Let’s be honest, cross-country relocation or even moving out of state can be a harrowing experience for a solo traveler. Throw in family relocation or traveling with kids into the mix and you will have an overwhelming experience to contend with.
Most people I know have gone as far as planning their relocation and international moving months before but were still met with much chaos on the day of moving which has led me to the conclusion that you can make your relocation plans for as long as you like
but once you are not following the proper route, there is always a 70-80% chance of failure.
Trust me, as a family moving cross country, you do not need that mental stress. This is why this travel guide is customized to help you ease the burden of traveling with your kids while providing you with tips on how to contact the best moving company specializing in long-distance moving, getting the best moving guides and long-distance moving quotes from the cheapest family moving companies near you.
1. Pack Like a Pro: Essentials for Stress-Free Travel
We all know that for a family relocation, a well-packed bag is all you need to make a difference. Here the goal is to find a full-service moving company that would offer if not all then most of the moving services you will need such as eco-friendly moving and storage boxes enough for your family relocation.
Also, check to be sure the moving company is kids travel friendly. Do they make provisions for your kid's delicate toys and entertainment such as their coloring supplies, do they handle with care in terms of your toddlers’ comfort items, do they cover long-distance moving for international moving, etc.
Extra tip: For each of your child, use backpacks to keep their belongings; that way, it will be easily accessible to you while giving them a sense of responsibility.
2. Make Choosing the Right Flight and Timing Your Priority
Instead of booking any random available flight, carefully plan and book a flight that matches your child/children’s nap or bedtime, as sleep is the best pastime when travelling with kids. Overnight flights are best in this case since kids are more likely to sleep through the trip.
You should also consider booking an extra seat for added comfort when traveling with an, also be sure to book a direct flight whenever possible to avoid extra layovers and most importantly, endeavor to arrive early at the airport to avoid unnecessary delays.
3. Make the Journey Understandable to your kids
For most kids, a sudden routine change can be unsettling for them, so to make the transition easier for you both, prepare them in advance. Take your time to explain to them what to expect from the airports, the security screenings, and on the plane. Don’t just assume they would know how to act, especially if it’s their first time travelling long distances.
To do this, try using fun ways like showing them videos or reading books about flying and new destinations, letting them help pack a small bag of their favorite things, and in the case where they are older, giving them a simple checklist travel guide.
Also, practice fun moments using headphones and seat belts at home to gradually introduce them into the travel ritual to avoid much fussing or confusion during the trip.
4. Turn the Airport Security into a Breezy experience
Passing through security checks at the airport while traveling with kids for both local and international trips can be very tricky, but the key here is to stay prepared at all times.
Always have slip-on shoes at the ready for quicker removal, carry all your travel essential documents in a heady small bag or pouch for easy retrieval while still keeping your eyes on your keys and also never forget to keep all your snacks and liquids in an accessible bag close by.
Additionally, many airports have family-friendly security lanes and use them when necessary for a faster and less stressful security check experience.
5. When Moving Abroad with Kids, Their Comfort Should Be Top Priority
If you have traveled with children before, you already know they get restless especially during a long flight and getting them comfortable enough to stay put can be very challenging.
They tend to have way too much unused energy being in a confirmed space, so the trick here is to distract them for as long as possible and hope they get exhausted enough to fall asleep.
Get them noise-cancelling headphones to reduce sensory overload, and give them gums to help with the ear pressure change during takeoff and landing. Always encourage them to move around to relieve the restlessness and new toys or other such activities are guaranteed to keep your children occupied for a long time, especially during a long flight, never forget to pack one or two such small surprises.
6. Organize your Travel Documents in advance
If you are like me, then you probably love scampering around packing for a trip at the last minute, but the truth is that when you are travelling with children, especially on international travel, this method definitely will not work because it would require a lot more paperwork than when travelling solo.
I have seen some mothers running around, canceling their trips or being delayed for hours at the airport simply because they packed late, threw in whatever was handy or close by, and forgot the essentials needed for their airport security clearance or such things.
To avoid situations like this, organize and store all the family's important documents in a folder or travel wallet for quick access when needed. If you are travelling Internationally with your children for the first time, make sure you have documents such as passports for the family members, copies of your emergency contacts and itinerary, your medical records or prescriptions if they are needed, your visas, and other necessary travel permits.
7. Be Prepared for Unexpected Delays
Once during a flight delay, I had to spend all of my time at the airport keeping two beautiful but very active kids occupied. While the mother was doing her best to entertain them, she had a fussing toddler who was giving her a run for her money.
Flight delays and lengthy layovers are unfortunately an unavailable part of traveling especially for international trips and while you can not control it, the best you can do as an adult traveling with children is to come prepared for such situations.
Pack as many extra snacks and entertainment as possible, always carry portable chargers for the devices and most importantly keep a calm attitude, kids are very sensitive, they can and will pick up on your energy and mirror it back.
8. Make your Arrival a Smooth Transition
Avoid last-minute reservations, have your transportation arranged, and wait in advance, your Kids and you have already been through enough, do not add to it by leaving them stranded at the airport. Familiarize yourself with your new home essentials such as food spots, rest areas, and bathrooms.
Only unpack small bags carrying essentials such as toothbrushes, pajamas, etc. right away and keep the heavy unpacking and settling in for later. You and your travel-weary kids need to get some rest and shift your focus to making you comfortable.
9. Stay Positive while expecting the unexpected
When moving abroad with kids, it does not matter how much you plan or how good of a planner you are, things most often than not do not always go according to plan so your best bet is to stay positive and always expect the unexpected that way, you would never be thrown off balance.
Rather than stressing over small discomforts, take a deep breath and go with the flow. Be on your best possible “bring it on the game”, turn flight delays into adventures, keep your expectations low, and concentrate on simply seeing your kids enjoy the experience of the new location.
Though relocating Internationally with your kids is no small feat at all, with the right planning, support, and travel guide, you can turn it from a harrowing experience to a positively memorable experience. Relocating internationally with kids is no small feat, but with the right preparation, it can be a positive and memorable experience.
By packing smart, planning, and keeping a flexible mindset, you’ll turn travel stress into a smooth, family-friendly adventure.
What are your best travel tips? Have you traveled internationally with kids before? Share your best travel hacks in the comments, and check out our blog for more relocation tips and insights.
Comments