LITTLE TRAVELLERS
We are just back on UK soil after a wonderful five weeks adventure with the family. It’s been so wonderful to get away and relax into holiday mode, spending time off my phone and focused on the family. In such a busy world, I think we all tend to forget that it’s ok to step off the hamster wheel. Although, often if you do, it’s very hard to get back on!
My friends overseas were asking for the breakdown, how the kids got on, was it ok, was it hellish, what I packed etc. So I thought I’d share as it may come into some use for anyone who’s flying long haul economy with kids this summer.
We stopped over in Dubai on route to Sydney/Auckland. Our kids ages are 10, 8 & 6. They were wee superstars tbh.
Here are my top tips for family travel ❤️
- Allocate your team (seats will be split - we went 2/3 ratio)
- Bright clothes (make people smile and identify your tribe in a packed airport (I do this at play parks too)😊)
- ID bands and attachment wristlet (more for younger children, we had ours a few years back and Quinn wanted to use hers)
- iPads and own headphones (to avoid ear ache from the plane options and to elliminate white noise for other passengers)
- Individual hand luggage/ bag (makes security easy if you just have your own bag and devices to look after)
- Crossover bag for tickets and passports (bright and easily accessed - Colin was mortified, but he soon got into it)
- Roll spare clothes secure with hair ties (just incase they get wet or into a mess)
- Blow up cube pillows (sleep hack, under 7yrs, we were ok to use these unless there was turbulance)
- Buy transit snacks and take refill water bottle (there are filling stations at most airports and saves you buying endless plastic)
- Utilise the airline supplies (blankets, toiletries. I took too much of this and it was weighing the bags down)
- Exercise (walk around) before to burn off steam
- Shoes which easily come on and off (in case you need to rush through)
- Small comfort items, and sticker/book (sticker books are great for passing time/uno)
- Medicine for ear emergencies (your call)
- Book sensible flight times
- Split up clothing (half per person in each, just incase!)
- Factor 50, don’t overheat, long sleeve rash vests.
- Quick drying towels (compact)
- For avid readers - they will LOVE to figure out the gates and next steps so they feel in charge - they can learn all about the geography on board too❤️
- Book a good stop gap with plenty to do and a great selection of food, we spent 36 hours in Dubai.
I’ve flown this route several times, so I wasn’t really worried, but flying with kids I can imagine may be stressful - try and keep cool and enjoy the process. I can sense the anxiety of other travellers post covid, people aren’t as chatty, which made the airports a bit boring and less fun. I like a chat as you may have noticed!
Lauren xx
