Tips for Traveling with Grandchildren

There are few things in life that bring greater joy to grandparents than getting to spend quality time with their grandchildren. And there’s no better way to capture that joy for grandparents than taking their little loved ones on a trip.

However, while young children are great tourists, it’s important to have a game plan before traveling with grandchildren. Here are some tips to ensure that traveling with grandchildren can a memorable bonding experience.

Make sure to have activities and the trip as a whole planned in advance. Young children aren’t exactly known for their impeccable sense of patience, so it’s a good idea to schedule all events. Pack books and toys to keep kids busy on long flights. If it’s a road trip, think of creative games that will keep grandchildren entertained. Get in touch with the parents before leaving to get ideas for snacks that the kids will enjoy during the trip.

Try to keep a consistent schedule. Children, especially young ones, are creatures of habit, so be aware of body clocks. If they still take naps, make time during the day to rest. If traveling overseas, attempt to book a flight at night so that adjusting to time changes is easier on everyone. When having dinner, eat at the time they are used to, even if it’s not typical in a particular location. If a certain restaurant has a long wait time to be seated, have a backup plan ready such as picnic supper.

Invest in travel insurance. While it’s always a good idea to have trip protection before traveling, it’s especially true with young children involved. Travel insurance can cover medical expenses or even a trip cancellation if a child is sick or suffers an injury. When researching various forms of trip protection, look for a policy that covers all potential risks.

Make sure to have proper documentation. In addition to passports and health insurance when traveling internationally with grandchildren, grandparents need a notarized letter from a parent or guardian for permission for medical care. Don’t forget to bring copies of insurance cards as well.

Have fun! Grandparents ordinarily may not get very much one-on-one time with their grandchildren, so it’s important to savor these special moments. Plan activities the children will enjoy and make sure to bring a camera to capture those moments.