Anyone with children knows that you don’t just up and go places on a mere whim. Travelling as a family may lack the spontaneity of travelling solo or holidaying with your partner, but it remains exceptionally rewarding. If you are meticulously planning a summer holiday or a journeying to a tropical location, a little more preparation is required - especially if you have younger children in tow. There are a few summer essentials to remember when preparing to embark on your family holiday – to make room in your suitcase for the following items!
The Heat is On
It’s great to allow your children to pack their own suitcases. It fosters independence and allows them to feel more involved in the trip. However, if you’re jet-setting off to Jamaica you will want to ensure they’ve selected appropriate attire to bring with them. When your native climate isn’t so toasty, your bodies may take time to adjust to your holiday destination.
Bringing clothes that aren’t light and breezy can have various knock-on consequences. For one thing, jackets and coats are heavy. If you’re flying overseas with a strict luggage allowance, the last thing you need is extra weight and excess baggage charges right at the beginning of your holiday.
If your kids are uncomfortable, any day trips or walking tours you have planned can quickly be sullied. In extreme cases, clothing that hinders your body’s natural cooling systems can lead to heat stroke. To avoid all these unnecessary dramas, plan well in advance. Check online for trends and pack plenty of baby girls shorts. This way, your tribe will look cool, and keep cool as well. Ensure that you have plenty of caps on hand, or rather ‘on the head’, to fight the sun’s harsh rays.
Skin-ship is Kinship
With all the excitement of being on summer holidays and exploring new locations, it’s easy to forget about our skin. The last thing kids want to do is smother themselves in salves and creams – they want to hit the beach or play by the pool. But taking care of your family’s skin whilst travelling abroad is crucial, especially when you head to a hotter climate.
The change in temperature and even the air quality is enough to bring about significant changes in your skin. Chapped lips are a common complaint. Whilst the ailment is frequently associated with the cold, arid climates are just as likely to result in dry, cracked lips. It’s a cliché, but tourists from colder countries are often the first to soak up far too many rays. Australia is dangerously close to the South Pole’s seasonal ‘ozone hole’, making the nation the sunburn capital of the world – a fact that is too often disregarded by overseas visitors.
To avoid painful mishaps, reach for the most natural skin care products you can find when it comes time to pack your bags. For one thing, they are suitable for all types of skin, so you won’t have to invest in loads of products for each family member. Natural skin care products also contain nourishing ingredients, like rosehip oil and avocado oil. These oils are especially kind to the dehydrated skin we tend to suffer from in hot climates.
Safety First
Safety rules and regulations vary from country to country. Popular beaches, the kind that may be patrolled at home, may not be patrolled overseas. Some beautiful locations, such as Samoa, have problems with stray dogs who move in small packs and have been known to harass unsuspecting tourists. Do your research using reputable sources, so you can be aware of any local laws or risks.
There are some who would rather go for root-canal than take their entire family on holiday! Then there are others who know that all it takes to travel successfully as a family is basic planning and the willingness to research.