Top tips for travelling as a family

Although there are still parents who wait for their children to reach a certain age before travelling as a family, the trend of taking them with you from a very young age is increasingly popular. This is to:

• Encourage them to interact with natural environments and have new experiences.
• Keep them away from technology, at least for a few days.
• Educate them on appropriate behavior in places with different dynamics, such as airports, bus terminals, hotels, cruises, etc.
• Help them stimulate their curiosity, adaptability, tolerance and patience.

While we must acknowledge that travelling as a family can be challenging, we assure you that everything you will experience together will be worth it. Also, in the future, your children will thank you for what they learned on these adventures.

To make your task easier, we have prepared a series of tips that you should consider when travelling as a family to the island:

1. Choose direct routes

If you decide to travel by plane, make sure there are no long layovers. 

In Aruba, we have the advantage of having direct flights from most cities including one wtih British Airways from London Gatwick. 

Try to adjust the flight schedules to the children's sleep hours, and during the trip, it is preferable that they sit by the window to admire the landscape.

Also, bring distractions like colouring books or books and magazines about the destination they will visit so that they can become familiar with the place.

2. Make a list of activities suitable for children

One of the attractions of travelling as a family to Aruba is that you will find all kinds of water and land activities, but, as expected and for safety reasons, some require being within a certain age range.

If you have very young children, we recommend the Butterfly Farm, the Donkey Sanctuary, Philip's Animal Garden, Baby Beach and Palm Island.

Now, if your children are a bit older, we recommend introducing them to the world of diving and snorkelling, giving them a pirate experience with Jolly Pirates, or taking them to discover the underwater world with the Atlantis Submarine.

3. Less is More

Depending on the age, children will need more or fewer things. For example, if your child is not yet walking, do you think you should bring a pushchair or a baby carrier? The answer will depend a lot on the type of activities you have planned.

When travelling as a family to Aruba and having an itinerary full of visits to different beaches, it's best to bring a baby carrier. A buggy may be a hassle with all the sand and rocks. 

Forget about changing tables, cribs, and bulky items. You will find alternative products on the market that are foldable and have more friendly features. For example, there is a nappy that also functions as a cot and a changing table simultaneously. This type of product will make your trip easier.

4. Entertainment

Your children are likely accustomed to their set of toys, stuffed animals, or some object that is important to them. When travelling as a family, try to bring one or two to entertain them at the airport, but once on the island, allow them to experience the sand, water and grass. It will be very stimulating for them.

5. Let them play with other children

You have probably heard on other occasions that people from over 100 nationalities live in Aruba; this will also give your children the opportunity to interact with other cultures. They might end up babbling a word in another language or have learned a new way to relate. At playgrounds such as Gloria or even at the beach, encourage them to join other kids as they build sandcastles or play in the water. Of course, never leave your kids unsupervised anywhere!

We all know that one of the most enriching experiences in life is travelling, so why not start travelling as a family from a young age?