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Today I'd like to talk about traveling with kids. As a post-95 dad who has traveled extensively with children, I've deeply experienced how traveling with kids is truly a double-edged sword - both sweet and painful.

I still remember how chaotic it was the first time I took my child out. Looking back now, it's quite amusing. After so many experiences, I've developed a fairly reliable set of tips. I'd like to share these practical insights with you today, hoping to help you avoid some common pitfalls.

Age Matters

Honestly, traveling with kids of different ages is completely different. The infant stage is the most challenging, really testing parents' limits.

I remember the first time we took our 6-month-old son to Sanya - my wife and I were so confident. We thought, "How hard can it be with just a little baby?" Reality gave us a harsh wake-up call. Just preparing formula, diapers, and stroller was overwhelming. Worse still, our son completely defied expectations: though he slept well at home, he was restless at the hotel, leaving us sleep-deprived.

That experience taught me a lesson: when traveling with infants, you must slow down. A sight that normally takes half a day to visit might need a full day. Why? Because the baby might need feeding, diaper changes, or suddenly become fussy at any time. So my advice now is: only plan for half of your time, and leave the rest flexible.

For kids aged 1-3, it's truly a love-hate age. Children at this stage are extremely curious and want to touch everything. Once at the zoo, my son got so excited seeing a peacock's display that he nearly climbed over the railing to touch its tail. Since then, I've prepared a special "exploration pack" filled with various toys to redirect his attention when needed.

Ages 3-6 get a bit easier. Children this age can understand adults, but stamina remains a major issue. I discovered a really effective trick: turn sightseeing into a treasure hunt. For example, at the Forbidden City, I'd prepare small task cards asking children to count how many creatures are on a certain roof, or how many stone lions are in a courtyard. This makes it fun for kids while they learn.

Kids 6-12 are easier to travel with, but new issues arise: they're prone to losing things. Once in Japan, my son's backpack disappeared with his beloved Switch inside. It was heartbreaking. Since then, I've set a rule: valuable items must be kept by adults, and his backpack can only contain toys and snacks.

As for teenagers, that's a whole different challenge. My daughter is 13 now, and every trip requires lengthy discussions. But I've found a trick: involve her in trip planning. This not only motivates her but also builds responsibility. During our last trip to Yunnan, she found travel tips on Xiaohongshu and discovered some interesting places. For instance, she found a boutique silver workshop in Dali Ancient City where we experienced making silver rings - an unexpected delight.

Preparation Work

Document Check

This is truly a lesson learned the hard way. Last year, I met a family who had booked flights and hotels to Thailand, only to discover at the airport that their passport had expired. Can you imagine that feeling? All plans ruined, and most of the money non-refundable. So I now especially remind everyone: check all documents before departure!

Specifically, ensure passports are valid for at least six months. Different countries have different entry requirements, and some places need enough blank visa pages. A friend of mine was questioned extensively by Japanese immigration because their passport was almost full, making for a very awkward situation.

For domestic travel, don't forget your ID card. Many attractions now require real-name ticket purchases, and not having proper ID can be very troublesome. For children, it's best to bring their household registration book as well, as some places might need it. I now keep electronic copies of these documents on my phone for emergencies.

Destination Research

I have my own method for destination research. First, I create a dedicated travel notebook to record all important information. This includes: local emergency numbers, nearby hospital locations, essential local phrases, etc.

Accommodation choice is particularly important when traveling with kids. Once in Chongqing, we booked a cheap guesthouse only to find it was on a hillside with no elevator. Pushing a stroller up five floors was excruciating. Since then, I pay special attention to these points when booking hotels:

First, location must be good, preferably near attractions or with convenient transportation. This makes it easier if children get tired or need to return for rest. Second, check for children's facilities like cribs, kids' restaurants, and play areas. Finally, read reviews, especially from families with children.

I also like to create a food map in advance. Since children can be picky eaters, knowing where to find good food helps prevent them from going hungry. Last time in Xi'an, I collected several kid-friendly restaurants that offered local specialties without being too spicy - perfect.

Health Protection

Regarding health issues, you can't be too careful. This is especially true when visiting places with significant climate differences. For Southeast Asia, for example, definitely consult a doctor beforehand about necessary vaccinations. It's best to do this a month in advance, as some vaccines require multiple doses.

Besides vaccines, common medications are essential. I now carry a small medical kit containing: fever reducers, cold medicine, digestive medicine, band-aids, disinfectant, etc. Although you might not use them, it's better to be prepared. This is especially important with children, who have weaker immune systems and can easily become unwell.

Another lesson is about sun protection. Whether at the beach or in the mountains, always apply sunscreen to children. My kid got so sunburned in Sanya from playing too enthusiastically that they were peeling for days afterward.

Travel Tips

Itinerary Planning

For itinerary planning, I now use a special method: drawing each day's schedule as comics. This helps children clearly understand what's planned and builds excitement.

For example, during our Beijing trip, I drew simple sketches: people on the Great Wall, little princesses in the Forbidden City, pandas at the zoo, etc. Every night before bed, we'd look at the next day's plans and discuss what interesting things we might encounter. This maintains children's interest while helping them mentally prepare.

For daily schedules, I recommend visiting maximum two main attractions, with plenty of rest time in between. Once in Zhangjiajie, thinking we should make the most of our trip, we packed the schedule full. By the third day, the kids completely refused to move. Since then, I've learned: better to see less but enjoy more.

Packing Tips

Regarding packing, I've become quite experienced. After countless trips, I've developed a perfect formula: pack clothes for each day, plus two extra sets for emergencies.

It's particularly important to prepare a dedicated small backpack for each child. What should go in it? First, their favorite toys for entertainment during boring moments. Second, some snacks, but be careful not to pack too many perishables. Finally, essentials like tissues, wet wipes, and spare clothes.

Here's a tip: organize all clothes by outfit and pack them in separate storage bags. This makes morning clothing changes easier and prevents all clothes from getting wet if the suitcase gets splashed.

Emergency Handling

Emergency situations can be nerve-wracking. I now prepare a small card for each child containing important information: parents' contact details, accommodation address, blood type, allergies, etc. Although we've never needed them, having this precaution provides peace of mind.

Besides cards, I teach children basic safety knowledge. Like what to do if separated, how to seek help in dangerous situations, etc. At attractions, we also establish a fixed meeting point in case we get separated.

It's also important to know local emergency numbers in advance. These vary by country and region, so save them in your phone. I also check nearby hospitals, so we can seek medical help quickly if children feel unwell.

Conclusion

After saying all this, the most important aspect of traveling with children is taking it slow. Don't rush, slow down the pace to truly enjoy the journey. Although you might encounter various problems, with proper preparation, you can definitely create a fulfilling experience.

After each trip, seeing the children excitedly share their experiences with classmates or smile while looking at travel photos makes all the effort worthwhile. These beautiful memories become their most precious childhood treasures.

Traveling with children is like an adventure requiring both courage and wisdom. I hope sharing my experiences helps you avoid some pitfalls and find more joy in family travel.

Finally, every child is unique, so my experiences are just for reference. How to arrange things depends on your own child's characteristics. With careful planning, you'll surely find your own perfect way of traveling with children.