Traveling with kids can be tricky, that’s why we’d like to pass along this important advice!
When planning a vacation, you never want to leave your kids behind, but we understand that the idea of traveling with small children may seem daunting. To bring you the best tips for traveling with your children, we sat down with our very own Silvia Rico, CEO and Founder of Enigma Peru, who has traveled with her two kids all around the world.
1. Choose the proper luggage
If your child is old enough to be in charge of their own belongings, be sure to help them pack their things in a suitcase that is easy to manage. Typically a good suitcase for children will have wheels. This will make it easy for your child to move their luggage through the airport.
“We travel the three of us alone, so it is key to choose adequate luggage – it has to have wheels so that the kids can carry their own or help me do so without trouble.”
2. Pack some entertainment for the plane
If your child is of the appropriate age, allow him/her to help pack their carry-on. This will ensure that they have a few of their favorite games or snacks for the plane. However, try to only bring whatever is strictly necessary to keep them relaxed and happy on long plane or car journeys. If you bring too many of their favorite toys from home, it could distract them from engaging in the activities at your destination.
“I try to have my kids play with whatever is in the destination we are going to, so we try and bring only what’s strictly necessary and it always turns out to be too much!”
3. Bring a well-assorted first-aid kit
Kids are always susceptible to cuts and scrapes while traveling, so it is important that you pack a first-aid kit to be prepared for any small mishaps along the way. Moreover, you never know when you child may experience a cold or fever, so bringing allergy tablets and ibuprofen is a must. Anti-diarrhea medication is also very important. If you’re traveling in a foreign country, your child may not be accustomed to the bacteria of that country, so avoid letting your kids eat street food and always stick to bottled water. Additionally, you should always be prepared for emergencies, so learn the emergency contact numbers of the country you are going to, as well as the hospitals nearest to where you are staying.
“I’ve done advanced first aid courses, along with our guides in Peru, and try to have well-assorted first-aid kits. But then it is really important to have the right insurance and the means to get to the closest medical facility.”
4. Pack the proper clothing
Be sure to help your kids pack clothes that are adequate for the destination you are heading to, be it warm, cold or rainy. You should also be sure to pack an extra change of clothes. You never know when bad weather or “accidents” may render an outfit dirty or uncomfortable. In addition, be practical and pack what you know your children will be comfortable wearing, such as shoes they have worn and like.
“We try to be rational, preferring clothes my kids like and feel comfortable with over choosing others which may have the “look” but are less practical.”
5. Take part in educational activities
Travel itself can be part of your children’s education. However, you can build on that education by choosing the destination and educational activities for your kids to participate in. Wildlife spotting and taking part in local arts and crafts is a great way for your kids to engage with nature and come to understand different cultures.
“Our trips always include cultural and wildlife elements, which are both key aspects of travel to me.”
6. Balance your interests with your children’s
What your children will enjoy while traveling is likely dependent on their individual interests, age and the destination you are visiting. While on family vacations, you don’t want to be separated from your kids, so it is important to remember that if your children are happy, you are likely to be happy as well. There is nothing wrong with planning a trip around your kids’ enjoyment, but make sure you put aside some time for things that you would really like to do.
“There have been some cases in which yes, I have wanted to do something on my own… In these cases, the support of great kids-oriented private guides and vehicles is of the essence.”
At Enigma, the most common reasons we’ve heard for not traveling with kids is that a particular destination is not safe or that the kids are too young to remember. Regarding the first, it is important that parents feel at ease. Before choosing a destination, always do your research and remember that many countries, such as Peru, are safer than you think and can offer amazing experiences for your kids. Regarding the second, even if your child doesn’t remember everything from your trip, who they will become will be shaped by the experiences they have lived outside the comfort zone of their hometown.
“Travel is precious and enriching. Seeing the world and experiencing different cultures direct makes us become better, more understanding, educated and tolerant human beings. Doing this with your children – if in a safe way for them – is priceless. At all ages.”
