Travelling with Grandchildren Without the Drama

Travelling with grandchildren can be one of those experiences you remember for years to come – for all the right reasons, we hope! Seeing a child experience a new place, try something unfamiliar or simply enjoy being away from home with you can be hugely rewarding. It can also test your patience, especially when someone is hungry, tired, bored or urgently needs the toilet.

The good news is you don’t need military-level planning to make a trip with grandchildren enjoyable. A little preparation, a few familiar comforts and a willingness to go with the flow can make all the difference.

Pack for comfort and entertainment

Children are much like the rest of us: they are generally happier when they aren’t hungry, exhausted, uncomfortable or bored. Give your grandchild their own small travel bag and let them help decide what goes inside. A little independence can make them feel like part of the expedition rather than a passenger being dragged along.

Depending on their age, the bag might contain a book, colouring or activity book, headphones, a favourite toy, a small game and some snacks. A little wheeled case can be particularly appealing to younger children and gives them a job to do – although don’t be surprised if the adult ends up carrying it eventually!

Screens can be extremely useful on long journeys, so there’s no need to feel guilty about using them as part of your travel toolkit. Download films, games, audiobooks or shows before you leave in case there is no reliable internet connection. Make sure devices are charged and pack headphones, along with a charger or suitable power bank. It is also worth having a few non-screen activities available so the tablet isn’t the only thing standing between you and a meltdown.

For older children, give them things to look out for along the way. They could photograph interesting sights, keep a simple travel diary, draw what they see or learn a few words of the local language. On a road trip, games such as I Spy, spotting different types of vehicles or keeping an eye out for interesting landmarks can help break up a long journey.

Don’t underestimate snacks

Never underestimate the power of a snack when travelling with children. Pack a selection of small, familiar foods rather than relying entirely on whatever happens to be available at the airport, service station or café. Fruit, crackers, sandwiches and other easy-to-carry options can be useful, along with a small treat.

A reusable water bottle is another travel essential. If you’re flying, check the current airport rules before you leave, as restrictions on liquids and what you can take through security can vary.

If you’re travelling with a grandchild who has allergies, dietary requirements or regular medication, make sure you know exactly what they need before setting off. It’s also worth having emergency contact details and important medical information easily accessible.

Prepare them for the journey

Children cope better with unfamiliar situations when they know what to expect. Before you leave, explain where you’re going, how you’ll get there, how long the journey will take and what will happen along the way.

If you’re flying, for example, explain what happens at the airport, security, boarding and take-off. If you’re going on a road trip, show them the route and point out some of the places you’ll pass.

If you’re travelling without the child’s parents, have a conversation with them beforehand about routines, bedtimes, favourite foods, screen time, medications and any particular behaviour strategies they use. You might have your own ideas about what constitutes a reasonable amount of ice cream, but this isn’t necessarily the time to discover your grandchild’s parents have a very different view!

It is also sensible to make sure you have the appropriate contact details and any documentation you may need when travelling with someone else’s child, particularly if you’re travelling overseas. Check the requirements for your destination well before departure.

Plan for tired little travellers

A tired child is rarely at their most charming, and unfamiliar surroundings can make it harder for them to settle. Where possible, keep familiar elements of their routine. A favourite cuddly toy, blanket, bedtime story or familiar pyjamas can provide a reassuring link with home. Allow plenty of downtime rather than filling every hour with activities.

Build in toilet stops on long journeys, even if your grandchild insists they don’t need to go. It is much easier to make a planned stop than deal with an emergency when you’re nowhere near a toilet.

Motion sickness can also turn a happy trip into a miserable one. If your grandchild is prone to it, talk to their parent and your pharmacist or doctor before travelling about appropriate options. Keep spare clothes, wipes and a few plastic bags somewhere easy to reach – not buried underneath everyone’s luggage.

Keep them safe

Children can wander surprisingly quickly, particularly in busy airports, railway stations, shopping areas and tourist attractions. Before you travel, talk to your grandchild about what to do if they become separated from you.

Make sure they know your name and, if they’re old enough, your mobile phone number. You could also put your contact details on a card in their pocket or use a child ID bracelet. Agree on a simple meeting point whenever you’re visiting a busy place and explain who they should approach for help, such as a uniformed staff member, police officer or other designated staff member.

If you’re travelling overseas, make sure you have suitable travel insurance and understand what it covers. Check medical cover, cancellation or disruption provisions and whether there are any conditions relating to travelling with a child who isn’t your own.

Give everyone some breathing room

The secret to a successful trip with grandchildren isn’t keeping them entertained every second. In fact, some of the best moments may happen when nobody has planned anything at all. Children need time to explore, rest and simply be themselves. Grandparents do too. If the itinerary is packed from breakfast until bedtime, everyone may end up exhausted and grumpy.

Allow some flexibility. If everyone is having fun, stay a little longer. If your grandchild has had enough, don’t be afraid to abandon the plan. A quiet afternoon at your accommodation can sometimes be more enjoyable than forcing everyone out for one more attraction.

Most importantly, remember you’re not just transporting a child from A to B. You’re giving them an experience they may remember for the rest of their lives.

There may be tiredness, spilled drinks, unexpected toilet stops and the occasional spectacular meltdown along the way. Go prepared, stay patient and don’t expect everything to go perfectly. Those little adventures – including the ones you didn’t plan – are often the stories you’ll laugh about together later.