Guest post by Leslie Campos

Traveling is a life-changing opportunity where you can experience new cultures, meet new people, try unique cuisines, and see beautiful things. Although traveling when you’re single or a young couple is much easier, there’s no reason to stop when you have children. Don’t allow yourself to be one of those bitter parents who think that having a family means their adventurous life has to end. Sure, there are more things to consider when taking a baby or toddler on trips, but the perks of family travel far outweigh these nuisances. So, here are some stress-reducing and budget-friendly tips for parents traveling with young children.

Turn to Devices for Endless Entertainment 

Ironically, traveling is usually the most stressful part of vacation for families. The tedious movement from one place to another by car, bus, or plane presents a unique challenge for parents who have to find a way to keep their younger children entertained for the duration of the journey. Packing various electronics and devices can ensure your children are endlessly entertained. A portable streaming device can be a lifesaver if you’re stuck on a long trip. Since many of these devices are compatible with TVs, you can even hook them up if you’re stuck in a hotel room and need some immediate entertainment. In addition to tons of television shows and movies, streaming devices also provide access to many high-definition channels.

Bring Stuff for an Impromptu Naptime 

Dealing with a wacky and irregular schedule is difficult for many travelers to handle; this is particularly true for babies or toddlers who are on a strict sleeping routine. To help reduce the stress associated with a lack of sleep, parents should remember to pack items needed for an impromptu naptime. This includes a blanket, a favorite stuffed animal, and carriers when out and about. Anytime your child is about to doze off, you can take advantage of the opportunity and avoid all of those painful crying sessions when naptime is missed.

Use Noise-Canceling Headphones 

Headphones are great for watching movies or listening to music while traveling without disturbing those around you. Noise-canceling models take this convenience a step further by making sure you’re not distracted by external sounds. From the drone of plane engines and the screeches of trains to loud tourists and blaring bar music, it’s not uncommon to encounter noisy situations when traveling as a family. To help protect your child’s ears and maintain your own sanity, use noise-canceling headphones to simultaneously block out noise and provide some much-needed distraction. Earbuds are always a good option when you’re limited on space.

Choose a Relaxing Destination 

The very nature of traveling requires transportation from one place to another, but there are some destinations where no movement is needed once you’ve arrived. When traveling with younger children, it’s a good tip to stick to relaxing destinations where vacation is spelled with a hammock or beach towel. While more active trips to cities or large attractions are fun, they’re also tedious and place a lot of stress on parents and children alike. All of this hassle can be avoided by finding a place like East TN Vacations where families have their own slice of paradise and don’t have to go far for all of the activities that make a vacation worthwhile. 

New parents don’t have to give up travel just because their children are young. It’s quite possible to travel with babies and toddlers, whether exploring within the states or internationally. Planning ahead of time can help ensure you encounter less stress and anxiety on the trip since young kids are harder to travel with when you’re alone.