A quick google search of ’tips for travelling with a toddler, spits out more advice than an overbearing mother-in-law.
Flying with children, toddlers and babies can be overwhelming, daunting, and even off putting. However with a plan, a bit of preparation and an open mind you can travel ‘fairly’ stress free with your little ones and create those long lasting memories. After all, trying to survive the day without any epic meltdowns about toast being cut the wrong way, the apple being the wrong colour and leaving their favourite toy in the room, are all much better with a sea view and the sun on your face.
Advice and Tips
When it comes to advice, and tips, you need to remember to take everything with a pinch of salt and always do what suits you. Advice like book an early morning departure, may well suit you however I personally couldn’t think of anything worse than a 4am alarm and a day of travelling in a confined space with hours of entertaining my little ones. Hats off to you if you can do that!
With plenty of preparation, it’s totally possible to execute these flying with a toddler tips successfully. Of course, they may be a little tired or grouchy at times and that’s where utilising these tips will hopefully make your travelling experience that little bit better.
Contents;
- Snacks are king
- Toys, Toys, Toys.
- Packs
- Tablets
- Bed?!
- Buggies and seats
- Destinations
Snacks are king
Snacks are indeed king and you can’t have too many. To begin with, anyone eating will be quiet, which is a bonus in itself. Try to be as realistic as possible with what you bring in terms of mess. Small dry foods are obviously best, but often fall into the junk category. Our favourite go-tos are compressed fruit bars, nakd bars, breadsticks, flapjacks and even cereal in a small Tupperware
Toys, Toys, Toys
Toys – small enough to fit in a rucksack, big enough to provide entertainment. If your toddler is used to it and can stay ‘relatively’ tidy, then a real hit for us has been using playdoh and kinetic sand. The fact that by its very nature it is always changing and you can be very imaginative with it, helps to provide hours of entertainment. The one downside is the potential for mess, but as you’re in a tight space it’s fairly easy to supervise.
Packs
If that sounds a little too much, then ‘keep em quiet‘ is an excellent alternative and something that can build the excitement of your trip. Having new and engaging activities are key for 2-year-olds that find it hard to sit still. Every child is different when it comes to their interests but throwing just about everything at the situation to ensure success we’ve found, is the best way forward. They come in different age groups, gender (also gender-neutral available), as well as the length of trip. If you are going away for a weekend they can be smaller and obviously a little cheaper in price.
Tablets
Tablets, a potential taboo subject but by now anyone with a toddler knows their value, and anyone without a toddler won’t understand the level of stress and anxiety a simple game on a tablet can relieve. If you have a tablet, and if you are happy for your toddler to be on it then these are some simple strategies you can implement.
~ Use parental controls, a time limiter can be a great one if your toddler has a bit of an addictive personality and you want them to actually look up from the screen every once in a while. Being aware of the time, and having a new activity ready can also help reduce the sense of impending doom when it turns off.
~ Select any games wisely, have a browse beforehand and introduce them before the flight, some require an internet connection and you don’t want to be finding this out at 30,000 feet!
~ Pre download shows to your Netflix account – again, it negates the need for Wi-Fi and means you still have total control of what they are watching!
~ Get some over ear headphones, and have your toddler use them before the flight so that they are used to wearing them. POGS Headphones are a great option, as they are limited to 85 dB maximum volume to protect kids’ hearing.
Bed
If your trip is a long or medium haul flight, and you want your toddler to have a decent sleep on the plane, then the jet kids from stokke is going to be your best friend. Transform your family travels with this premium ride-on suitcase, officially approved by airlines. It doubles up from a spacious carry-on dimensioned suitcase for children to ride on, be pulled along or pull themselves. It then transforms your seat into a bed ready for them to sleep. We use the inside to store any sleep essentials (pillow, dummy, blanket etc) as we all know those home comforts are key to a good sleep.
Buggies and Seats
An essential item, that can be a massive pain at the airport. Often bulky, difficult to collapse and not very versatile. Until the Yo-yo from babyzen. It’s compact design, has a one-hand fold and can be used as a travel system making it work from new-born through the toddler stage. Plus it fits most overhead compartments while still offering tons of great features. We wouldn’t travel without ours. It’s worth more than its weight in gold purely by the fact you can pop it open and your toddler can be sat in it the moment you step off the plane. Say goodbye to carrying them all the way through passport control to baggage to collect your buggy!
Destinations
Last and by no means least. The destination…
You need not look any further than the stunning Ikos and Sani Resorts.
We enjoyed a family trip in 2022 to the fantastic Ikos Olivia and would certainly return again. Check out our Vlog if you haven’t done so already and find out more about this great luxurious family resort.
All Ikos properties are set in some of Europe’s most sought-after holiday destinations. On idyllic beaches, these five-star properties offer first-class service and excellent facilities in the most stunning surroundings. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway or a romantic break with your loved one, there really is an Ikos hotel that’s perfect for you.
While in Halkidiki, we took the opportunity to explore all of the Sani Resorts… watch our Vlog where we take you on a tour of these luxury resorts and share our recommendations and top tips. If you would like further insight to which hotel would be best for you and your travel companions do give us a call, we would love to chat it through and answer any questions you may have.
