Summer break is almost here! If you’re planning to celebrate the end of school and the start of summer with a trip, preparing ahead of time to prevent a preschool meltdown is so important! From traveling to what to pack to managing the experience, thoughtful planning can help make your summer vacation as enjoyable as possible. In this blog, we’ll cover some tips for traveling so you and your family can have the best summer vacation!
Logistics & Transit Tips
Fly Early: Morning flights are less likely to be delayed, which helps prevent children from becoming overtired before boarding. You can also avoid having their sleeping schedule thrown off if they struggle to sleep on planes.
Burn Energy Before Boarding: Let children run in airport play zones or walk through the terminal before flight or car rides to minimize antsy behavior. If you’re taking a road trip, make sure you build in a little activity time during your pit stops.
Gate-Check Essentials: Strollers and car seats can be gate-checked for free, keeping them accessible until the very last moment. This can be extra helpful when your adults are outnumbered by littles.
Takeoff & Landing Support: Feeding a baby or giving a toddler a lollipop during descent helps equalize ear pressure through swallowing. Gum is also a great solution for older children.
Packing Essentials
Strategic Snacks: Pack mess-free, familiar snacks like fruit pouches and crackers, but include a few “novel” treats to use as distractions or rewards when needed.
The “Emergency” Bag: Keep a change of clothes for your child and yourself in your carry-on for spills or accidents. Keep an extra layer or blanket in there in case the plane gets chilly.
Sleep Aids: Bring familiar items like a sound machine, favorite stuffed animals, and blackout solutions to help them adjust to new environments.
Safety Gear: If you’re going somewhere you’ll be spending a lot of time in the sun, use long-sleeved UV-protection swimsuits and sun hats with ties to ensure they stay on.
Managing the Experience
Schedule “Down Days”: Avoid overscheduling; alternate high-activity days with low-key ones to prevent your little one from getting exhausted. This will also help reduce tantrums and meltdowns.
Relax Screen Time Rules: Travel can be very overwhelming for adults, let alone children. It’s okay to loosen screen time limits to make travelling easier for everyone.
Book a Suite: Whether it’s a suite or a house rental, finding a space that also has a living room space will help you enjoy your vacation without worrying about going to bed as early as your littles or stumbling around in a dark hotel room.