Welcome to adventure, the most memorable part of the destination

Our most recent travel to Central Europe opened up new ideas into a few more helpful insights in how we can safely and efficiently use public transportation for our future travels. Traveling on public transportation with children can be a manageable and exciting experience. Here are a few tips to make the journey smoother.

Plan ahead

Research the routes, schedules, and any specific regulations for traveling with children on public transportation. This will help you be prepared and avoid any surprises.

The best time to use public transportation with kids can vary depending on several factors, such as the age of your children, their routine, and the specific location. However, generally speaking, it can be beneficial to avoid peak commuting hours when the buses or trains are typically crowded. Mid-morning or mid-afternoon, outside of rush hours, may be more comfortable and less hectic for families traveling with children. Additionally, weekends and holidays often have lighter passenger loads, which can make public transportation more manageable for families. It’s always a good idea to check the local transportation schedules and consider the specific needs and temperament of your children when planning your trip.

Grab a city map before you take the train or bus. They are located at almost every public station. Learn to open google map and use its simple direction and transportation alternatives. Technology has come a long way. It has made our more recent travel much easier to navigate just by a simple tap on a mobile device. There are day, weekly, or monthly pass you can purchase to best fit your excursion. This will save you tons of money.

If you must travel during peak hours it is very important to follow basic but very important safety rules which brings us to our next topic.

Safety first

Ensure your children’s safety by holding their hands or keeping them close to you while boarding, exiting, and moving around the vehicle. If available, use child safety seats or restraints.

When traveling with kids on public transportation, ensuring their safety is of utmost importance. Here are some tips to help keep them safe:

• Supervision: Always supervise your children closely while using public transportation. Hold their hands or keep them within your sight at all times, especially in busy stations or crowded vehicles.
• Teach safety rules: Teach your children basic safety rules, such as staying seated, holding onto handrails, and not leaning out of windows or doors. Emphasize the importance of not running or playing around on the transportation platform or vehicle.
• Secure belongings: Keep your belongings secure and close to you to prevent any potential accidents or theft. Use backpacks or bags with zippers to minimize the risk of items falling or getting lost.
• Avoid standing near doors: When possible, try to avoid standing near the doors, especially with younger children. Standing farther away from the doors can reduce the risk of accidental falls when the doors open or close.
• Be mindful of gaps: Remind your children to be cautious of gaps between the platform and the train or bus when boarding or alighting. Hold their hands or guide them to step over the gap safely.
• Emergency procedures: Familiarize yourself and your kids with emergency procedures provided by the transportation system. Know the location of emergency exits and how to contact the authorities in case of an emergency.
• ID or contact information: Ensure that your children carry some form of identification or have your contact information with them, including their name, your name, and a phone number. This can be helpful in case you get separated. An apple air tag is a great way to place on your kids favorite shoes or clip on to their jean pocket to track and find them using your mobile found if ever they get separated from you.
• Remember, each transportation system may have its own specific safety guidelines, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with them beforehand.

Entertainment

Bring activities or toys to keep your children engaged during the journey. Books, coloring pads, or small travel games can help make the time pass more quickly.

left: Kuya learning his photography skills on a quick break from a sight seeing tour by foot in Budapest right: unpacking their drawing pad and school work on a train to Vienna

When traveling with kids, it’s important to keep them entertained to make the journey more enjoyable. Here are some entertainment ideas for traveling with kids:

• Coloring books and activity pads: Pack some coloring books, activity pads, or sticker books to keep them engaged and creative during the journey.
• Portable electronic devices: Bring tablets, smartphones, or portable gaming devices loaded with age-appropriate games, movies, or educational apps to keep them entertained.
• Travel-sized board games or card games: Look for compact versions of popular games that can be easily played in a confined space, such as travel-sized versions of chess, checkers, UNO, or playing cards.
• Travel journals or scrapbooks: Provide kids with a small journal or scrapbook where they can document their travel experiences, draw pictures, or collect mementos like ticket stubs or postcards. Handing them an extra camera help to bring out creativity and encourages them to express themselves.
• Interactive toys or puzzles: Bring small, portable toys like Rubik’s cubes, fidget spinners, or brain teasers that can keep their hands and minds busy during the journey.

Children will find anything to entertain themselves. Joel and India found this interactive billboard entertaining with a good friend | on a platform to Malmo

Remember to consider the age and preferences of your kids when selecting entertainment options. It’s also a good idea to involve them in the planning process to make them feel excited and engaged in the journey. To learn more head on to our travel essential page.

Snacks and drinks

Pack some snacks and drinks to keep your children nourished and hydrated during the trip. Opt for non-messy options to avoid inconvenience for fellow travelers.

On the left, India is basking on a late afternoon apple treat along a small creek in Norway | On the right, a small ice cream break made this side trip exciting and fun in the quaint and picturesque town of Gyor.

