Travel has many benefits for your child. Yes, it can be quite stressful; but, with a little advance planning, you can have a great time on vacation with your toddler!
1. Plan your surprise. Kids love surprises. Build up the excitement and anticipation by revealing bits of information about the place you are going to. Let them guess the destination and let them take the lead in exploring the place for themselves.
2. Eat healthily and drink water. Bring healthy food and enough water to avoid dehydration. If possible, avoid candies, chocolates, junk foods, juices, and anything rich in sugar, because it could make your toddlers super hyper. Feed them on the way to your destination and drinks lots of water.
3. Capture the moment. Most kiddie places allow cameras or video cameras, so be ready to document your kid's excited facial expressions as they explore the place. The more candid, the better, because asking the kids to pose would lose the authenticity of the moment. If they do pose, thank them for it and smile.
4. Be prepared for anything. Always bring extra shirts, underwear, pants, and towels for your kids. Also, bring a jacket, cap, and umbrella to protect them from the rain. Bring tissue in case they want to go to the toilet or when they want to blow their nose. Bring some food or toys as a diversionary tactic.
5. Bring an ID tag. Security is very important when you go out with your toddler. Make sure that you always have a line-of-sight and arms-length distance from your kid all the time. Put an ID tag on him with your emergency contact information if he gets lost.
6. Treat him like an adult but take care of him like a baby. Pre-align the schedule and set time limits with your toddler. If possible, give him some responsibility like buying the tickets in the counter or letting him lead a self-paced tour of the facility as if you've traded places with him. Remember to be extra patient with him all the time.
7. There is nothing more important at that moment. Your kid is all that matters at that point in time. Put your mobile phone on silent mode. Enjoy your bonding time and give your full attention to him. Create lasting memories that you can talk about for years to come. No one can take those memories away.
8. Don't rush when traveling with your kid. Make sure that it is the first and last appointment for the day. Block it off like you would a whole day off-site meeting in your calendar. Savor every smile, every laughter and every excitement with your kid like it is the last day of your life. Be possible.
