Travel with child

Vacation with baby: From what age can parents think about a first trip together? What are suitable travel destinations with a child? And what should be considered when a baby is on board? There is a lot to organize before it can finally start.

Whoever plans a trip has a lot of decisions to make. This is especially true for parents who want to go on vacation with their baby or toddler for the first time. Once the routine has settled into everyday family life and mom and dad have a secure feeling in dealing with the child, parents can definitely think about traveling again. In most cases, this is the case after the first 3 months. Perhaps you start with a somewhat shorter trip on a trial basis. If you stay in Germany or a German-speaking country, you have the advantage that there are no language barriers in the way and no particular health risks. For the first vacation on trial, this is certainly a good choice. If everything goes well and the confidence in the "travel fitness" grows, the next step can be dared. The be-all and end-all is always good planning. With the following tips you are well prepared.

When it comes to the destination, opinions differ: some take local vacations in Germany, some dare to go to other European countries and others even dare to go on a long-distance trip. The right decision certainly also has something to do with one's own composure, travel experience and expectations of the vacation. Mountains or sea, city trip or sports vacation, near or far: The decision is of course entirely up to the parents, yet the needs of all fellow travelers, especially the child, should be considered.

A lot of the journey also revolves around the needs of the child. Organizationally, the car or motor home is certainly the most convenient means of travel for families. It can be packed on the spot without having to lug suitcases far or having to observe a weight limit. In addition, the vacation can start right from the front door.

However, driving is not popular with all children. Some fall asleep quickly with the regular engine noises, but others do not. When the whining starts after just 30 minutes, it quickly becomes exhausting for parents. What's more, it's not uncommon for children to become nauseous during long car journeys.

Taking the train has advantages and disadvantages. There is no traffic jam, parents have their hands free and no one has to pay attention to traffic. Getting up during the journey is unproblematic and in the toddler compartment parents have enough space to play with their children in a relaxed way. However, timetables and transfer times must be observed. When it comes to luggage, it is important to think carefully about what needs to be taken along. With a long packing list parents quickly bump up against their limits.

Also flying is unproblematic with baby today. On the plane, babies up to 2 years often travel free of charge if they do not claim their own seat. For longer distances to the destination, the plane saves a lot of time. It's better to fly for 2 hours than to spend 14 hours in the car with whining toddlers. Excess baggage usually causes additional costs on the plane. It is best to inquire early with the airline or in the travel agency.

Also with the accommodation it depends on the individual wishes. In a vacation apartment or a vacation home, parents with a child are relatively flexible. You can divide the time individually and do not have to take into account other guests. In many cases, a family-friendly equipment can be booked.

In a family-friendly hotel, parents and child are well taken care of all around. No one needs to worry about meals. However, fixed meal times leave little flexibility for the own family rhythm. Often there is a children's entertainment, a children's playground and much more. You meet other families, so slightly older children can quickly socialize with their peers. You should check the size and equipment of the booked hotel room in advance, so that you do not feel cramped as a family, especially if a crib is added.

Maybe a farm is also the right destination? Here it is usually much more relaxed than in hotels or resorts and the children have their fun with the animals.

Since the Corona pandemic, individual travel by camper van has been in vogue. With a van you are flexible at any time and can stop when and where you want. However, the vacation takes place in a small space.

Generally, expectations, demands and travel habits are individually different. Try out where and on which travel routes you feel most comfortable with your offspring.

Vacation with small children is different than you might have been used to. Everything needs to be carefully planned, spontaneity has to take a back seat for a while, and the daily rhythm is based primarily on the little ones' mealtimes and bedtimes. Nevertheless, traveling with children is a valuable family time in which the hustle and bustle of everyday life is allowed to stay outside. Enjoy the time together and stay calm, even if your child throws the daily schedule out of whack a time or two. You're on vacation and don't have a to-do list to work off. The more relaxed you are about it, the more relaxed your child will be.