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Remember the unbridled curiosity and awe you experienced, exploring the world for the first time? Now imagine igniting that same spark in your own sons and daughters! Traveling with kids can be an unforgettable journey, fostering a love of exploration, cultural understanding, and a sense of resilience that will stay with them for a lifetime.

But let’s be honest, the thought of navigating airports and foreign landscapes with little ones can feel a bit daunting at times. I’ve been crafting incredible family adventures for over 20 years (and my own two boys, currently 9 and 7, have been my enthusiastic travel companions since they were just 3 months old!). Through our countless adventures, I’ve learned a few invaluable tips and tricks to share – whether you’re planning a budget-friendly getaway or a luxurious family retreat.

Empowering Your Mini-Explorers: From Passive Passengers to Active Participants

One of the secrets to a successful trip with kids? Engaging them in the planning process, here’s how:

• Destination Dreams: Let your little ones explore potential destinations! Browse travel brochures together, flick through travel photos online, or even watch travel documentaries. Discuss different cultures, landscapes, and activities, allowing them to spark their wanderlust.
• The Power of Planning: Involve your kids in the planning process by letting them choose a few sights or activities they’d like to experience. My boys recently put together a super cute PowerPoint presentation (see below) to “convince” their Dad why we absolutely HAD to go to Japan. Little did they know that the tickets were already booked, but this sense of ownership has made them feel like valued partners on our incredible adventure.
• Building Excitement: Once you’ve chosen your destination, keep the excitement simmering! Read kid-friendly books about the local culture, learn a few basic phrases in the native language, or cook traditional dishes together. The more engaged your children are beforehand, the more invested they’ll be in the experience itself.

Choosing Your Wings: Low-Cost vs. Full-Service Carriers

The Budget-Conscious Adventurer: Flying Low-Cost

Low-cost carriers can be a fantastic option for families on a tight budget. However, a few things to keep in mind:

• Limited legroom: Let’s face it, airplanes aren’t known for their spacious seating arrangements. For younger children, this might not be a problem, but for older kids, consider the extra legroom offered by some airlines.
• Fewer amenities: Low-cost carriers typically offer fewer complimentary amenities, such as in-flight meals and entertainment. Be prepared to pack snacks and activities to keep your little ones occupied.
• Hidden fees: While the base ticket price might be tempting, be mindful of baggage fees, seat selection charges, and any additional costs for in-flight meals or entertainment.

The Comfort Seeker: Flying Full-Service

While it may require a bigger budget, full-service airlines offer several advantages for families:

• More legroom and amenities: Many full-service airlines offer more spacious seating, making long flights more comfortable for everyone. They also often include complimentary meals and entertainment options, which can be a lifesaver for keeping kids occupied.
• Priority boarding: Full-service airlines often offer priority boarding for families with young children. This can make the boarding process a breeze and help you settle in before the general boarding begins.
• Checked baggage allowance: Full-service airlines usually have a higher checked baggage allowance, which can be helpful when traveling with little ones who tend to accumulate a LOT of stuff!

Frequent Flyer Programs: Your Ticket to Free Travel

In Australia our two major airlines dominate the domestic skies, and both Qantas and Virgin Australia have frequent flyer programs that reward you for flying with them. These programs allow you to accumulate points redeemable for flights, upgrades, and other travel perks. By strategically using your points, you can significantly reduce the cost of your family holidays, opening the door to new destinations and experiences, and to put it simply, this is how we are able to travel Internationally numerous times a year!

Calming the Pre-Flight Frenzy: The Power of Airport Lounges

Ah, airport lounges. These havens of peace amidst the pre-flight pandemonium are a godsend for families. Imagine this: a comfortable space to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the main terminal, giving weary parents, a chance to recharge with complimentary snacks, drinks – which can save a bundle compared to the cost of airport food.  The Lounge Lowdown: Qantas vs. Virgin Australia- both offer lounge access for eligible passengers, but there are some key differences to consider.

• Qantas Club: Qantas Clubs are known for their premium offerings, including a wider selection of food and beverages, premium amenities like massage chairs, and business facilities. However, access typically comes at a higher price point for your flights – BUT there is the perk of being able to use the lounge when traveling on Jetstar.

• Virgin Australia Lounge: Typically cheaper fares than Qantas, and Virgin Australia also offers a unique benefit called “Family Pooling,” which allows you to combine status credits from multiple family members to access the lounge – this is a huge benefit if you know how to use it to the best of your ability (this deserves it’s own blog, so I promise to write one soon).

Beyond the Plane: Making Memories on the Ground

Plan with Purpose: While a little spontaneity can be fun, a well-planned itinerary is essential for a smooth trip with kids. Factor in rest times, plan activities that cater to different age groups, and incorporate breaks for snacks and exploring. Remember, it’s not about packing in every sight, but about creating shared experiences that your little ones will cherish.

Embrace the Unexpected: Sometimes though, the most cherished memories are made with a slight detour or a change in plans. Be flexible, roll with the punches (those inevitable meltdowns included!), and remember, it’s about creating happy travel memories together as a family.

Pack for Play:  Preparation is key when traveling with kids, and packing is no exception! Here are some top tips to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey:

• Pack Light, Pack Smart: Lugging around heavy baggage is no fun for anyone, especially little ones. Focus on versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Consider quick-drying fabrics for easy laundry and pack layers for changing weather conditions.
• Essentials at Your Fingertips: Pack a small backpack for your child to carry on board, filled with essentials like a water bottle, snacks, travel-sized toiletries (under 100ml of course), and a favourite stuffed animal. This gives them a sense of ownership and keeps them occupied during the flight.
• Comfort is Key: Pack a blanket and a travel pillow for added comfort during the flight. Familiar items can help minimise stress and encourage restful sleep. I am known for traveling with my pillow from home and using it to help me sleep on the window during flights, and when traveling with my kids I try to make it as comfortable for them, aka as stressless for me as possible.

Engaging Minds on the Fly: Beyond the Screens

Let’s be honest, iPads can be lifesavers on long flights. But there’s a whole world of creative entertainment waiting to be explored! Here are some ideas to keep your little adventurers engaged without relying solely on screens:

• Window Wonderland: Turn the airplane window into a learning opportunity! Encourage your child to spot landmarks, cloudscapes, and passing planes. Play games like “I Spy” with objects inside or outside the window to keep them focused and curious.
• Story Time Takes Flight: Pack a selection of age-appropriate books or bring along a favourite audiobook – my 9 year old loves podcasts so will happily cuddle up with me while listening to his favourites like Car Trip Trivia.
• Travel Journal Time: Encourage your child to document their journey in a travel journal. They can draw pictures of sights they see, write down funny observations, or collect small souvenirs like ticket stubs to glue in later. Our school actively encourages this if we traveling during the school term.
• Learning Through Play: Simple games like “I Packed My Bag” or “Would You Rather?” can be a fun way to pass the time. Pack a small deck of cards or travel-sized magnetic games for a touch of friendly competition.

Traveling with kids is an incredible privilege – a chance to bond, explore, and create lasting memories that will become treasured stories for years to come. Over the last 20 years I have made it my niche to craft the perfect family adventure, tailored to your budget and travel style. Let me help you create an unforgettable journey with your little globetrotters – one that will spark a lifelong love of exploration and a shared sense of wonder at the world around us.