Preparation Before Departure

As a family travel blogger recently, I'm often asked about how to travel with children. To be honest, I was also overwhelmed when I first started taking my nieces and nephews out. However, after years of exploration and practice, I've now developed a reliable set of methods that I'd like to share with everyone.

Choosing the Right Destination is Crucial

The choice of destination is incredibly important! I've seen many cases where choosing the wrong place led to family meltdowns. Once, my friend took her two-year-old daughter to Sanya and chose what looked like a beautiful resort. Upon arrival, they discovered that while the resort was picturesque, it was completely unsuitable for children. Not only did it lack children's facilities, but the restaurant didn't even have high chairs, which caused them a lot of stress over several days.

Therefore, thorough research is essential when choosing a destination. First, consider the accessibility, including transportation methods, distance, and local infrastructure. For instance, if you're bringing a stroller, pay special attention to accessibility facilities at the accommodation. I've seen a family who booked a hotel in Venice, only to find out they had to climb four floors, exhausting themselves every time they went out and returned.

Besides accessibility, climate conditions are particularly important. Children of different ages have varying abilities to adapt to climate. For example, when traveling with 0-3 year-olds, it's best to avoid places with extreme climates. I once saw parents taking their one-year-old to Xinjiang, but due to the dry climate, the baby became uncomfortable, forcing them to end their trip early.

Let's talk about choosing attractions. Many parents like to choose attractions based on their own interests, but they should consider their children's needs more. For example, when traveling with 3-6 year-olds, interactive science museums or children's theme parks are better choices than historical museums. My niece particularly loves science museums where she can do experiments hands-on, never wanting to leave.

After deciding on a destination, be sure to check the latest travel advisories. Policies in different countries change frequently, and being informed can avoid many problems. For example, when going to Italy, you need to check travel advice on the Foreign Ministry website, confirm passport validity, and check vaccination requirements. I suggest downloading some travel apps to get the latest information.

Also, consider seasonal factors when choosing destinations. For instance, if you're going to Japan, choose March-April for cherry blossoms, or October-November for autumn leaves. However, also try to avoid peak tourist seasons, as crowds not only affect the travel experience but also make prices much higher than usual.

Documents and Insurance are Essential

Regarding documents, requirements have become increasingly strict. Not just passports, but ID cards and household registration books are all necessary. Particularly noteworthy is that even babies now need their own passports, which many parents don't realize. I've seen several cases where parents thought they could add their child to their passport, only to discover at the airport that they couldn't, forcing them to reschedule flights and apply for new passports - such a hassle.

Passport validity is also a major issue. Many countries require passports to be valid for at least 6 months upon entry, some even longer. So be sure to carefully check everyone's passport expiration dates before departure. I suggest starting the passport renewal process 8 months before expiration, just to be safe.

Then there's the visa issue. While many countries now offer electronic visas, which seem convenient, there are many pitfalls. For example, some countries' e-visas are only valid at specific entry points, and using the wrong entry point will result in denied entry. I once encountered a family who got Thai e-visas but were delayed at the airport for several hours because they used the wrong entry point.

As for insurance, it's truly the "guardian angel" of family travel. There are many types of travel insurance available now, and I recommend choosing one that covers pre-existing conditions and meets destination-specific requirements. For Europe, for instance, insurance requirements have changed due to policy updates. I usually recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical coverage as well as protection for luggage delays and flight cancellations.

Particularly noteworthy is that many insurance companies now offer specialized family travel insurance, which provides more coverage for children's specific situations. For example, if a child needs medical attention during the trip, the insurance company will not only cover medical expenses but also provide translation services.

Travel Tips with Kids

For Infants and Toddlers

Traveling with 0-5 year-olds really tests parents' patience and attention to detail. First, medical preparation is crucial. I recommend getting a check-up for your baby before departure and preparing a first-aid kit. This kit should include fever reducers, anti-inflammatory medications, band-aids, and other common medicines, along with a thermometer.

It's particularly important to bring relevant medical records and medications if your baby has special medical conditions or allergies. I know a family whose baby is allergic to peanuts, and they always carry an EpiPen and English medical documentation just in case.

Let's talk about equipment. First is the choice of stroller, which is really crucial. I especially recommend lightweight yet sturdy folding strollers that can handle both smooth airport floors and uneven terrain at tourist sites. Many brands now offer travel strollers weighing between 5-7 kg that can be taken directly onto planes when folded.

Besides strollers, baby carriers are essential. They come in handy when strollers aren't practical. I recommend carriers with ergonomic designs to reduce fatigue when carrying your baby. Plus, carriers allow babies to feel their parents' body warmth, providing more security in unfamiliar environments.

Clothing preparation is also important. I suggest packing clothes in separate storage bags by day. This way, you won't have to dig through everything for daily changes. Also, bring extra sets of clothes as babies easily get their clothes dirty.

Preparing formula and baby food requires skill. For international travel, bring extra formula as foreign brands and formulas might differ from what your baby is used to. For baby food, bring some instant nutritional rice powder or fruit puree to ensure your baby's nutritional needs are met while traveling.

