Since we began full-time travelling we have learnt a few things. While everything doesn’t always go to plan on those long travel days, the experience doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, it can actually be enjoyable. These are some of our favourite days because we get to just let go and enjoy the ride.
That said, there are a couple of things that have been key to the success of long travel days. Here are five tips we’ve found extremely helpful when flying with kids.
1. Preparation
Setting the expectation and communicating the details of your travel plans to your kids is a big deal! Get a map out, watch some videos, explain time in terms of television shows or length of a school day. Let them know there might be lots of waiting and queuing. While travel can be sooo exciting for kids, it can also be incredibly boring! Preparation is key.
2. Entertainment
This is not the time to worry about too much screen time. Have at it I say. We give our girls access to their iPads, audiobooks and podcasts. We also make sure they have colouring books and other activities to keep them occupied.
TIP: Make sure you’ve downloaded shows, music and podcasts on their devices and that the battery is fully charged on everything.
3. Snacks
Snacks and children go hand in hand (for adults too if I’m honest), so why would a travel day be any different? Although your flight might have food and there are cafes at airports we have found that you’re just one delay away from disaster.
On one occasion getting through security took so long that we had no time to grab some food or eat before our flight. Thankfully the plane trip included food but it was a very late dinner.
TIP: Sliced fruits and vegetables are a great idea to pack in your carry-on.
4. Don’t be late
Get to the airport early. Some airports are super efficient other are not. The last thing you want to be doing is rushing and stressing your kids out afraid you’ll miss the flight.
Plan to get there early enough you can sit down and have a cup of tea, refill water bottles and go to the bathroom.
5. Team Huddle
This is probably my most important tip and the biggest game changer for long travel days. On more than one occasion we have felt the team slowly fall apart. Usually this looks like the girls fighting and Tom and I getting annoyed with each other.
We had a seriously delayed flight out of Switzerland after an already extremely long day and noticed we were beginning to turn on each other. We gathered together and said ‘I know we’re all and feeling annoyed but we’ve got this!’
Acknowledging that we were all struggling allowed us to recognise that we weren’t alone, but doing it together. Instead of fighting each other it helped us work together and completely turned the situation around.
On this particular occasion we reset by purchasing hot chocolates and playing a card game together.
The Whole of Us 
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