Going on vacation with children? Here are all the tips!

Going on vacation with children, grandchildren, nephews or nieces, friends' kids, assures you a journey full of love and emotions but requires above all some organization! We are here to give you the best tips to make your trip with young children go as smoothly as possible.

Health and Administrative Formalities

First of all, to be able to travel across borders, a child must have their own identity card to travel even within Europe. This card will be valid for 10 years. For countries outside Europe, a passport will be necessary. It will be valid for 5 years.

In case of medical problems, it is preferable to request a European card, which will save you from paying any medical fees. Finally, to travel with your children, make sure they are up to date with their vaccinations and that their health condition allows them to travel...

Traveling with a Child

Most trips require taking a plane, and be aware that most airlines have services adapted to families. It is important, if you are traveling with a baby, to mention it when booking. This will allow you to obtain priority boarding depending on the airline, an appropriate and practical placement so that the flight goes as well as possible for you and your baby. If your baby is under 2 years old and travels on your lap, they will benefit from a free or very low-cost ticket.

Regarding the practical and health aspect, we advise you to prepare a bottle of sugared water to hydrate your baby regularly; swallowing will help relieve the effects of pressure changes in the ears. Some airlines allow you to bring a baby seat onboard besides your cabin luggage.

A Safari with Children? It's Far from Impossible!

Many are concerned about going on safari with children. Indeed, children tend to admire wild animals behind the cult film "The Lion King," but wouldn't it be high time to show them these incredible animals in flesh and blood?

When your child encounters an elephant, giraffe, or lion; they will simply be amazed! The emotions you will feel, your child will feel the same.

Now, here's some advice for making your safari go as smoothly as possible!

On sites in Uganda, note that the vehicles are closed on the sides; only the roof opens. Children can thus move around in the car, stand up when they want, and talk without risk of scaring the animals away.

Before going on safari with your children, ensure that all their vaccinations are up to date and inform yourself about any potential vaccines and medications to prepare.

Bring some toys in the safari jeep; this will keep the children occupied during the journeys.

Children love animals; therefore, a safari will be an unforgettable trip for your little ones.

Hiking with Children: The Beginner's Guide

As a novice hiker, you will surely need some tips to bring your children back whole and healthy!

For children, it is recommended not to hike before 5 or 6 years old: until they have at least some physical strength and energy to go on an adventure. All this depends not only on physicality but mostly on motivation: being in a group, challenged by other children of their age will help your mini-you keep smiling and energetic. Moreover, having a goal (discovering animals, plants or even swimming in a river) can truly fuel their good mood throughout the hike.

In numbers, children aged 4 to 8 can carry 3 kg over 3 to 12 km: but do not overload them because a child will never have the same capacity as you!

During your natural escapade, it will be useful or even necessary to slow down often and take a 15-minute break every hour: a waste of time for some but essential to check that there is no dehydration or sunstroke and to regain strength (we recommend cereal bars that will give energy back to your little ones).

Beware of your two main enemies: cold and heat by hydrating, covering up, and paying close attention to the child's behavior.

Hiking with Baby

If hiking with children requires energy and attention from you, it is no less true for babies. From 18 months to 4 years old any mistake can turn a day of pleasure into a chore. First of all, the route must be fully adapted to their level not exceeding 3 hours of hiking (including breaks) at a very slow pace. Ensure you have all the necessary gear: sunglasses and sunscreen, suitable equipment, water as well as small snacks for brief breaks. A child from 2 to 4 years old is not muscularly developed enough to endure continuous walking: make hiking fun to capture their motivation and especially their good mood.

As final advice, we would say make sure to check too extreme weather conditions with light weather and clear skies.

And Cycling?

Some small recommendations should be taken into account for successful bike rides. Let's start with the basics: helmets are mandatory for children under 12 years old and recommended for everyone who has surpassed this age. Do not forget babies behind you for whom helmets are mandatory to minimize injury risks in case of a fall. Consider maintaining a reasonable pace if possible with maximum bike paths and few cars. Prioritize breaks, water, food as well as good weather. Also check that the bike is adapted to the child's size and for smaller ones opt for a baby seat or trailer for bikes.