Packing for a vacation with kids? Take these items with you

Holidays with kids can be fun and exciting… but they can also be a tonne of work. From the planning stages when you have to ensure that where you are going has plenty of child friendly options, to herding the kids into the car/onto the plane/train/bus to getting to your destination without any meltdowns….it’s a lot! 

Having said that, it is always worth traveling with your kids as it not only creates happy memories, but opens their minds up to rich and valuable experiences. So, if you are planning a trip in the near or distant future, here are some things you should definitely pack for the journey. 

Snacks, snacks and more snacks

You know it, we know it, the whole world knows it – a hungry kid is a cranky kid. And a cranky kid is one who is unlikely to co-operate, sit still or sit quietly on a plane or in the car. Save yourself and your fellow passengers from the hangry wrath of your tiny CEO and pack plenty of sustenance. 

Entertainment 

Books, puzzles, games, fidget spinners… whatever it takes to keep your crew entertained and occupied. If you allow your child to have screen time then make sure that iPad is loaded with movies and episodes of their favourite show. 

Their favourite toy/comforter 

As adults, we tend to love travel because it takes us out of our comfort zone – but for little kids, this can be overwhelming instead of exciting. For this reason, it’s a great idea to bring things along that are familiar to your child – like their favourite toy or comforter, so they can still feel secure in their new surroundings. 

Bedtime essentials 

Holidays are supposed to leave you feeling refreshed, right? But this is unlikely to happen if sleep routines are disturbed. Keeping your child’s sleep routine the same can go a long way in helping them snooze well on vacation. 

Glow Dreaming’s Glow Travel Sleep Easy allows you to bring your little one’s bedtime routine on the road, so that you can all get a well-deserved night of sleep. This 3-in-1 unit is small, compact and rechargeable and equipped with Pink Noise, Red LED Light and a Scent Nebuliser to promote better rest. Its sleek design means it is super easy to take with you wherever you are going, and even fits into the cupholder of your car or pram for consistency no matter where you are. 

A great travel pram 

The engineering of some of the travel prams out there would seriously impress NASA – these things are compact! 

Look for ones that are easy to fold down with one hand and that easily fit in the overhead compartment of a plane. 

Portable black out blinds 

Nothing kills nap time like beams of light streaming in and telling your child it’s time to party. Portable black out blinds can mitigate this by helping to create optimal sleeping conditions wherever you are. 

This is another reason why the Glow Travel Sleep Easy is a smart addition to your holiday arsenal, as it also works to create an optimal sleeping environment. Its Pink Noise (which is a safe decibel for tiny ears) creates a consistent soundscape to prevent unnecessary wake ups and help the brain achieve deep Slow-Wave sleep, and its waterless aromatherapy component creates an atmosphere of calm. 

Patience and humour 

Yes, travelling with kids can be intense and tiring, but it is always worth doing if you are able. With some patience and humour, the occasional stress of these situations can become funny memories that entertain you all for years to come. 

This is a paid partnership between Kiindred and Glow Dreaming.