Travel With Kids - 8 Tips

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Traveling with kids can be one of two things - horrible or the greatest thing ever!
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Showing your children new countries, cultures, traditions and allowing them to meet people and try new foods is is simply amazing. Not only for Mum and Dad but also the lessons learnt by the children are invaluable.
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By taking a few simple measures, traveling with kids can be be easy (or at least easier!), here are a few tips I have learnt the hard way, whilst traveling with our 2 year old! 

1. Deep Breaths - Not into yoga, meditation or tai chi? Neither am I! So when it's on for young and old, slow down and take a deep breath. If you are calm, the kids are calm - mostly! 
   
2. Toys - Even when traveling you should always carry a few small toys. These are great for you stop for a coffee or something eat. Even a few pencils or small cars/dolls will entertain for a while. 
3. Let em Eat - Kids get bored, hungry, hot, tired and sh*tty quickly, especially if you wondering around ancient temples or pagoda's where they can't scream or play cowboy and Indians! So keep some fruit/biscuits/muesli bars or something handy and when they get restless let 'em eat.
4. Keep Schedules - Sometimes it's hard when you travel, but try and keep eating and sleeping schedules similar to that of home.
5. Spare Parts - Always carry spare gear! Nappy's, clothes what ever. If you're starting your travels and flying, spare nappies, water, milk, food are essential, especially if you're delayed at the airport for 6 hours! 
6. Spare Parts for Mum and Dad - For long journey's like flights/buses have a spare t-shirt handy in case the young one chucks! Really bad scene trumping through immigration with vomit down you shirt! 
7. Prams - Lot's of people "don't take a pram, there to big". That's rubbish, take your pram, their a life saver. They make life easy for those long days strolling the streets, give baby somewhere to sleep when out and you can carry other gear as well. Airports in Vietnam and Cambodia will also allow you to take the pram right to departure gate, very handy especially if you have been shopping. 
8. Suck the bottle -  If there's one tip you need to know, read this one. When flying, during take off and landing get you baby to drink water or milk. With change of pressure during landing/take off, our ears hurt and kids cry like mad! Feeding them fluids (or eating) will help unblock their ears and relieve pain. 

So don't stop traveling just because of the kids, plan ahead and have a ball!
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Got some more tips? Leave a comment and share!

Keen to travel to Vietnam or Cambodia with the kids? Let Adam put together a tailor made tour for you! Find out more at Vietnam Travel Notes

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