Away we go: Handling long trips with a toddler

You’ve packed your belongings and are ready to embark on that long-awaited family holiday. However, now that your child is a toddler, you face a new set of travel challenges: She’s walking, talking, and has an opinion on almost everything, but that doesn’t mean your holiday has to be memorable for all the wrong reasons. 

Our advice will help you prepare for frequent stumbling blocks so that travelling with your toddler is a breeze. If you follow this advice, it can even feel like you’re on holiday!

Travelling by air

You’ve already waited a long time by the time you go through airport security and board the plane. Add in strangers and loud noises, and you’ve got a recipe for a tantrum. All the sensory stimulation might be overwhelming for younger toddlers. And children around the age of three are presumably aware that they’re flying through the air, which can be frightening for them.

• It’s important parents build up positive anticipation for the travel in the days leading up to departure by pointing out planes flying by in the sky or giving your child a toy aeroplane to play with. 
• Go to the airport prepared with plenty of toys and activities that you know your child enjoys, but also save something unique to occupy him on the plane, such as a new set of crayons or a book he’s never seen before.
• Allow your child to burn off some energy at the airport before you board. Let him assist in pushing small luggage.
• Narrate everything once you’re in the air. Flying may be scary to toddlers, but giving them the vocabulary to explain the experience can help minimise their anxiety.

Driving the distance

You buckle your child into the car seat and crank up the music for the long drive. On the other hand, your child is wriggling by the time you reach the first toll booth on the highway. Unfortunately, expecting her to sit quietly in the backseat for an extended period is unrealistic. If she doesn’t feel engaged, she may not be able to keep herself calm and may show her understandable need for engagement in a typical way – with a tantrum.

• Make a list of interactive play ideas ahead of time, such as a basic game of “I spy” or telling stories, and bring books and toys that your child can use on her own.
• Engage your kid as soon as you pull out of your driveway. This way, she won’t mind taking a break and quietly looking out the window now and again. 
• It’s a good idea to organise trips during your child’s naptime. When your child is awake, be prepared to make rest stops every hour or two so she can stretch her legs.
• It might also be beneficial to plan entertaining locations to stop along the route to break up the journey. Bringing bubbles or a playground ball can also make rest stops more enjoyable.
• If your child has a breakdown and you’re travelling with another adult, consider pulling over so one of you can shift to the back to cater to her needs. It can get lonely back there, and a little company can make a big difference.