First Time Travelling with Kids to Asia: 10 Tips to Plan Your Trip
Traveling with kids can be an enriching experience for the whole family, especially when exploring a diverse and vibrant land like Asia. If your family is first-timers visiting Asia, how to make a safe and sound trip must be a big concern. Hence, thoughtful planning is undoubtedly crucial before embarking on such an Asia family adventure. In this article, we would like to show you 10 essential tips to help you plan your trip to Asia with your kids.
1. Choose The Right Destinations
Asia offers a wide range of family-friendly destinations, but it’s crucial to pick one that suits your family’s needs and interests. Countries like Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, and Singapore are known for their excellent infrastructure, safety, and variety of activities for children. Consider the following factors:
- Ease of Travel: Look for destinations with good public transportation and accessibility. For instance, Singapore’s efficient MRT system and Japan’s bullet trains make getting around easy, even with kids.
- Comfortable Climate: Check the season to avoid extreme weather. Monsoon season in Southeast Asia with rainfalls or the hot summers in India may not be ideal for very young travelers.
- Attractions: Ensure there are child-friendly activities, such as theme parks, zoos, or cultural experiences. For example, Tokyo Disneyland, Sentosa Island in Singapore, and Thailand’s elephant sanctuaries are great for kids.
- Health and Safety: Choose destinations with accessible healthcare and child-friendly environments. Research local clinics or hospitals before your trip.
2. Finalize Your Itinerary
Once you’ve chosen your destination, let's make an itinerary that balances exploration and relaxation. Keep in mind that children may need more downtime than adults. Here’s how to create a practical plan:
- Prioritize Key Attractions: Limit the number of activities per day to avoid overstretching. For instance, focus on one or two major attractions in the morning and leave afternoons free for rest.
- Incorporate Rest Days: Schedule couple of days to relax between traversing to destinations. Popular peach places like Bali, Phu Quoc, or Phuket are perfect for family to unwind on the beach or private villas.
- Age-Appropriate Activities: Research activities suited to your kids' age group. Older kids might enjoy historical sites like Angkor Wat, while younger ones may prefer interactive museums or parks, or consider taking a package of overnight Halong Bay Cruise that combines both relaxing and outdoor activities that people of all ages can join.
- Stay Longer in Fewer Places: Avoid overly ambitious plans that involve too many cities. Spending more time in fewer locations allows for a deeper experience and reduces travel stress.
3. Prepare Travel Documents
Ensure all travel documents are ready well in advance:
- Check passport validity (at least six months beyond travel dates).
- Apply for visas, if necessary. Many Asian countries offer e-visas or visa-on-arrival options.
- Carry copies of birth certificates or guardianship documents for smooth immigration processing.
- Consider travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and other unforeseen events.
4. Research Family-Friendly Accommodations
Book accommodations that cater to families. Look for:
- Extra Space: Rooms with extra space or interconnecting spacious room options are ideal for families.
- Amenities: Kid-friendly amenities such as pools, play areas, or babysitting services can make your stay more comfortable.
- Convenience: Proximity to attractions or transportation hubs can save time and energy.
- Reviews: Read reviews of these places through multiple platforms to ensure the property meets your expectations.
5. Plan for Meals
Food can be a highlight of your trip but also a challenge for picky eaters. You can refer to plan dining options for family such as :
- Kid-Friendly Menus: Locate restaurants that cater to families. Many Asian countries offer a mix of local and Western food options.
- Local Phrases: Learn basic phrases to accommodate dietary needs in local languages. For example, know how to say “no peanuts” or “vegetarian” in the local language.
- Snacks: Carry snacks and familiar food items, especially for younger children. Granola bars, crackers, or dried fruits can be lifesavers during long travel days.
- Hygiene: Opt for bottled water and ensure food is freshly prepared to avoid any stomach issues.
6. Pack Smartly
Travel in a family group, you'd better pack light but smart, which helps you carry family luggage at ease, especially whilst a long trip. Essentials include:
- Comfort Items: Bring a favorite toy, blanket, or pillow to provide a sense of familiarity.
- Health Supplies: Medications, sunscreen, and bug repellent are must-haves.
- Clothing: Pack clothes suitable for the weather and cultural norms. For example, modest clothing is necessary for visiting temples in countries like Thailand and Cambodia.
- Gear: Lightweight strollers, baby carriers, or compact travel cots can make mobility easier.
- Travel Bag: Pack a small bag for each child with books, toys, or journals to keep them entertained during transit.
7. Manage Health Precautions
Consult a pediatrician before the trip to ensure your children’s vaccinations are up-to-date. Other tips include:
- First-Aid Kit: Pack essentials like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, fever medication, and a thermometer.
- Healthcare Access: Research the availability of pharmacies and hospitals at your destination.
- Hydration: Encourage proper hydration, especially in warm climates.
- Hand Hygiene: Carry hand sanitizers and wet wipes to minimize exposure to germs.
8. Plan Transportation
Transportation can be one of the most stressful aspects of travel with kids. To ease the experience:
- Flights: Book direct flights or train journeys when possible to reduce transit time.
- Family-Friendly Airlines: Choose airlines that offer entertainment options and child-friendly meals.
- Transfers: Arrange airport transfers in advance to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Local Transport: You can plan yourself go with local transportation options. Tuk-tuks in Thailand, cyclo in Vietnam or jeepneys in the Philippines can be fun for short rides.
9. Stay Flexible
Despite careful planning, things might not always go as expected. Build flexibility into your itinerary and remember to:
- Extra Time: Allow extra time for transitions, such as boarding flights or waiting in lines.
- Adaptability: Be open to changing plans based on your children’s moods and energy levels. If a museum visit feels overwhelming, switch to a nearby park.
- Positive Attitude: Embrace the unexpected as part of the adventure. A detour or delay might lead to an unexpected highlight of your trip.
- Local Learning: Teach them a few words or phrases in the local language as part of the adventure.
10. Pick A Reputable Travel Agent
Preparing all these things might be overwhelming, considering partnering with a reputable travel agent can save you time and effort, especially when traveling with kids. Many advantages you can get when traveling in family with them are:
- Personally Customize Itineraries: Tailor a trip based on your family’s needs and preferences.
- Provide Local Insights: Offer valuable advice on family-friendly attractions, accommodations, and dining.
- All-inclusive Service: Take care of flights, accommodations, transfers, and tour routes, leaving you more time to focus on enjoying the trip with the kids.
- Ensure Safety: Recommend trusted service providers and assist with any emergencies that may arise during the trip.
By following these steps, your first trip to Asia with kids can be a joyful and memorable experience for the entire family. Prudent preparation will create lifelong memories for your children learning about the wonders of a new culture, new land. Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination, so enjoy every moment together. If you wanna enjoy a hassle-free Asia family holiday, contact our Asia Tours Team to help you design a tailor-made package based on your family interests only.
