* Â Guest Post by Dickies Canada
Traveling is a great way for people of all ages to learn about the world and expand their horizons, but it is especially beneficial for kids. Children who travel learn to be curious about the world, respectful of differences, resourceful and cultured. It also helps families bond and gives kids and their parents shared memories that they can reminisce about together for years to come.
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However, some families are reluctant to travel with kids because of the additional planning and preparation involved. While getting ready for a trip with very young children can present a unique set of challenges, making sure that you have the right clothes and gear can go a long way towards ensuring that the holiday is one to remember for all the right reasons.
Camping Adventures
Camping is a great family getaway for family members of all ages, but the fact that it is fairly undemanding and can generally be done at campgrounds near your home make it especially well-suited for younger kids. Prepare for camping by packing loose, comfortable clothing. Make sure to bring plenty of layers. Even if the weather is scheduled to be warm, it still might get chilly at night or during an unexpected rainstorm. Hooded jackets or hats are also a good idea because they protect from sun and precipitation.
While some experienced campers prefer to bring relatively little gear, camping with kids may require you to be a little more prepared. In addition to a tent and sleeping bags, it’s also a good idea to get an air mattress to ensure that less-experienced campers get a good night’s sleep. Also be sure to have flashlights or headlamps on hand and plenty of water.
Outdoor Sports
Older kids and those who have a little more experience outdoors tend to benefit a lot from hiking, climbing, fishing and other more directed outdoor sports. In general, you can wear the same lightweight, layered clothing that you would wear on a camping trip. Breathable fabrics are especially recommended since you will probably work up a sweat over the course of the day. In addition, a good pack is also essential for outdoor sports. Younger kids may not be able to carry one yet, but once they are old enough invest in a pack that is appropriately sized and comfortable for them to wear.
Safety is paramount when doing these types of activities. Make sure to dress in layers with plenty of protection and wear appropriate footwear, so you are prepared to tackle any path you take. Research the trail or climb you are planning on doing to make sure that it is an appropriate difficulty for all members of the party. Bring plenty of water no matter what sport you are participating in. If you can’t carry all the water, bring along a bottle with a built-in filter.
Traveling and Sightseeing
Whether you are traveling abroad or just visiting another city or state, this is one of the most exciting trips you can take with your kids. Practice packing light, even on short trips. It can be easy to overfill a suitcase, especially when you are traveling with kids. Stick to just two or three changes of comfortable, functional clothes and one nicer outfit in case you decide to go out to dinner or a show while on vacation. The more space you leave in your suitcases, the more souvenirs you can bring home.
If you are flying to your destination, make sure to bring something for every member of the family to help pass the time. You may also want to carry a neck pillow, ear plugs, a face mask and whatever else you need to sleep soundly on long flights or in the car.
While it may require a little extra planning and prep, the benefits of traveling with your children will build memories that they will treasure for the rest of their lives. Check out this infographic for more information on how to prepare for your next family adventure.
Karen Beddow founded Mini Travellers in 2014 while doing what she loves most...going on holiday!
Mini Travellers is for parents looking for holiday ideas, destination reviews, days out and things to do with the kids. We also have family travel tips, activity ideas and all other things family holiday related. Take a look at some of our latest reviews for holidays and day trips in the UK.
Top tips Karen! Your site is literally my go-to resource for family travel. Thanks for sharing x
why thank you my love!
I like your blog. I traveled a lot with my family when I was a kid, so I hope to do it one day with my own. Such a cool experience for both the kids and parents. It seems you enjoyed a lot.
Nice tips. I definitely aspire to keep travelling even after having children, will have to keep these tips in mind. Thanks for sharing it.