Family travel can be one of the most enriching experiences for young kids, opening their eyes to new cultures, landscapes and ideas. However, there are also challenges and uncertainties that come when travelling with kids. With a little preparation and the right attitude, family holidays can create lifelong memories for both parents and children. We’ve got you covered with our top travel tips for families with young kids to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey.
Balance organisation with flexibility
When it comes to travel with kids, it’s a careful balance of planning ahead but staying flexible. Kids can be unpredictable, so when creating your itinerary build in extra time for things like meals, naps, exploring and even temper tantrums. Ahead of time, research kid-friendly activities and attractions but don’t over-schedule or necessarily book everything in advance – often the best moments happen and the best memories are made spontaneously.
Choose kid-friendly accommodation
Book accommodation that has all the amenities you need to keep the kids happy and comfortable, whether that’s cribs and high chairs or play areas and babysitting services. Choosing kid-friendly accommodation will also help reduce how much you need to pack for the trip – if you can find a hotel or rental that has a crib and play area, you don’t need to take a portable cot or as many toys and games with you.
Pack smart
Another of our top family travel tips is to bring only what you need, but make sure you have the essentials. Pack a variety of non-perishable snacks and entertainment like small toys, colouring books and tablets to avoid hunger or boredom-induced meltdowns. A first aid kit is a must-have for travel with kids – include band-aids, antiseptic wipes and pain relief.
Stick to routine where possible
Kids thrive on routine, especially when travelling. As much as possible, try to maintain regular meal and sleep schedules. This can be a challenge but is made easier by incorporating familiar elements to help maintain a sense of normality, such as their favourite blanket to sleep with and snacks they usually enjoy at home. If you’re travelling across time zones, adjust meal and sleep times gradually to help your child adapt.
Involve the kids in the experience
By getting the kids involved in planning the trip, you can make the experience more engaging for them. Engage curiously by talking about the places you’ll visit and the activities you’ll do, and show them photos so they know what to expect. During the trip, keep the kids informed of where they’re going next to conjure anticipation and excitement.
Airtrain’s family travel tips
Enjoy stress-free travel with kids thanks to Airtrain’s offers and services:
- Discounted travel – Kids aged 14 and under travel free when accompanied by an adult between Brisbane Airport and any Brisbane City station.
- Free wi-fi and air-conditioning on board – Keep the kids entertained with free-wifi. Our trains are also fully air-conditioned to ensure the ride is comfortable.
- Accessibility – Travel is smoother for families with specific needs or disabilities with accessible bathrooms, lifts, level platforms, hearing loops and assisted boarding points.
- Service changes – Avoid unwanted surprises when travelling with kids by checking and planning for any service changes.
Airtrain runs express from Brisbane Airport and stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations. From there, you can continue on to the Gold Coast via bus or G:link tram – all using the same Airtrain ticket! With services running every 15 minutes during peak times and every 30 minutes off peak, we’ll help you get to your destination on time and in comfort.
Make family travel fuss-free with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
Smart Ticketing is also available on Airtrain, making your journey easier than ever before! With the world-class Smart Ticketing system, you can simply tap and travel with Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
