Most of us simply dread the thought of travelling alone with kids. I was also of the same opinion, untill I took the plunge and faced it head on. Yes, I did it! Took a train journey with two kids a - 5 and a half year old and the younger one - a 2 years old. Though it was a short journey of 5 hours only, yet I managed to beat the mum-travelling- alone-with-kids-demon.
Here I would like to share my tips on how can one simplify the travelling process, make it less troublesome and put the load off on one’s mind by equipping well beforehand.
A few important things to keep in mind when traveling with kids by train:
Get your tickets done well in advance – Please ensure that you have got confirmed tickets before you travel to your destination of choice. With small kids, not getting a seat would be a nightmare and I have never travelled without a confirmed ticket.
Never underestimate the power of a list –If you suddenly remember something to pack while in the middle of an important work then note it down in the list. You can always refer back to it while packing and do not miss out on the important stuff. TaDa….
Start packing at least 3 days in advance- When packing yours and your kids’ clothes make sure you start packing early, because motherhood does indeed makes you forgetful (personal experience) and you would have 3 days of time to pack your bags properly, not missing out on the important, must keep, cannot forget category of things according to the weather, occasion and stay of duration.
A First aid Box – The foremost important thing is a first aid box with some trusted medication for the kids in case they need for immediate relief, some band-aids, cotton pads, antiseptic, etc.
Have a Pandora’s Box ready – I always carry a shoulder bag which I call Pandora’s box. One can find anything and everything one might need in it while travelling and food enough to have a 2 course meal 3 times in a day (sounds a lot, but their mood changes and they might not eat what they asked for last night, so one must have an option ready). Our go to bag has the following:
a thin blanket/sheet
favorite toys- I ask them to choose the smallest ones while travelling like small cars or miniature cartoon characters
story books
sticker activity book (they always come out later when me and co-passengers seem to run out of patience)
favorite cookies
some snacks to munch on
breakfast options like sandwiches, parathas
lunch (aloo sabzi, roti, scrambled eggs)
milk
water
sipper
disposable plates, spoons, bowls
paper towels, sanitizer, paper soap, wet wipes
old newspapers to clean spills
diapers
an extra pair of clothes(so that one doesn’t needs to open up the luggage bag)
… and your sanity for those few hours while you are cramp packed in a small space with little noise makers who every 10-15 minutes wants to know when will the train reach its destination. ;-)
So get set go, pack your bags and get ready for all the action you are going to remember for a lifetime. Also it’s going to prepare you for many more future journeys.
All the best all you lovely mums out there!
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