If you are considering going on a holiday for the first time with your child, we are here to help! Before our first trip, we too were very nervous. Despite being well travelled as a couple we had so many questions when it came to travelling with a child for the first time. What things do we need to bring? How do we prepare for flights? What do we do in case of emergency? Will it even feel like a holiday or is it better just to stay home? The knowledge you already have as travelling couple will be a good start.
Travelling with children for the first time can be a challenge. However here are 5 surprises we found after going on our first family holiday:
1. There were lots of help along the way
Bringing a baby on your holiday is almost like bringing a VIP pass. Generally people love babies! While travelling with our son we got priority lanes in airport security checks, get extra help from airline crews. Even when our son cried during flights, people in nearby seats helped to calm him down and gave us words of encouragement.
When we arrived at our holiday destination hotel staffs were more than happy to assist. When we go out sightseeing so many kind people gave up their seats on public transport, help us open doors and even on occasions offered us to carry the stroller.
2. There will always be naysayers
No matter how well your family holiday went, there will always be people who discourage you from ever travelling again. “You got lucky”. “But next time it will be harder”.
While your families and friends want you to have a good time, sometimes they have the tendency to “protect” you by recommending not to go or at least go later when the children are older. Talk to people who have done it well. There are countless families who travel all the time. Wherever you wish to go, there will be plenty of available advice online from parents who have already been there.
3. Your children is more adaptable than you think
Kids can handle a lot more than we think they can. We were particularly concerned – What if our son hate flying on the air plane? What if the weather is too cold or too hot? And what if he refuse to eat for 2 weeks?! With a bit of preparation flights will go smoothly. If anything the background noise of air plane engine seem to comfort babies while they nap. Also babies are very easily amused with simple things like plastic cups etc. Dress them appropriately for comfort and pick the right time of day to start your sightseeing. Bring along your child’s favourite prepacked food (like Rafferty’s Garden) and fruits as backup for the trip. After braving to go on our first trip, the following trips just gets easier and easier.
4.Travelling with (younger) kids cost almost nothing extra
One of our perception of family travelling is how expensive it is. It can be. But with the ability to avoid high seasons and school holidays, we save a lot on air fares and accommodations. Travelling with a toddler will cost you almost nothing extra. They fly free before turning 2 years old. And many places do not charge young kids entry fees nor public transport tickets.
5. Family holiday does not mean looking at kids stuff all the time
Smaller children will happily follow you along to most places. Not until they are older that they start complaining of boredom. So it will not always be Disneyland and toys shops. You can still go to nice restaurants, you will still be able to do a bit of shopping and you still can take nice photos of your holiday. All it takes is a bit of planning. When our son reached toddler age, we usually stop by a relatively open space to let him roam around for 20-30 mins. It is also important to slow down when they see something interesting like a street performer or a colourful shop. Also remember to always make good use of their nap time.
