Kelly is the ‘Reel Mum’ behind kids_and_the_commute, a feel-good Instagram account full of relatable snippets from motherhood – with a lovely sprinkling of well-placed humour. We loved chatting to Kelly about all things travel: from the ideal time for a flight, to foolproof travel tips, and gadgets that make life easier.
Check out our interview below!
- How old are your kids?
I’ve got two girls aged four and seven.
- When / where was the last time you travelled with them?
The last time was on the train to my parents for a few days. Abroad, it was before the pandemic to Lanzarote.
- Where do you plan to go next?
We’re still in discussion at the moment. We’d like to go away in the summer but we’re keeping to the UK. Most likely Devon/SW coast. Hopefully we’ll look to go abroad again in the October half term. Basically anywhere in Europe with a beach and kids club!
- What’s it like travelling with kids in general, what have you adapted on your trips?
We have definitely adapted our trips, learning from any mistakes we’ve made. For instance, super early flights are not really your friend when travelling with small people. Yes, you get to your destination earlier, but, in our case, you end up with everyone over tired and no one in a great mood. Not the best start to your holiday.
- What are you kids’ favourite travelling snacks?
They will happily eat anything! We take a large snack box that has loads of smaller sections and fill them up with a variety of goodies, such as raisins, mini cheddars, breadsticks, jelly stars, different cereals…basically anything non-perishable. It will keep longer and is less likely to make a squishy mess!
- Do you prefer to travel by train, plane, or boat?
Oh, tough one as we’ve had good and not so good experiences on both trains and planes (the girls haven’t been on a boat yet). I think I’ll go with trains, because it’s not as ‘stop/start’ and less hanging around than air travel. There’s no going through security, or collecting luggage, just straight on and off.
- What’s your ideal family vacation?
Anywhere where the kids are happy! Honestly, that is my benchmark! If they’re happy and loving life, then so are we.
- With young kids, do you prefer early morning flight or late-night flights?
Given a choice, early morning as my four-year-old is an early riser and the six-year-old can sleep anywhere! But NOT super early! We’ve tried that before and everyone ends up seriously overtired and it’s not fun for anyone! Getting to the airport around 7am is doable. Any earlier and it’s not going to give us the start to the holiday we’re looking for!
- Any travel tips you swear by?
- Stay calm
Stay calm is my biggest! When I walk into a trip with my anxiety going through the roof, it tends to transfer to the kids. I always identify why I am nervous and try to mitigate any risks. So for instance, if my concern is having to get up and down to the loo on the train with them, I will book seats near the toilet so they can go on their own or be left in the seat, still in my view if I have to take one of them.
- Snacks
Next is plenty of snacks! You can’t take too many snacks and make sure there is a variety and it’s stuff they love. Now is NOT the time to start introducing new foods or bringing things they don’t like. This is meant to reduce the stress, not add to it!
- Entertainment
Take things to entertain them but try to keep it to a few key items that you KNOW will keep them busy. We usually go with iPad (fully charged and loaded with games, activities and downloaded programmes), a couple of fidget toys and a couple of Barbies. And if you’re taking a device, make sure you have a portable charger!
- Go with the flow
Go with the flow! I am getting better at this, but it’s taken time. Be prepared that things may not go according to plan when travelling with kids. There may be delays, the kids may not be very compliant, whatever it is, just breathe and go with it.
- Travel gadget / gadgets your kids love?
iPad!! No, it’s not strictly a travel gadget but it’s a device I would never travel without. It’s not just for films and TV. They have loads of games and activities loaded on there, so can do everything from drawing, colouring, word searches, and educational activities.
Thanks for sharing, Kelly! We love following you at @kids_and_the_commute and can’t wait to see where your next trip takes you!
Shop this trip
Destination: Lanzarote
Travel Gear: Snack box with compartments and fidget toys
Travel Gadget: iPad
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