Top Things to Consider when Travelling with Family along the Great West Way

Getting used to travelling as a family can be difficult, especially if it is your first real getaway together. Honestly, even parents with older children might need some reminders when it comes to travelling with young ones and remembering to have a good time. A bit of good packing, some planning, and managing expectations can go a long way in making family holidays as great as can be.

Have reasonable expectations

Before travelling with children, you and your partner may have been the kinds of travellers that would be out from the moment you woke up, till it was time to call it quits. This is very likely not going to be the case with a family trip. If your goal is to make it as far along the Great West Way as possible, then it would be wisest to have a solo trip, or to find someone to watch the kids. You are still entitled to having those kinds of goals, but it is important to understand that with a family, and as a unit, the goals must be adjusted.

When travelling with small children, or honestly, even older children, your expectations have to be modified in order to make sure that everyone is having a good time. This might mean changing goals from making it from point A to point B as fast as possible, to simply making it to one destination a day. Adjusting your framing of a holiday is going to go a long way in helping everyone feel satisfied on your trip.

This sounds a bit negative at first, but the new mindset will have you cherishing amazing moments with your kids, despite not getting very far, or despite not missing out on a highlight you wanted to see. It will be ultimately worth it in the long run.

Plan ahead

Whether you are travelling locally, on a city trip, on the Great West Way, or even a holiday abroad, you have a lot more tasks that must be done, that would have been done at home, but now in a different location.  You will be changing diapers, calming crying children, dealing with tantrums, just like you would at home, except in a different location.

It might seem a bit irritating, but some good planning beforehand will lead to a significantly more enjoyable time while away. There are of course, important items that can’t be forgotten, from medications to Do you need a visa? travel authorisations, like visas or travel forms? Then of course there are items like proper clothing, underwear, and sunscreen/rain protection, etc.

For a holiday at home, you don’t have to worry too much about children’s passports, visas or vaccine requirements, but if you head away, then taking time to list what is needed for every traveller in the family is helpful. For example, with a few exceptions, everyone needs a passport to travel abroad, even infants. Similarly, if a country requires a visa or travel authorisation, then that usually goes for all ages, not just adults.

Things to pack

With most children under a certain age, a stroller is a literal necessity. It might seem counter-intuitive to those who like to pack light, but a stroller is going to allow you to go further if you want to get the most out of a full day of walking if your children are relatively young. You may have to adjust your way of travelling if your child really cannot handle long walks, but it will be worth it in the long run.

Credit: Finnbarr Webster

Kids, especially toddlers, are used to routine, so incorporating some of that routine into your travel can be quite handy. Perhaps something as simple as packing their favourite blanket, a favourite toy, or some snacks they love can help give them some familiarity while they are away.

Even travelling within the country, carrying basic children’s medicine might be convenient in case it is needed at odd hours of the night/day. A thermometer might also be quite handy, as it is not very bulky but can help in a pinch. Plasters are also useful and take up little space. Depending on the time of year, some insect repellent might also be quite handy, and you might have to make sure that the repellent is suitable for children.

Let toddlers and older kids decide

If your children are old enough to understand, let them choose a destination or some stops along the way. This can get your kids really excited and help them feel as though they are participating in a larger way. This can go a long way with behaviour, as well as simply being on board with travelling.

Giving them different options, like which museum, park or attraction they want to visit, will go a long way in getting them to feel extra special. Places like Westonbirt are an ideal spot to show your children. They might be enticed by the treetop walkways, games, child-friendly sculptures and activities.

You could also give them an option for a fun park along the way. If given the option, your children will most definitely pick a day at the Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park. With a dinosaur park, petting zoo, rides, and play areas galore, this spot is perfect for a special day. As it is technically on the western-most part of the Great West Way, it might be a nice reward for a few days of diligent hikes and travels.

Although there might be some challenges to travelling with a family, it goes without saying that the great moments will far outweigh the bad ones, especially if you have the right attitude and plan things right.

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