For Children

Children aged 6-12 are most likely to lose things, as they're active and easily distracted at this age. So packing needs to be particularly clever. My advice is: bring enough, but not too much. 3-4 pieces of each clothing item is sufficient, and choose fabrics that are easy to wash and quick to dry.

Involve children in packing. This not only develops their independence but also makes them more responsible for their belongings. My nephew is now very good at packing and knows to put important items in easily accessible places.

Entertainment items are also important. Remember to prepare some travel surprises for children, like new toys or interesting activity books. This prevents hearing "I'm bored" during flight delays or while waiting for transportation. I usually prepare educational toys like puzzles or Rubik's cubes, which both pass time and exercise thinking skills.

Also, children this age are beginning to develop their own interests, so prepare special activities based on these. For example, if a child likes drawing, bring sketchbooks and colored pencils to draw landscapes along the way. If they like photography, prepare a children's camera for them to capture memorable moments.

During travel, pay special attention to safety. Consider having children wear bracelets with contact information in case they get lost. Also teach them basic safety knowledge, like not talking to strangers and finding police officers or uniformed staff if they get lost.

For Teenagers

Teenagers aged 13-17 value autonomy most, as they have strong opinions at this age. I suggest involving them in trip planning. Otherwise, they might feel "kidnapped" on the trip. For example, let them plan one day's itinerary or choose attractions they're interested in, making the trip more enjoyable.

Teenagers also have strong social needs, so give them some social space during travel. For instance, let them move freely within safe areas or participate in youth-oriented group activities. When I took my niece to Japan, I let her join an exchange activity with local high school students, which she really enjoyed.

Regarding packing, teenagers can handle it themselves. However, remind them to consider weather changes and bring appropriate clothing. Especially for girls, remember to bring sunscreen and basic skincare products.

Also, teenagers tend to be dependent on electronic devices. Agree on device usage times before departure to avoid affecting the travel experience. Also remind them about internet safety and avoiding important operations on public WiFi.

How to Plan the Itinerary

Transportation and Accommodation

Consider practicality when choosing transportation. For example, when going to Vietnam, weigh the options between flying and driving. If choosing to fly, pay special attention to flight times. I recommend morning flights, as they provide buffer time in case of delays. For long-haul flights, evening flights are better as children can sleep on the plane.

If driving, plan the route in advance, especially marking rest stops and gas stations. When road tripping with kids, stop every 2-3 hours for breaks and activity. When I drove to Yunnan with my nephew, we stopped at every service area to let him run around, which kept him calmer in the car.

Accommodation choice is also crucial. Pay attention to family-friendliness, such as the availability of cribs and kettles. I recommend hotels or resorts with complete facilities, preferably with swimming pools or children's playgrounds. This way, kids can still have fun even on days when you don't go out.

Consider room types when booking. For infants and toddlers, choose suites with kitchens for preparing simple meals. For older children, consider family-themed rooms, which often have special features like children's beds or slides that kids love.

Location is also important. Choose places with convenient transportation and nearby supermarkets and restaurants. When I booked a hotel in Tokyo, I specifically chose one near a subway station with convenience stores and family restaurants nearby, making travel and dining convenient.

Budgeting Wisely

Regarding budget, it's a significant consideration. A family travel budget typically includes five main categories: transportation, accommodation, dining, attractions, and shopping. I suggest allocating 40% for accommodation, 30% for transportation, and the rest for other expenses. Remember to keep 10-15% as contingency funds for unexpected situations.

For flights, save money through early booking or traveling during off-peak seasons. Many airlines offer early bird discounts, with tickets booked 3-6 months in advance being cheaper. When traveling with children, I recommend full-service airlines; though more expensive, they offer better service and larger baggage allowances.

Accommodation costs can be reduced through extended stays. Many hotels offer discounts for longer stays - the longer you stay, the bigger the discount. Also, for peak seasons, start booking six months ahead for better rates.

Dining expenses are also significant. I suggest these ways to control costs: First, choose accommodation with kitchens to prepare breakfast and simple meals; Second, use group-buying apps for dining discounts; Third, keep lunches simple and save the main budget for dinners.

Plan attraction ticket costs in advance. Many attractions offer family or parent-child packages that are cheaper than individual tickets. Also, some attractions have off-season promotions - check official websites or social media accounts.

For shopping, make lists beforehand to avoid impulse purchases. If shopping abroad, understand tax refund policies to save money. I always give my nieces and nephews a shopping budget to help them learn to manage money.

Finally, while budgeting is important, don't be too rigid. Travel is about creating beautiful memories, and occasionally exceeding the budget for children's happiness is acceptable. The key is being mentally prepared before departure about approximate costs.

As you can see, traveling with children isn't so daunting - the key is thorough preparation. I hope these experiences help parents planning to travel with children. By the way, if you want to know more specific strategies, let me know your main concerns in the comments. Next time we can discuss how to handle various emergencies during travel.