arrive. A happy, well-fed, clean child will always make travel easier.
Age 0-2: Your child does not receive a seat unless you pay for it and must sit on your lap.
You can try to book a bassinet, but these are in high demand. Your next option is to book the window and isle seats and hope that the flight isn't full and you can just use the seat in between for your child, but that comes with the risk of a stranger being stuck in between you!
Packing for a flight:
Pram/Stroller - We carry a foldable stroller with us all the way to the gate, where it will be placed in the cargo hold and returned to you when you get off the plane; however, you must confirm with the airline at the time of check-in that this is permitted.
Front/back pack or Sling - Even if you don't typically use these, they are quite helpful when travelling because they allow you to hold your child while also freeing up your hands for carry-on luggage, passports, and other items.
Attach toys together - By using clips and rings, you can keep toys organised and stop constantly cleaning them up off the floor. If your child is old enough to sit up on their own and you have room, you can place them down on the floor with a blanket and gently support them with your legs so they can play with their toys without losing them.
Travel during sleeping hours - This may sound ridiculous because if they don't sleep, your child will be overtired, but typically the sound of the plane helps them go asleep. Night flights are another excellent choice because they typically have a calm and dark cabin.
Pack water and food - Bring a drink bottle, but make sure it's empty when passing customs, once on the other side you can fill it up; if you're worried they'll take your drink bottle, there are always options to buy water once you've passed through customs. Snacks are essentials for a long flight, I suggest foods that your child can eat slowly, such as rusks.
Spare clothes - Make sure you have two sets of clothes for your child and extra clothes for yourself. Accidents happen, believe me.
Nappy/Diaper Bag - Additional nappies/diapers, wipes, bottles, pacifiers/dummies, changing mats, and blankets. If your child doesn't use a pacifier/dummy, give them something else to suck on—a bottle, for example—to relieve the pressure in their ears.
New Toy - We always buy one little, brand-new toy since it can keep the kids occupied for hours.
Age 3 - 12 Years
Your youngster is given a seat on the plane at this age.
Since eating on the plane takes at least 30 minutes of time, we always choose that option.
All of our kids have carry-on luggage now, but when they were younger, we utilised a Trunki to help us get them through the airport.
Packing for a flight:
Electronic Devices - Yes, as parents we all detest screen time, but you can download some offline games or perhaps a movie they'll like.
Art Supplies - Put washi tape, stamps, a sketchbook, pens, crayons, and a colouring book in your pencil case.
New Toy - At this age, we also buy a toy. It may be a train, Barbie, or anything without a lot of parts that could go misplaced.
Board Game/Cards - Put the cards into a tiny plastic bag to prevent loss. Additionally, we bought magnetic board games such as snakes and ladders.
Hair brush and hair ties - If you have a child who enjoys having their hair done, "Elsa frozen" plaits can be a good boredom buster.
Age 13 + Years
Probably the easiest age to travel with as they are technically an adult according to the airline.
Packing for a flight:
Carry on bag - At this age, we allow kids to pack their own bags, but we do make sure that they adhere to all airline regulations regarding liquids, food, and other items.
Electronic Devices - Pack tablet/iPad, headphones, chargers, camera, phone.
Board Game/Cards - Board games and cards are fun for even teenagers. Put the cards into a tiny plastic bag to prevent loss. Additionally, we bought magnetic board games such as snakes and ladders.
Journal and pen - Allow your child to record their experiences in a journal.
Apps that don't require internet
Netflix - Download a movie
Smash hit - Enjoyed from age 3 - 13 +
Slither.io - Enjoyed from age 3 - 13 +
Duplo Games - Age 2 +
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