Bringing children on a long distance ride is not that easy as parents would know.

First, we need to work out a long ”to bring” list.

Next, we have to worry if the baggages would exceed the permitted baggage weight if we travel by plane.

Then, we have to keep our fingers crossed that our children would get used to the mode of transport or bear with the long travelling distance by thinking how we could keep them entertained or comfortable on the trip.

Haiz…then there is this ruling by certain airports on food ban. So, what happen if we cannot bring along the food that our kids depend on most?

In a way, travelling by car is easier for us as we pack our large luggages into our car (without having to worry about the weight) and can bring along the kids’ pillows, toys and favourite food too *haha*.

When our kids need a little stretching, it is more convenient to stop our car too.

Usually, when go on holidays by car, we make sure we have these factors well taken care of.

1. Comfort

It is important to keep  the kids comfortable on a long distance trip.

- Shawl/cloth/blanket - keep the kids warm and block out the sun.

- Cushions/pillows - allow the kids to have a good sleep or rest along the way.

- Sunglasses/caps - protect our kids from those scorching sun that can be unbearable in the afternoon.

- Socks - when the weather gets cold.

2. Navigation

We have our friendly GPS that help us get to our destination smoothly without much hiccups and delay

3. Food and Water

Bread, biscuits, titbits or even candies can help fill our kids’ stomach if there are no eateries along the way or to save time in order to cut down the time of travelling for the kids.  We usually bring along water bottles of water and also packets of milk/milo for our kids. Sometimes, however, it is not about hunger. Titbits and candies can calm down our irritable kids especially on a long distance ride.

4. Entertainment

There are several ways to keep our kids entertained along the way. We either allow them to bring along the electronic games or we have a little sing together session or we tell some of our younger days stories to our kids. When we stop for a little break, our kids entertained themselves by watching DVDs or step out to have a stretching exercise.

5. Personal Hygiene

Along the way, it could be difficult to source for a washroom. We usually encourage our kids to drink more water 2 hours before we take off and less on the way. It can be disturbing for daddy and mommy if our kids pester to convenience themselves when there is no washroom in the vicinity. We have with us water, small bottles of handsoap and hand sanitiser too. It is common for young kids to soil themselves along the way and so we have wet tissues to clean or freshen them up.

I am thankful that our two boys love travelling by plane as they get fully occupied with the on flight games and video programmes.  They are also used to travelling long distance by car as long as they have their comfortable cushions and food:)

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