How I Managed Travelling With Twins!
Travelling has its own ups and downs. Travelling with Children is another ball game altogether. Travelling with Twins adds a whole new dimension to things. Travel with Twin Babies is…uh…well…I have no words to capture it accurately! It is something only parents of twins can truly understand and appreciate.
I love travelling and have travelled both within and outside India with my twin boys.
There have been bad days and there have been great days. I share here some tips and insights from my experiences of travel with twin babies.
When It Comes To Travel With Twins Take All The Help you can!
When my twins were very young we never travelled alone. Grandparents were always part of our holidays. If you can afford to take your help along, that is an added advantage! For holidays are all about relaxing and taking it easy. But often with children, holidays end up becoming more stressful and tiring. Don’t shy away from getting help. Give yourself the opportunity to relax by having as many hands on-board as possible.
When It Comes To Travel With Twins Don’t make elaborate plans!
While it is tempting to make grand plans for holidays, I would advise against being too ambitious when you are travelling with twin babies. Your children are not going to see or understand much when they’re that young. They would probably spend most of their time sleeping. It isn’t easy particularly when they are still in the feeding and diapering phase (well, in some ways it is!). Resist the temptation by starting out small. If things work out well and your children take well to travel, let your plans grow with time.
When It Comes To Travel With Twins Try A Homestay
The first time I travelled out with my twins was when they were only four months old. Thankfully we had decided to stay with a friend. My son fell terribly ill and had his first high-grade fever on that trip. Being the first time, I hardly knew what to do. Being away from home, I had little orientation or help.
It was a blessing that I was staying with close friends who had children too. From medicines to paediatricians, from advice to help, I had everything I needed right there as if I were home. No hotel, no matter how luxurious, would have given me that comfort and security that was required at that time.
Besides, it is a boon to have a functional kitchen when you are travelling with little ones. To boil, cook, sterilize all that they need or simply make yourself that perfect cup of chai that you crave. After all, home is home!
When It Comes To Travel With Twins Kick the Just-in-Case Syndrome
For the longest time, I suffered from the just-in-case syndrome. Just in case my babies fell sick, I had to pack all their medicines. Just in case they felt cold, I needed their woollies. Just in case they spoilt or lost a pair of shoes, I needed an extra set! Just in case this and just in case that! The list was endless! And multiplied by two!
The benefit of hindsight has made me realize what a folly it was. For on every holiday, we ended up unnecessarily lugging around huge bags full of diapers and clothes that I, in fact, brought back from the trip without using.
Remember that you are already carrying and caring for two little babies. The lesser your load, the easier it is going to be. Whether it’s baby food or diapers that you need, there is hardly a place where you won’t find supplies! Keep it easy and simple. Don’t overload.
To see the world through the eyes of children is a thrilling and joyous experience. At the same time, having to attend to their every need can be draining and tiresome. More so, when you have twins. Your joys are doubled but so are your efforts.
http://maaofallblogs.com/2017/04/ten-useful-tips-for-parents-when-travelling-with-kids.html/
Make the most of it by planning well, expecting little and taking baby steps towards the goal.
Wishing you Memorable Holidays!
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Mallika is a lawyer-turned-writer and writes on History, Culture, Law, and Travel for children and adults, including books, blogs, features in newspapers and curated researched works. Travel related stories for children can be found on www.indiatraveltales4kids