When traveling with kids, it’s always a good idea to pack some snacks to keep them satisfied and happy. Here are a few snack ideas that are convenient to bring while traveling:

• Granola bars or energy bars: These are easy to carry and provide a quick energy boost.
• Trail mix: A mix of nuts, dried fruits, and maybe some chocolate or yogurt-covered treats can be a tasty and nutritious snack option.
• Fresh fruit: Pack some pre-cut fruits like apples, grapes, or oranges in a portable container to provide a refreshing and healthy snack.
• Cheese sticks or babybel cheese: These individually wrapped cheeses are convenient and provide a good source of protein and calcium.
• Pretzels or crackers: Choose whole-grain varieties for a healthier option and pair them with individual portions of hummus or peanut butter for added flavor.
• Sliced vegetables: Carrot sticks, cucumber slices, or cherry tomatoes are great options. You can also include small containers of ranch dressing or yogurt-based dips for dipping.
• Sandwiches or wraps: Prepare sandwiches or wraps with your child’s favorite filling, like turkey, cheese, or peanut butter and jelly.
• And don’t forget to treat them for an ice cream break!

Remember to pack snacks that are not too messy and can withstand the travel conditions. And don’t forget to keep them hydrated with water or juice boxes while on the go!

Be considerate

Remember to be mindful of other passengers. Keep your children’s noise level in check and ensure they are respectful of others’ personal space.

the Flamsbana train journey. A one hour magicial train ride along the Fjords and awe-inspiring Norway. This popular journey is traveled by rail offering breathtaking scenery of fjords, waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and small goat farms clinging to the mountainsides. | Norway

Be mindful of others. Recognize that not everyone may find children as endearing as you do. Encourage your kids to be respectful of others by teaching them good manners, reminding them to use their indoor voices, and discouraging disruptive behavior. If your child becomes restless or fussy, try to address the situation promptly and calmly. Apologize if necessary and reassure others that you’re doing your best to manage the situation.

Some places or modes of transport may have designated quiet zones, such as libraries, museums, or certain areas on trains or planes. Be mindful of these areas and ensure that your kids understand the importance of keeping noise levels down.

Whether you’re in a hotel, restaurant, or public space, make sure to clean up any messes your children create. This shows consideration for others and helps maintain a clean environment for everyone.

Traveling with kids can be unpredictable, and meltdowns or delays can happen. Stay calm, be patient with your children, and try to find solutions that minimize inconvenience for others.

Remember, being considerate while traveling with kids is not only about the comfort of others but also about creating a positive experience for your own family. By being mindful and respectful, you can help ensure a pleasant journey for all.

Plan for breaks

If the journey is long, plan for bathroom breaks or stretch breaks along the way. This will give your children a chance to move around and use facilities if needed.

Public parks like this in Flam (left) and Copenhagen (right) are a great small breaks for the kids and a great place to take a quick toilet break. The best part is that many of these parks toilets don’t require money for use.

When planning breaks while traveling with kids, it’s important to consider their needs and interests. Here are a few tips to help you plan:

• Schedule regular breaks: Plan breaks every few hours to allow your kids to stretch their legs, use the restroom, and have a snack. This will help them stay refreshed and avoid restlessness during the journey.
• Choose kid-friendly rest stops: Look for rest stops or service areas that have facilities specifically designed for children, such as playgrounds or family areas. These can provide a much-needed break and entertainment for your kids.
• Research interesting attractions along the way: Find out about interesting attractions, parks, or landmarks that you can visit during your journey. This can break up the monotony of the trip and give your kids something to look forward to.
• Incorporate physical activity: Plan breaks at parks, rest areas with open spaces, or scenic locations where your kids can run around and burn off some energy. This can help prevent restlessness and make the journey more enjoyable for everyone.
• Plan for meal breaks: Coordinate your breaks with meal times, so you can find suitable restaurants or picnic spots where your kids can eat and relax.
• Remember to be flexible with your schedule and adapt it to your children’s needs. Traveling with kids can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be prepared and patient throughout the journey.

Stay organized

Keep your essentials like tickets, identification, and necessary documents easily accessible. Being organized will help you navigate through the journey smoothly.

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Remember, public transportation can be a great learning experience for children, exposing them to different cultures and ways of life. With proper planning and a positive attitude, it can be an enjoyable adventure for the whole family.

Traveling with children is liberating. Using the public transportation open up the world to them and the adventure that awaits. Make every effort to engage everyone in the process and do not set hard rules. Become the child that lives within and find light in every stress full situation that may arise. Traveling by public means give you ample of time to prepare and alternative routes to take to make you work around your itinerary. Enjoy every moment and capture every learning opportunity that arise. Embrace the unknown and never hesitate to ask in public.

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