Tips for Travelling with 5-8 year olds

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Travel is an eye-opening experience at any age, but nothing quite matches the sense of joy and wonder on a child’s face when they experience something for the first time. It’s a magical moment for both you and your child to share – and you don’t want to be distracted by any boring practicalities when it happens!

Travelling with children can be tricky though. There are a few extra factors to consider, but with our handy hints and tips for travelling with kids, you'll be all set for an incredible adventure together.

Here’s our guide for travelling with 5-8 year olds, with tips from travelling parents who’ve been there themselves...

Young travellers

Tips for Travelling with Children

Never underestimate the power of wet wipes! Try to find biodegradable options if you can, they're much better for the planet. 

Keep children occupied when travelling

For long journeys, let the kids have a new book or toy to keep them occupied. Just make sure you don’t let them read or play with it until you’re en route – the novelty will keep them entertained!

Pastry making for children

Keep Routines

Try to maintain your bedtime routines while on the road. This gives them some consistency and predictability when everything else is so new and stimulating.

Try to be patient

Challenging when you’re likely at your wits’ end and exhausted during a long journey, but kids will feed off your emotions and it never works if you fight fire with fire.

Ziplining adventure

Pack extra clothes

Pack a few more clean clothes than you think you’ll need. Definitely for the kids, but also for yourself if you have young ones who are prone to mess – you’ll often be in the blast radius.

Find local parks and activities

If you have young kids, do some research to see if there are any parks near your hotel. This is a great way to let kids burn off some energy and to give them a sense of familiarity in a new environment. Alternatively, Exodus hotels come with a pool which is a great place to play and unwind!

Pack snacks

Pack a few of their favourite dry food snacks from home to pull out when encountering unexpected delays, or whenever hunger strikes.

Family skiing trip

Keep children excited

Brief kids each day about what’s happening the next day both to build excitement and prepare them for anything they might find challenging.

Allow extra time

I was a last-minute dash to the airport kind of person pre-kids, I can’t imagine doing that now. Plan to leave plenty of extra time as little legs can’t walk as fast as big legs!

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