7 tips for travelling with your grandkids

Whether it’s a simple trip to the Gold Coast, a road trip somewhere or an overseas adventure, taking your grandkids on holiday has its benefits for both you and them. It’s a great way to create some amazing memories with your grandkids! But travelling with your grandkids also has some challenges and important things you need to remember. Here are seven tips for travelling with your grandkids.

1. Talk with your grandkids’ parents

Chances are, your kids or kids-in-law will stress out about you taking the grandies on holiday. Reassure them by talking over the plans with them and involving them a little bit in the the planning. They’ll be able to share any information you may need to know – any allergies, health conditions, behavioural issues etc. It’ll make your holiday far easier knowing these things, after all, their parents will know them better than you do. If the parents are being a little bit nervous and resistant to the idea, try putting their mind at ease and making them comfortable with the idea but telling them everything and reassuring them.

2. Get the grandkids involved with the planning

Your grandkids will be far more interested in the holiday if you involve them in the planning or share the plans with them. If they’re school age or teens, try asking them what they’d like to see or do – it’ll save you the pain of bored or complaining grandies when you start doing activities. It’ll also make them far more excited about the travelling! For younger kids, try getting really excited when telling them what you’ll do or where you’ll go… make it a big surprise or a big adventure for them!

3. Make it fun for everyone

What you may find fun, might not interest your grandkids. You don’t want to be dragging them around to endless art galleries or museums, particularly if they’re very active. Try finding something fun for them to do – whether it’s a theme park, zoo or aquarium or a trip to the movies, a tour of a city or some shopping – there’s plenty you can find that everyone will enjoy. Think about the ages of your grandchildren when picking activities as well, remember, fun activities don’t have to break the bank!

4. Don’t jam pack your holiday 

Just like you don’t want to wear yourself out on holidays, you don’t want to wear out your grandkids either – especially if your grandies are younger and prone to tantrums! Think about your body clocks, allowing time for your grandkids to nap if they need to. Try flying at night if you’re going overseas, it’ll allow everyone to adjust to time changes. Remember to try and stick to routine as well by eating your evening meal at the time your grandkids would be used to.

5. Remember to have all the important documents on hand

Just like you need to have your documents on you, it’s important you carry important documents for grandkids too. It’s not just passports, make sure them have proper identification and contact info on them at all times in case they get lost. You should also have a recent photo of them on you in case you need to find them. Other important documents you need include a notarised authorisation form from their parents in case they need medical attention.

6. Consider travel insurance

Travelling with your grandkids can increase the risks of something going wrong such as sickness or injury. With that in mind, you should consider getting travel insurance to protect you just in case. Have a close look at the travel insurance policies available, some of them may cover your grandchild for free.

7. Don’t overpack

At the best of times when travelling alone or as a couple you pack way more than you need. Now imagine lugging all that, and all your grandkids luggage too! Talk about overload. Have a chat with your grandkids about what they want to pack and what they’ll need.  Try to avoid packing too many toys or things to keep the kids entertained – after all, you can always pick up something to keep them entertained along the way.

Where have you taken your grandkids on holidays? Do you have any other tips to share?