Tips for travelling with tots

The challenges of traveling with tots are many, I'll admit. However, they don't have to outweigh the joyful moments. As an avid traveller and mother of two little boys, I've picked up some valuable tools across our family adventures.

These tricks keep our kids happy, and I share them with you in hopes they help make your time on the road more enjoyable too.

The 'no rules" rule

Whether flying, driving or riding the rail, our mantra on a day of travel is: anything goes. Ultimately the goal is to arrive at your destination alive and sane. Our normal restrictions around screen time, junk food and schedules go out the proverbial window. Whatever it takes - until we arrive at the destination, then it's back to business as usual.

Travel traditions

Whether it's bagels for the road, singing the same songs in the car, or always wearing PJs to the airport for early morning or late night flights - little traditions act as cues that connect your little adventurers to the excitement of travel. It can also help to maintain a level of sanity and predictability in an otherwise insane and unpredictable travel day.

Retro storytime

A few audio stories or books from Audible or iTunes really help pass the time on the road or in the air. It's so much fun for the littles to re-interpret their favourite books and allows for easy day dreaming (or actual dreaming when they doze off).

Car seat savings

While it can be a pain to lug your car seat(s) through the airport, it can save you substantial daily fees charged by car rental companies. If you're worried about damage or worse, losing it in transit, rest assured all airlines must legally replace yours immediately. For ease of transport through the airport obstacle course, we love the GogoBabyZ, a brilliant contraption that transforms your heavy and cumbersome car seat into a rolling suitcase that will have you whizzing through terminals.

Gear-up

Speaking of car seats, from travel cribs to strollers, anything that you think can make your time on the road easier, more organized or familiar, is probably money well spent. Our BabyBjorn Travel crib doesn't owe us a cent and is a constant companion on any and all trips helping to keep our healthy sleep routine. Our beloved BABYZEN YOYO+ travel stroller has logged infinite miles with us and has given us back the mobility we enjoyed pre-kids, with its relatively light weight and because it's sleek enough to fit into the overhead compartment as well as small cafes.

Maintain your rhythms

The more your days away can vaguely resemble your days at home, the better for all. Toddlers require routine and as a general rule, we try to maintain the nap, mealtime and bedtime schedules as similar to the rhythm of an ordinary day at home. We are also careful not to stack our days with activities or too much excitement. One excursion or museum visit per day, as a general rule, works for us.

Dine at noon

Because dinner out with kids can sometimes be a train wreck, we often enjoy our big family meal at lunchtime instead, when everyone is still in good spirits. Bonus: lunch menus also tend to be less expensive than the dinner versions so your money can go further.

Roam free

Purchase an international SIM card so you can stay connected via text and data without spending a fortune on international roaming fees. You can use it to find a local park, paediatrician or just to read restaurant reviews to ensure the adorable local bistro you spied will be welcoming/accommodating to tots.

Find the comforts of home

While hotel living is a wonderful treat, sometimes it can be more relaxing to rent a house or apartment. We love browsing Kid & Coe for all the amazing kid-friendly properties across the globe. It's so nice to feel like a local while visiting a new city plus having access to homeowners baby/kid gear, books and toys make it easy to pack lighter.

Emergency snacks always

Avoid pricey room service and hunger emergencies by keeping some simple healthy snacks on hand. Yogurt can easily be stored alongside the vodka in your mini bar, while packets of instant oatmeal are a lifesaver for too-early risers just use your in-room kettle to prepare and avoid a tantrum, while hopefully buying yourself an extra hour in bed.

Simplify airport travel

Nexus cards are a major help you can avoid long passport control lines at the airport, as well as at other borders while road tripping. As long as both parents have a valid membership, children are eligible and are not charged an additional fee.