Written on January 10, 2024

Why do many people think that traveling with kids is not easy?

Manju Parajulee

Author

Mumming Around the Globe #flywithprabas

Why do many people think that traveling with kids is not easy?
Hello everyone! Welcome to my first blog, where I’m excited to share my story with you. I am a mother of two young kids, and I also think that traveling with kids is challenging. Traveling with kids within countries is tough, and going outside the country is even more difficult. Airports, immigrations, and transits sound like reasons to stay home rather than traveling across countries with super active kids. Our first international travel experience was to Indonesia and Singapore when my first baby was 15 months old. I wasn’t sure if it was a quality travel experience for my baby, but for myself, it was truly a wow moment. Throughout pregnancy and motherhood, I felt lost, and the travel became my time to break free, immerse myself in a fresh environment, and discover a much-needed change for my depressed and tired mind.

Kids are surprising
After a few years, we embarked on another international tour as a family of four, this time to Dubai. My kids are usually super cool and very understanding at home, but outside, they transform into a roller-coaster. It was unexpectedly different. My daughter acted so differently; my husband and I were hopeless in handling her tantrums. She ran non-stop, refused to eat during our trips, and cried a lot. We felt helpless, but we completed our trip and returned home. No one would guess my mom tiredness by looking at our seemingly super cool family photos.

Back in Nepal, I figured it wasn’t the kids’ fault; it was ours. We couldn’t get a handle on their moods. That’s when I got it – don’t expect perfect behavior from kids while traveling. Just roll with it and stay happy!

Navigating Parenthood: The Art of Traveling with Kids
On our third family trip to Australia in 2023(youtube link of our family vlog), my kids were a little more grown up, and I was fully prepared. Ready to handle my daughter’s tantrums and my son’s non-stop questions, I was mentally and physically prepared. I had a few things in mind; 

  • Don’t expect a perfect child.
  • Avoid arguing and complaining.
  • Try not to solve every problem.
  • Engage in play and conversation with them.
  • Don’t attempt to visit all the places; remember you’re traveling with kids. Aim for one destination per day.
  • When kids are tired, they become more challenging, so let them rest.
  • Opt for food courts or child-friendly centers instead of malls and shopping centers.
  • Do not force them to eat; they will ask for food if they are hungry.
  • My kids are early birds, so we stick to morning plans. No late plans for us!

Embarking on journeys with kids is an eye-opener; understanding their behavior is crucial for smooth adventures. As a mother of two, I urge fellow parents to stay calm during travels. If you can afford international trips, invest in your children’s growth in a cool way. Approach your trip with positivity for a lifetime experience. Embrace differences and turn your travels into beautiful and memorable journeys, shaping not just your children but your family story. Safe travels!

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