Traveling with kids is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. You get to see everything through your little ones’ innocent eyes. The world seems to acquire a fresh coat of paint all of a sudden. However, travel can be traumatic for kids, especially little ones. Here are some tips to make it as easy as possible for them.

1. Slow it down: Your kids cannot travel at the same pace as you. Provide more rest stops on car journeys, and go exploring only as much as they can take.
2. Be flexible: If your little ones are cranky and uncooperative, it’s because too much has been asked of them. Be flexible with schedules and planned events.
3. Try to keep up routines: Maintain as many of your at-home routines as possible such as bed-time stories, bath times and other routines.
4. Keep snacks ready: Kids use up their energy real quick. Always carry healthy snacks that they like. This will comfort them and keep them happy and satiated.
5. Invest in a car seat: Carry one on the plane for your toddler. Prevent your kid being thrown and tossed on a regular plane seat during bad weather.
6. Show pictures in advance: Let kids see pics of your destination in advance so that when they actually get there, they don’t display the ‘strange new place’ crankiness.
7. Explain what to expect: Let your kids know what kind of weather to expect, rain, cold, or too much heat. This will help them adjust better.
8. Explain food habits: If people at your destination eat or behave differently, explain the differences beforehand and try to make it fun.
9. Help point out similarities: Help them spot familiar things such as certain car models, telephone booths, malls and so on along your route. This will help them relax knowing that some things are the same as at home.
10. Map your route in advance: Find out good eateries that have bathroom facilities (and hopefully kids’ play area) on your route.
11. Get your kid used to headphones: Smaller kids may not understand headphones or why they should use them. Practice at home and engage them during flights with onboard entertainment so that they pass the time at ease.
12. 12.   Look for night stops: Kids are more comfortable tucked into bed at night; it keeps them relaxed and happy the next day and prevents crankiness. Try not to drive straight through nights.
13. Pack their comfort toys: Kids can get overwhelmed and scared of sudden change. It helps to have their favorite toys and loveys at hand. Be sure to pack a few.
14. Let them pack their stuff: Give each kid a small backpack and get them to pack their favorite things for the journey. Tell them they’re responsible for getting their bags scanned. This will get them excited.
15. Make it fun: Long security lines and the stern officers can alarm kids into throwing a tantrum. Prevent this by telling them it’s all part of a ‘secret mission’ just like in the movies.
16. Pre-board if possible: This will help you settle your kids in before people rush in, nudging and stamping everyone in the way. Spare them that horror.
17. Breastfeed before flying: If you have an infant, breastfeed or give the baby a bottle. The sucking action will work against air pressure, even as the familiar action calms the child.
18. Carry food on the plane: Carry simple dry food, or several packs of different cereal. If your kids are not able to eat the airline food, ask for some milk and offer them cereal.
19. Dress them in comfortable clothes: Make sure their clothing is appropriate for the weather and the cold on the plane. Dress them in layers so that they can take things off if they feel too hot.
20. Dress them in TSA-friendly attire: If you’re flying with your kids, dress them in easy to take off jackets and shoes. Be sure to follow the no-metal rule and prevent a potential tantrum.
21. Carry first aid: Kids can hurt themselves, develop ear pain and fever and so on. Carry a thermometer, some medicines, motion sickness relief bands and EarPlanes ear plugs for prevention and relief.
22. Pack extra clothes: If you’re flying, keep some extra clothes for each kid in your carry-on, if they spill their drinks, throw up or even mess in their clothes.
23. Carry diapers and wet wipes: Know your child’s schedule and expect diaper changes. Keep a couple of diapers and wipes in your jacket pocket and some in your carry-on.
24. Make them chew gum during takeoff: This helps relieve the air pressure. If they refuse the gum, explain the reason.
25. Make them use the bathroom before the flight: This will prevent tantrums because they decide to use the bathroom just as the plane is taking off.

Author: Maskeen is a traveller and adventurer whose work is published widely on the web. Like her, you can enjoy amazing experiences via adrenalin.com.au.