Plan For A Trip

Traveling with Kids? Worry no more because here we are going to share some very interesting tips to make it stress free and keep it fun at the same time.

Being a mom of two, I can totally relate how planning a trip with kids can feel overwhelming. But what if I say that it can be an enjoyable adventure for the whole family. Amazing... right? Whether you're flying across the country or taking a road trip, keeping your little ones entertained, comfortable, and happy is the key to your stress-free journey.

We are going to share some great tips on how to travel with kids like a pro, from packing smart to handling mid-trip meltdowns. Get ready to create lasting memories - without the chaos!

1. Plan Ahead (But Stay Flexible)

A solid plan can make all the difference when we're traveling with kids. Book your flights and accommodations in advance to secure the family-friendly options. However, you also need to be prepared for the unexpected like delays or sudden snack cravings. Keeping a flexible mindset will help you adapt and keep your trip stress-free.

Pro Tip: If you're flying, choose flights during your child’s nap time or early in the morning when they’re fresh and energetic.

2. Pack Light Because Less is More

If you will overpack, this can lead to unnecessary stress for you and your family. So, it's a big NO. We recommend you to focus on the essentials like:

• Travel-sized toiletries and medications
• Extra clothes (for unexpected spills)
• A mix of snacks to avoid "hungry" meltdowns
• A few favorite toys, books, or tablets loaded with kid-friendly entertainment

Pro Tip: You can use packing cubes (transparent, if possible) to keep your items organized and easy to find.

3. Keep Your Kids Entertained on the Go

Boredom is the biggest challenge when traveling with kids, specially when they have to sit for long periods. So, here are some of the options you can use to keep them engaged with:

• Interactive games (I Spy, travel bingo)
• Audiobooks or kid-friendly podcasts
• New coloring books or sticker sets
• A surprise toy for long flights or car rides

Pro Tip: Let them pick a small backpack with their own travel goodies. It makes them feel more involved!

4. Choose Kid-Friendly Accommodations

It's true that not all hotels and rentals are kid-friendly. So, there are a few tips that you can always look for:

• Hotels with play areas or pools
• Family suites with extra space
• Cooking area to prepare simple meals
• Nearby parks or attractions for easy tours

Pro Tip: You can always call ahead to ask about cribs, high chairs, or special amenities you need for your child.

5. Pack Snacks

A child get angry or cranky when he is hungry. So, we suggest you to always keep healthy snacks on hand! Some of the best travel-friendly snacks are:

• Granola bars
• Sliced fruits in leak-proof containers
• Cheese sticks
• Crackers and peanut butter
• Roasted fox nuts (aka Lotus seeds or Makhana)

Pro Tip: Make sure that you avoid sugary snacks before long trips to prevent energy crashes.

6. Prepare for Meltdowns

Tantrums may happen, especially if your kids are tired or hungry or stressed or overstimulated or uncomfortable. In that situation, please stay calm, acknowledge their feelings, and redirect their attention. A favorite toy or a quick walk or some snacks can work wonders.

Pro Tip: Involve your kids in planning your trip. Start discussing with them long before the trip and let them know what to expect during the trip.

7. Prioritize Safety

You can keep your child safe and secure with some of these travel must-haves:

• Child ID bracelets or tags with emergency contact info
• A small first-aid kit
• Travel car seats or booster seats, if required

Pro Tip: Always set a "what to do if we get separated" plan before your trip.

Enjoy the Trip!

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right planning, entertainment, and mindset, your trip can be an exciting adventure for the whole family.

Are you ready to hit the road now? Let's start planning your next family-friendly getaway today!

Got your own travel hacks for kids? Please share them in the comments below!

About Love Lake in Al Qudra, Dubai

Why camping at the Love Lake?

Camping at Love Lake is an amazing experience for many reasons. The desert surrounding Love Lake creates a calm and peaceful place.

You can relax and fully enjoy the beauty of nature there. Whether you're camping with friends, family, or as a couple, you'll definitely feel calm and refreshed at the Love Lake.

You can also spot swans, flamingos, ducks, eagles, and falcons there. While you enjoy your camping, don't forget to capture the beautiful sunset/sunrise view. And if you like to barbecue while camping, there are some designated areas for that as well.

What is the best time to camp?

How to reach the Love Lake?

Is it allowed to camp overnight at the Love Lake?

Camping Tips:

Are you looking for a fun filled day out with your kids? Look no further than Wadi Shees Park, a hidden gem of UAE's natural beauty. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation, making it the perfect destination for a family outing.

Shees Park Waterfall

Your little explorers will be thrilled to discover the park's well-maintained playgrounds, where they can climb, swing, and slide. For the adventurous souls, the park offers exciting hiking trails that wind through the rugged terrain, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

How can visitors access the Shees Park?

