Mommy tips to make your next trip with the kids a success

From planning to the trip itself all the way to returning home, traveling solo or with friends is a breeze. But when you have kids in tow, doing all these can be extra challenging as you need to consider a lot of factors.

"One challenge when traveling with a toddler are the tantrums. There will be times that you can't calm them down and for many parents, there's this notion that it's embarrassing when the child is noisy, so it adds more stress to them," explains Gretchen Filart, mom to ten-year old Lia and the blogger behind Our World in Words.

Mary Jean Ramos-de Guzman, who works as a team lead in an e-commerce company, says that she always gets an extra check-in baggage for her daughter Lara.

"We always have an extra 20kg baggage.

"If you have a toddler, you always have to bring extra stuff. You have to anticipate that it might rain, or if it's hot or her clothes get dirty, you have to change multiple times."

Regardless of these challenges, traveling with their daughters is all about the beautiful experiences for these moms.

Gretchen shares, "The best thing about traveling I guess is you grow together. It's not just your kid learning about the world, it's also you growing and seeing the world with her, through her eyes. The learning, discovery, and growth is two-way.

"We should be traveling with our kids to build memories. And these memories will be their anchor for stronger family ties. Time flies, so let's do it while we still can," adds Mary Jean.

If you're having a hard time traveling with a toddler or want to start traveling with them, here are some tried and tested tips from Gretchen and Mary Jean:

Start early and small

Gretchen and Lia have been traveling together since the latter was only a baby, and at 18 months old has hiked her first mountain. To date, they have climbed 25 mountains and visited 30 Philippine provinces.

"The earlier you start, the better! The more they are exposed to other environments and people, the easier trips get in the long run--less tantrums, less fuss. It also helps boosts the confidence of both parent and child once you already know what to do.

"If it's your first time to travel, especially if you have a fussy one, start small and work your way up from there. You don't need to travel far. Start with local parks or a short trip to the market with your kids. Such trips can help prepare them for longer ones."

Let them be kids

Parents have the tendency to be overprotective of their kids especially when they're in a new, unfamiliar place. It's completely okay, but you have to let them enjoy their childhood and allow them to have some freedom.

"Let them be kids and as parents, try to loosen up and enjoy.

"Don't be afraid for your kids to go through 'adult' experiences, of course without compromising their safety. My daughter climbed Mt. Pulag just last March. She is never afraid of going inside caves even if it's dark because we always reassure her that we're always beside her," says Mary Jean.

"I never really thought a one year-old can walk without complaints for a kilometer or more, or that a three-year-old can walk eight kilometers on their own until I brought Lia to Pulag.

"It's easy to say they can't do things because they are small, but the truth is, if we allow them the autonomy and trust to do so, they can be just as strong and able as any adult. By introducing them to a new environment, it helps instills independence and confidence and encourages them to be creative on how to deal with things outside the comforts of their own home," shares Gretchen.

Do extra research

We always have to research about our destination, but when traveling with a toddler, there are other things we have to take note of when visiting a new place.

Gretchen explains, "Research things to do, special precautions, and interesting spots ahead of time. I usually include child-friendly activities and places in the itinerary, such as family eateries, playgrounds, parks, rivers, and beaches nearby. Be sure to check special precautions as well, like the presence of rip current and box jellyfish in beaches. And most importantly, take note of nearby clinics, hospitals, or local contacts for emergencies.

"Book accommodations and flights way ahead of time to avoid the stress of last-minute prep. Research what amenities your lodging offers, so you don't bring extras like towels, shampoos, and soaps if they're already provided."

Bring things that will keep them busy

Children easily get bored and sometimes boredom turns to tantrums. Make sure to bring things that will keep your kids busy especially for long bus rides or flights.

"Bring handy books, coloring materials, and small toys to keep them busy during the trip. I let my daughter bring this because it also gives her a sense of responsibility during the trip.

And when they throw a tantrum, Gretchen says that their rules at home also apply when they're traveling.

"It's important to establish consistency. I let Lia know that being surrounded by other people or away from home doesn't mean she can get away with anything or bend the rules.

"If she throws a tantrum, I let her deal with it until she calms down. I try to train her na she should be able to adapt to various conditions, not the other way around."

Answer their questions

Expect young kids to ask lots of questions when you're traveling, so be prepared to answer them. Some would say that kids won't understand your explanation, but if you do it in a simple manner, they will get the point.

"Traveling exposes Lara to different cultures and experiences that she doesn't normally see here in Manila. Like when we had our vacation in Davao, she was able to try catching a fish all by herself," tells Mary Jean.

Gretchen also had the same experience when they went to Mindanao.

"When we visited Mindanao, she asked about why Muslims dress differently.

"Of course I had to explain about religion. So now, she knows and accepts that there are people whose beliefs are not the same as hers. She knows there are people whose skin are dark brown or ultra-white; that there are things she can do at home but may be offensive elsewhere; that their circumstance is not universal, because everybody has it differently.

"Acceptance begins by understanding, and I think travel is a great way for kids to learn and apply it in real-life situations."