Charlie Barker is an expert pre and post natal trainer and Founder of Bumps and Burpees, an online platform supporting women through pregnancy and motherhood with safe exercise classes, specialist fitness advice and a supportive community. She’s also a mum of two who loves to travel with the kids. During our chat, Charlie Barker shared what it’s like to travel with young kids, packing essentials, as well as their upcoming holiday plans.
Check out our interview below!
1. How old are your kids?
Alfie is 22 months and Barney is 2 months.
2. When and where was the last time you travelled with them?
We took them both to Greece when Barney was 6 weeks old.
3. What was that experience like?
Far better than I anticipated. I actually felt like we had a holiday which I wasn’t expecting, and I even dare say I felt relaxed when I came back.
3. Where do you plan to go next?
We are going on a big family trip to Cornwall at the end of August with lots of other toddlers which should be fun.
4. What’s it like travelling with kids in general? Have you adapted anything on your trips to suit them?
There is just so much more planning when your travels involve kids, no more rocking up to the airport with just a handbag and enjoying duty free shopping before reading a book and having a nap on the plane!
5. What are you kids’ favourite travelling snacks?
Anything by the brand ‘Organix’ – their flapjack bars, date bars, and mini oat squares are always in our bags. Yoghurt pouches are also a favourite for travelling too as well as a banana.
6. Do you have any activity essentials for your toddler?
Alfie loves looking at photos, so whilst on the plane or in a queue I always get my phone out and go through pictures of him, the family, his grandparents’ dog who he loves and that takes up a lot of his attention during those times when he gets frustrated. Sticker books are great, as well as flash cards.
7. Do you prefer to travel by train, plane or boat?
We have only ever done car or plane as I get sea sick so I would veto boat immediately. As parenting when you’re feeling sick, this is certainly not the one. The plane can feel stressful as there is limited space for them to burn off energy but it is never as bad as you think (so far).
8. What’s your ideal family vacation?
I love to be by the water so a big pool where Alfie can splash around, in the sun (but not too hot we are all roasting) and no plans to stick to so it doesn’t matter what time naps happen!
9. With young kids, do you prefer early morning flight or late night flights?
So far we have had the most success with night flights.
10. Any travel tips you swear by?
Screen time. I know it’s a controversial topic but as Alfie is getting older he is sitting still and concentrating on a film or episode for a lot longer and I can’t tell you the relief it brings when he is just calm and happy watching something. Also, don’t stress about routine on a travel day, sleep and snack when they need it.
11. Travel gadgets or essentials you recommend?
The Snoozeshade for the buggy and the travel cot is my must-have for travelling.
12. Do you have basics you always put in your medicine kit?
Calpol sachets are always in every bag we take anywhere as you just never know when it’ll come in handy to bring a temperature down.
Thanks for sharing, Charlie! We love your fitness content on @bumpsandburpees and we’ll also be on the lookout for some holiday snaps!
Shop this trip
Destination: Greece
Destination: Cornwall
Travel Snacks: Organix
Travel Gear: SnoozeShade
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