A Mummy's Guide: Planning For Overseas Vacations With Children

It's about three weeks to our family vacation, but I can totally smell it already! Pardon my excitement, but the last time we travelled together with the kids was at the beginning of last year to Bali! Now, the kids are older and better able to appreciate holidays, so I seriously can't wait! =P

We'll be going to Gold Coast, Australia and the awesome thing is it's WINTER there now! I've been hoping to go to a country when it's super cold, so my wish's getting granted soon! Of course, Australia's winter is not the typical snowy kind, but the thought of basking in temperatures of 10-15 degree celsius everyday is enough to make me grin silly. Especially with the scorching hot weather we're experiencing in Singapore everyday now, I'm impatiently counting down the days to my holidays.

But of course, going on overseas vacations with or without the kids makes a lot of difference. With the kids tagging along, the preparation and planning increases ten-fold. But with good preparations done, parents can be assured of a good holidays with their kids, without needing another holiday when they come back from one. =P

1. CHOOSE A KIDS-FRIENDLY DESTINATION

I've got a personal experience to share for this one. Last year, I brought my five-year-old daughter to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam as part of her birthday celebration. That destination was chosen because Tiger Airways was having a good promotion, so we thought it would be fun to explore an exotic country like Vietnam. I was naive to think that as long as we were spending time with my daughter, she'd enjoy herself even though there was nothing that could interest her in Vietnam. In the end, her legs ached so much from the long walks on the streets of Vietnam (because there was nothing else to do) and she got traumatised by our visit to the War Memorial Museum. =P I made a mental note never to bring kids to kids-unfriendly countries ever again. Those should be reserved for hubby and my solo photography trips instead.

2. BOOK A SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION

Sleeping and eating are two essential ingredients that determine a kid's happiness level. It is common sense, I'm sure, that if you have kids going on a trip with you, you should always book rooms with attached bathrooms. Opting for cheaper options that come with common bathrooms is akin to suicide. Going one step further, always look for those hotels/motels that has got swimming pools or children play facilities. That would play a big part in helping you entertain your kids. The hotel that I booked for our Gold Coast trip has a heated pool, and children's playground as well. Plus, the beach is literally at the doorstep. =D I got this photo of the 2-bedroom apartment (with ocean view!) I booked at Gold Coast from the internet, and am keeping my fingers crossed that the room would really look like this. =P

3. PACK THE IMPORTANT STUFFS

Though we all like to travel light, but when the kids are going along, it's always better to be well-prepared. Pack the diapers, milk powder, diaper cream, body powder, soap, shampoo, insect repellent, basic medications etc. Always bring along their favourite pillow/blanket so that they can sleep well at night. You wouldn't want to go on a holiday and have to wake up every night because your kids cannot sleep in an unfamiliar environment. Bring loads of entertainment such as books, DVDs, IPAD, toys etc. They may add weight to your luggage, but would definitely save you from a meltdown. Oh yes, their favourite snacks are a must too! A lesson I've learnt is never to think that I could get those supplies from the place we will be travelling to, especially if it's my first time travelling there. I've had experiences where I had to go from shop to shop just to hunt for those stuffs because my kids were screaming for them. Waste of time and energy. Congrats if you are bringing very young babies along. Thank God mine are grown up!

4. PLAN YOUR ITINERARY

Of course, if you want your children to enjoy their holidays, your itinerary has to take into account their needs and likes. If it's a no-kids holiday, my itinerary would be one that's rushing from place to place so that I don't waste precious time. But with kids tagging along, it will definitely be a leisurely and relaxed one, with ample time to rest and relax, interspersed with lots of time at the beach, swimming pool and playgrounds! For my trip to Gold Coast, we will be visiting the Sea World and Paradise Country (lots of animal petting!). We won't be visiting the other worlds like Dreamworld or Movie World because my kids don't really like big mascots, so no point wasting money! =P

5. PREP THE KIDS

The kids will be excited of course, but it is still important to lay down ground rules for the trip before you set off. Being in a foreign country is different from being in on familiar territories like Singapore. We have to prepare the kids that they should stay close to us all the time and never run off to see something else without informing, no matter how interesting it looks. Letting the kids know that there's fun awaiting, but safety rules must still be adhered to strictly, and you will be on your way to a great holiday. =)

Have a great time planning for your overseas vacations, everyone! This is the season to be jolly! =D