Traveling with kids to Gatlinburg, TN? Already panicking, thinking about what all you should have with you? Don’t worry! It’s very normal to find yourself boggled with so many questions on your mind when you travel with kids.
Here are a few tips that can help you when you travel with your little ones:
1. Pack Light
It is quite understandable to have the urge to take every littlest of thing that you can think of when you travel with kids. But remember, only keep the essentials. Traveling light can be super convenient. You won’t have to be carrying a lot of heavy weight that way. Buy pocket size packets of everything, like shampoos, lotions etc.
2. Make a Checklist
As a parent, you might find yourself thinking about many things at the same time. This means that your chances of forgetting something while you pack are much higher. To do this, it is always best that you make a checklist of things like diapers, formula, snacks, and medicines. Think about all the things that you might need when traveling. This way, you don’t end up forgetting something important.
3. Plan Ahead and Book Child-Friendly Accommodations
To have everything planned out well in advance is very important when you travel with kids. When thinking about where to stay in Gatlinburg, TN, consider kid-friendly options. There should be play areas and babysitting services at your accommodation. When on vacation, it is important that your kids also have fun alongside you. With accommodations like Sidney James Mountain Lodge, which gives you convenience, you can easily make the best of your time there. It is near the Gatlinburg Trail, Abrams Falls, and Grotto Falls Trail, all great places to visit with your family.
4. Pack Snacks
You might not always have access to eating options where you go. So, it is advisable that you pack snacks with you when you travel with kids. Think about all that your children like to eat. Fruit snacks and gummy bears can be a great idea. Opt for organic and healthy options.
5. Entertainment is Key
Kids can get bored very easily. They need to be stimulated at all times when traveling. It is also important for you as a parent to be able to make the most of your time when on vacation. As a parent, you know best what would keep your child busy and occupied. Engage with their creative side and give them what they need, like puzzles, drawing books, and painting activities are all amazing ideas. There is a lot of debate about screen time for kids. But remember, if your children are having a little more screentime on the trip than they usually do, it is completely alright. You don’t have to stress too much about it. If it is keeping them busy and calm and also allowing you to make the most of your trip, it’s alright. A family holiday is all about creating the best memories with your family.
6. Focus on Hydration
When traveling, kids usually don’t get enough water. Hydration is very important to keep the kids healthy. So, always carry water with you wherever you go. Try to give your kids water throughout the day. This way they won’t feel dehydrated at any point. Keep reminders in your phone is you have to, so that your child doesn’t go without water for too long.
7. Carry Trash bags With You
As important as this might seem, you must always carry trash bags with you when traveling. Children can get very messy, so you must have something in which you can dispose of extra garbage. Say your child has a poop disaster, or they spill something all over. You will need something to dispose of all of that. As a parent, traveling with kids can be very stressful, but when you have all the essentials that you need, you feel much more at ease, which is key to making your trip a lot better.
8. Purchase a Luggage Scale
Overpacking is very common when traveling with kids. You naturally tend to keep all the things that you think you might need. But this can be quite a hassle at the airport, where you have a certain luggage allowance. Imagine having to repack or rearrange things when you are already very short on time and have kids to take care of. So, buy a luggage scale so that you can check the weight of your bags beforehand. This can give you a lot of mental peace when traveling.
9. Reach the Airport Early
Even the thought of missing your flight seems scary when you have kids with you. So, always be well before time to avoid hassle and panic. Try to reach the airport at least an hour before you think you should. You never know what might come up. Say your child might have to go to the bathroom or say they make a mess that you have to clean up. It can be quite stressful when you don’t have enough time on you, right?
10. Explore the Airport with Excitement
Do you want to make your trip extra memorable for your kids? Then, explore the airport with them and show them the airport and all that they can explore there. Exploring every little spot is an adventure. Show your kids around so that they can make the most of the trip and make memories to last a lifetime.
11. Let Kids be Kids
Most important of all, don’t lose your calm with your kids. They will be kids, and they will act irrationally at times. Be easy with them and explain things by giving them reasons. This will help them be relaxed and calm. Treat your children with love and affection if you want them to have fun while on the trip.
Traveling with children is super exciting. When prepared beforehand, you can surely have the best time ever. Make the most of your family trip, bearing in mind these parent-friendly hacks. Most importantly, make memories while at it. These will last you a lifetime!