Most of the times travelling and planning go hand in hand. When we travel in India we do a lot of planning. This is because we want to make sure that we don’t have any issues later on. However, it is critical that you think of how you are going to make arrangements and get the best information when you travel with kids in India.
India offers plenty of diversity of traditions and cultures and geography. Hence, taking your kids along for a trip is a good thing. However, when you travel with kids in India you have to focus on comfort and convenience the most. As you travel across different states of India you must know about the weather and the destinations. You must also book your hotel room to ensure that there are no issues later on.
When we travel we constantly observe other people that travel with kids in India. As bloggers that create travel content, we are continuously observing our environment. We notice how people travel with kids and what they could improve the entire travel experience nicer and convenient.
Now, most of the blog posts that focus on this topic usually cover tips like carry your own drinking water. And that you need to carry homemade food and medicines for your kids. However, let me tell you that most parents do this already. So, it doesn’t really make sense of writing about it once again.
Here are a few tips on how to travel with kids in India:
Plan Ahead and Plan Well
We believe the most important thing that you should do when you travel with kids in India is to plan. India is a busy country with plenty of people on the streets, buses, train stations and airports. While you might be able to adapt to last moment plans, your child might not.
If you are planning a trip to India, or want to travel with kids in India you must have a plan. This allows you to choose your mode of transport, hotel rooms and other options. This allows you to execute your plan exactly the way you want it. Knowing the weather conditions of the place you are visiting can also help pack the right clothes.
Choose the Right Destination
A brief talk with your kids will help you make the right choice when choosing the right place. This is essential because you need to discuss with your family the destination you choose. Not all destinations will appeal to your kids and therefore it would be good to know their views as well.
Some kids would prefer a beach destination while some would choose adventure. The destination you choose must offer something to everyone in your family. Also, you need to focus on the food options and cuisines that you can get there. Keep a close watch on the weather and other important things about that particular place. Above all, you have to be selective about the destinations you pick.
Set Expectations with Your Kids
Personally, we haven’t seen parents that set expectations with their kids before the trip. In India, parents plan the trip, kids follow. That’s it. However, setting expectations and rules is important once you have the plan ready. This is essential especially when you are travelling with teenage kids.
There might be some aspects of the trip that you might want to keep a surprise. However, it is advisable that you talk to your kids about where you are heading and what places you will cover. You can lay certain ground rules that will make the trip convenient and smooth.
Don’t Overpack
One thing that always baffles me is the number of baggage people carries when they travel with kids in India. I mean why do people carry their entire closet with them? Maybe it is hard for me to understand this because both I and Sarah travel light.
When you are travelling with kids in India you don’t have to overpack. Packing just the right amount of clothes will make it easier for you to move around with your luggage. When you shop on your trip it will add to your baggage weight.
Assign a Fixed Budget
Even if you have a decent budget wouldn’t it be wise to set a fixed budget for your kids? Most Indian parents never set a separate budget when they travel with kids in India. This is why we often see kids throwing tantrums when parents don’t buy them what they want.
To make your trip better you can assign a budget for your kid’s shopping before you begin with the trip. Allow them to control their own tiny budget and they will know that they need to manage in the budget you have set for them. In other words, let them decide their priorities while shopping.
Choose Your Transport Carefully
When you travel with kids in India you have to be more careful about the transport option you choose. A train or flight journey would be a better option compared to a bus ride for long distance trips. This is because most trains and flights have toilets and other food options that bus ride will not offer. Also, you would want to reduce the hours of travel to avoid any inconvenience.
Travelling with kids can be fun if you know how you can lay certain ground rules and plan well. In addition, you have to know that you have an added responsibility but panicking won’t help. Hence, you have to look for ways to deal with your kids in a better way when you in the public space.
How do you plan when you travel with kids in India? We would love to hear from you about your stories and planning on travelling with kids.
2 comments
When our son worked in China, he went with a group of friends for a month to India to his Indian friend’s house, and from all the stories he had, I could tell it really made an impression on him. At the foot of the Himalayan mountains, and a camel ride, and what his friend told about the political culture. So, it’s on my bucket list:) Thanks for coming by my blog and leaving me a kind comment:)
Great to hear that India is on your bucket list. I live on the outskirts of Mumbai. India is a fascinating country and if you like it you can read more of our travel blogs. I and Sarah travel to places in India and our blog is dedicated to Indian destinations, culture, history, shopping and food. I believe your son travelled through the northern states of Rajasthan and other adjoining states. It seems clear from your comment. I will skip the political culture part. If you have plans to visit Mumbai do let me know so that we can meet. Thank you for your comment and time.