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Thirteen tips for a successful holiday abroad with your children

2022-08-07T07:13:38.775Z


For parents who plan to discover another country with their family, travel pros give us some advice so that the dream stay in Thailand or Mexico does not turn into a nightmare.


Before leaving

Stay true to yourself


The psychologist Florence Millot is categorical: "A child's home is where his parents are, no matter if they are on the other side of the world. The important thing is that they are comfortable so that the child is too. It is therefore essential to choose a destination where you feel safe."

No trek in the Amazon jungle if you don't have the soul of an adventurer.

Check the validity of passports


Said like that, it seems logical.

And yet... To avoid any disappointment, Caroline, mother of two children and founder of Voyage Family, a blog specializing in family travel, recommends installing an alarm on her smartphone six months before the expiry date of any document. identity, knowing that a minor's passport is valid for five years, against ten for an adult.

"You must also remember to photocopy or scan all important documents, very useful in the event of loss or theft", continues the mother of the family.

Five easy destinations to do with a child

The advice of Josépha Casado-Daigremont, General Manager China and South-East Asia at the Maisons du Voyage:

Le Yunnan

, for the variety of activities on offer.

Chengdu

, for its pandas.

Vietnam

, because children are kings there.

Sri

Lanka

, for its hospitality.

Hong Kong

, for its walks in the islands.

Make an appointment with your doctor...


As a first step, pediatrician Venance Varille recommends contacting the Institut Pasteur - or consulting the website - to find out about vaccines and current epidemics in the chosen country.

"Then, she continues, it is best to meet the pediatrician a month before departure for a complete check-up, and to return within eight days before the flight for toddlers to check the weight, the ears and that the vaccines are up to date."​

... And a "survival kit" accordingly


Second step, and not the least, the preparation of the first aid kit.

"Whatever the destination, you should always have an anti-diarrheal, probiotics to avoid stomach ache, doliprane, an antihistamine, an antiseptic, saline and a box of broad-spectrum antibiotics", notes Venance Varilla.

On site, we favor bottled water, fruits to be peeled and we avoid ice cubes.

And the pediatrician adds: "For sunny countries, you have to think about protecting children with an anti-UV t-shirt and good sunglasses".

Brief the children


"You have to prepare them for what they are going to see, for a culture or traditions different from ours, so that they know what to expect and that they best understand their trip", advises Josefa Casado-Daigremont, Managing Director for China and Southeast Asia at Les Maisons du Voyage.

The psychologist Florence Millot abounds: "We can also show them photos of animals that they could meet or places that they will visit in order to help them to project themselves".

And prevent their possible apprehension


The psychologist wants to be reassuring: few children are anxious at the idea of ​​going on vacation with their parents, even abroad.

"But if they express certain concerns, the ideal is to discuss them with them and find solutions upstream", advises the specialist.

On the other hand, there is no need to do too much: "We stick only to the fears that the child formulates".

And in the event of turbulence on the plane or jolts at sea, Florence Millot advises overplaying the movements with the child, "as if it were a game", to avoid any panic.​​

In video, how to optimize your suitcase before leaving on a trip

Traveling light


For packing, everyone has their own method.

Caroline, the creator of Voyage Family, plans to last five days, even if she leaves for two weeks.

"Everyone has their bag, stored according to the Marie Kondo method: I roll the clothes instead of folding them."

For the rest, everyone has their own preferences: the blogger always finds space for an inflatable ball or a Frisbee.

Guizem and Paul, at the origin of the La Famille qui voyage account, collect children's books from the places they plan to visit and never leave without a hiking baby carrier, ideal for long walks.

Kid-friendly airlines

Air France

 : meditation session and small organic food on request for babies.

Corsair

 : cradles and carrycots are available on board.

Children are given priority during meals.

Under 2 years old, a baby box is offered to them, as for the older ones, they can ask for the Corsair diploma, signed by the hands of the captain.

Etihad Airways:

nanny service on board.

Emirates:

with the "Flying with me animals" entertainment service, children have access to toys, puzzles and stuffed animals.

Get ahead of jet lag


Venance Varille, a pediatrician in Paris, advises adapting to the schedules of the country in which you are arriving.

"The ideal is to favor a night flight to arrive at the destination in the morning and to keep the children awake once there, and that they go to bed in the evening, so that they adapt as quickly as possible. ."

Once there, Florence Millot recommends a few days of rest so that children, like parents, find their rhythm.

Anticipating downtime


Over 11 hours of non-stop flight between Paris and Bangkok, an eternity for a child.

To occupy it, Florence Millot advises “one activity per hour to pass the time”.

"Plan what to color, read, play, but also small snacks."

Usually reluctant to praise the tablet, the psychologist believes that it can be very useful in this specific case.

Also, the specialist recommends keeping her child moving, "walk every hour and do small stretches".

Caroline, the creator of Voyage Family, never leaves without audio books, "very useful for transport once there".

During the trip

Full screen

Asia, South America, Europe... The world is a huge playground for children.

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Letting go of the unexpected

Before multiplying the destinations, it is necessary to make them live an experience

Maxime, father

“We may have planned a trip from A to Z, but we have to keep in mind that everything can change with children,” warns Maxime, 33-year-old father and founder of the Détour Local travel blog.

The opportunity for this father to slow down and experience the trip differently.

"Before multiplying the destinations, you have to give them an experience."

Why not take the opportunity to do nothing, if not spend time together around a board game or a game of cards?

Keeping a link with home


After several days of exploring an unknown country, the child may feel the need to find his cocoon.

For Florence Millot, it is important to establish times "like at home".

"It can be a movie night or a meal that they enjoy and that they are used to eating. By rediscovering their habits, the children will be better able to create new ones and go on an adventure. “, notes the psychologist.

Listen to your child...


Jet lag, changed habits and upset landmarks... "You have to be aware that it's sometimes difficult for children", continues Florence Millot.

What is more in a country where the climate is different.

"The heat as well as the humidity can make them tired, they will sweat more profusely, drink more often, and therefore go to the bathroom more frequently."

Ditto when the food varies, a stomach ache is quickly arrived.

In short, "if they bitch or complain, be patient, and listen to them", warns the psychologist.

... and let it breathe


"If for a fortnight, our children do the opposite of what they are taught the rest of the year, it doesn't matter, says the founder of the Voyage Family blog. They know that it's a party time and it's not 'real life'."

Holidays are also made to decompress.

And on the way back?

“If possible, favor a flight two to three days before the start of school and keep the rhythm of the holidays at home for a smooth recovery”, advises Florence Millot.

And to prolong the trip, there's nothing like a travel diary that you continue to add to with the children, underlines Josefa Casado-Daigremont.

Another important point underlined by the branch manager: food.

"Upon arrival, it is essential to take meals at local time. This way, the children will find their rhythm more easily".

Source: lefigaro

All news articles on 2022-08-07

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