If you have ever stared down the barrel of a twelve-hour flight with a toddler or an energetic seven-year-old, you know the specific kind of anxiety that kicks in right before departure. We all want those family vacations to be full of happy memories, but getting to the destination often feels more like a survival mission than a holiday. Sitting still in a metal tube for half a day is hard enough for adults, so expecting kids to do it without a little help is asking a lot. The trick isn’t just hoping for the best; it’s about going in with a plan B, C, and D to keep the boredom at bay.
Pack a Surprise “Mary Poppins” Bag
One of the most effective strategies is the element of surprise. While your child likely has favorite toys, seeing the same old items for twelve hours straight can lose its appeal quickly. A few weeks before your trip, visit a dollar store or browse for inexpensive, small items. Think along the lines of sticker books, window clings (great for airplane windows), new coloring supplies, or small puzzles.
Wrap these items individually like presents. When the “are we there yet?” questions begin to ramp up, you can dole out a new “gift” every hour or two. The act of unwrapping adds excitement and extends the time the item keeps them busy. It transforms the monotony of travel into a mini-celebration.
Embrace Technology (Guilt-Free)
While many parents try to limit screen time at home, international travel is the perfect time to relax those rules. Tablets and smartphones are lifesavers in confined spaces. Before you leave home, ensure you have downloaded plenty of content. Relying on airport or airplane Wi-Fi is risky, as connections can be spotty or expensive.
Load up their devices with favorite movies, educational games, and audiobooks. However, you might run into a common frustration when you land or try to stream content from abroad: regional restrictions. Many streaming services limit what you can watch based on your location. To ensure your kids can access their favorite shows anywhere, you might want to look into a solution. VPN researchers like VPNpro suggest using a VPN for geo-blocking to help you bypass these digital borders. This ensures your little ones have uninterrupted access to their comfort shows no matter where you are in the world.
Snacks Are an Activity
Never underestimate the power of food to kill time. When you are stuck in a seat, a meal or a snack is a major event. Avoid packing snacks that are gone in one bite. Instead, choose foods that take time to eat or require assembly.
Bento boxes are fantastic for this. Fill a container with small compartments with a variety of textures and flavors, like crackers, cheese cubes, grapes, pretzels, and perhaps a few sweet treats. You can also bring cereals that can be threaded onto a string to make edible necklaces. This combines a craft project with a snack, doubling the entertainment value.
Old-School Games and Creativity
Screens and snacks are great, but engaging directly with your kids can also pass the time quickly. Classic games require zero equipment. “I Spy” is a staple for a reason, but you can adapt it to your setting. Try “I Spy” with things found in the in-flight magazine or items on the food service cart.
Bringing a blank notebook is also invaluable. You can play Tic-Tac-Toe, Hangman, or the Dot Game. Encourage older children to start a travel journal. Have them draw the plane, write down what they want to see when they arrive, or document the funny things they see fellow travelers doing.
Comfort is Key
Finally, a comfortable child is an entertained child, or at least a sleeping one. Dress them in layers so they can adjust to changing cabin temperatures. Bring a familiar pillow or blanket from home. The smell and feel of their own bedding can help settle them down for a nap, which is arguably the best way to pass time on a long haul.
With a mix of digital entertainment, creative snacks, and a few surprises up your sleeve, you can turn the travel portion of your vacation into a manageable, and perhaps even enjoyable, part of the adventure.