Shees park is located in Khor Fakkan amidst the Hajar Mountains. It is about an hour's drive from the Emirate of Sharjah.

Location / Map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/wC3rapbYbGnq9ExA6

Shees Park entry fees?

Shees park can be accessed free of cost all year round.

Shees Park parking area?

A dedicated parking area is available with plenty of space for your vehicle and it's free.

What activities can families enjoy at Wadi Shees Park?

Shees Park Mountain Walkway

• Admire the stunning artificial waterfall and get some photos clicked. It is a 25 feet high waterfall cascading into a lake.
• Climb the magnificent mountain walkway of three mountain terraces that lead to the main viewing deck
• Let the kids have fun at the playground while you sit and relax under the shaded seating area
• Have fun with the Barbeque (BBQ) picnic
• Simply take a relaxing walk surrounded by the greenery, especially during the winter
• Watch an interesting show at the Outdoor theater
• Enjoy coffee and snacks at Gerard Cafe

What facilities does Wadi Shees Park provide for families to ensure a comfortable visit?

Kids Playground in Shees Park

• Man-made waterfall
• Mountain walkways
• Shaded seating area
• Kids playground
• Outdoor theatre
• Green walking paths
• Restaurant/Cafe
• Public toilet
• Parking

Planning for an international trip can be overwhelming and time-consuming. Although it should be something fun and positive, it can easily become a stressful task whether planning a short trip or a long one.

It's very easy to get confused in the beginning, especially when you haven't done something like this before.

A lot of information can be found on the internet but the question is where to start. So, here we've created a step-by-step travel planning guide on how to make a trip easier and less stressed.

Step 1 - Choose your destination (where you want to go)

Finalise a destination where you are planning to travel. Think about the vacation you really want. Don't be like "I don't know, I just want to travel". This way, you won't be able to plan a trip that will really execute. So, pick a destination, as it will give you a definite goal. Make sure to choose a destination that fits your budget as well.

Step 2 - Decide the length of your trip

Before you jump to your cost research, decide the length of your trip. Once you've decided whether you want to go on a short trip (a few days) or a long one (a few weeks), it will become easy to figure out how much it is going to cost.

Step 3 - Research your travel costs

Do thorough research on the prices in your destination. Include the following in your cost research:

• Flight ticket
• Accommodation
• Getting around (by local transport or taxi)
• Sightseeing & attractions
• Places to eat & drink

Step 4 - Book flight and accommodation for your trip

Search for online deals and packages for your chosen destination. Compare the price across various booking sites. And you can save money by booking in advance. Another tip to save money is to travel off-season.

Step 5 - Plan and decide your trip itinerary

Start with making a list of all the major places you would like to see. Plan your activities and calculate how much they cost. It will help you make any adjustments to your savings. Ask family & friends who have been there.

Use online resources like Travel blogs, Google, and Trip Advisor for ideas while planning your itinerary for your destination. But make sure your research is up-to-date. 

Step 6 - Cross-check your documents

Before you pack your bags, make sure to cross-check all your required documents. Mentioned below is the document checklist:

• Passport
• Visa (if applicable)
• Flight & accommodation tickets
• Travel insurance
• Travel vaccination proof (find out in advance if any immunizations are required for your destination and get vaccinated if mandatory)
• Credit Cards
• Driving License
• A few passport size photos

Step 7 - Pack your stuff

Now it's time to pack your bag. The best thing to do here is to pack minimum because you can always buy the needful there. The more I travel, I realize we don’t need to pack a lot of stuff.

• Pack your clothes according to the weather at your destination place.
• Don't forget to add sunglasses, scarves, belts, and socks on your list.
• The most important toiletries to pack are:
• Toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
• Shampoo & conditioner
• Shower gel/soap & face wash
• Comb, hair ties & hairpins
• Towel
• Deodorant 
• Sunscreen, face lotion/gel & moisturizer
• Personal hygiene products
  (Some of the toiletries can be skipped if you are staying in a hotel.)
• Electronic items like mobile, chargers, laptop/iPad, camera & universal power adapter.
• A small medical kit including band-aids, eyedrops, earplugs, doctor-prescribed antibiotics, painkillers, and hand sanitizer.
• USB card reader and memory card.
• Keep your house keys safe with you.
• Download important mobile applications:
• Google Maps or Maps.Me (I prefer maps.me)
• Google Translate. 

Step 8 - Enjoy your trip

Now, the last step is to enjoy your trip and have fun. Take some photos, buy some souvenirs, and create amazing travel memories.

You're more likely to have a great vacation if you plan your trip with care whether you are traveling with family or friends or solo. Now, start saving money for your trip and enjoy every single second of it.