The art of travelling with children

KUCHING: Embarking on journeys with children transforms the way we experience the world, infusing each adventure with boundless wonder and untamed joy.

Travelling with kids is a unique expedition, weaving a tapestry of shared moments and unforgettable experiences.

We delve into the art of family travel, exploring the practicalities, joys, and challenges that come with nurturing a love for exploration from a young age.

From strategic planning to spontaneous discoveries, join us as we unfold the pages of a travelogue written in laughter, curiosity, and the warmth of familial bonds.

In a world bustling with digital distractions, Noor Syaffarina Ossen, a 29-year-old parent, recognises the importance of exposing her children to the wonders of nature.

She believed that by exploring and witnessing the beauty of different places, children can learn more extensively about the world.

Syaffarina and her family in Kundasang, Sabah.

Nur Azizah spends vacation with husband and son.

Nur Azizah spends vacation with husband and son.

As her children are still young and not yet in school, she strategically plans vacations during less busy work periods and embraces the challenge of exploring during the rainy season or bad weather.

Kundasang, Sabah, stands out as a peaceful haven for the Syaffarina family, offering a plethora of places to visit.

She envisions taking her children overseas as they grow older, allowing them to learn and experience life in other countries.

To maximise the enjoyment of their vacations, the family avoids peak school holiday times to minimise crowds.

They opted for apartments over hotels, providing more space for the children to play, and seek accommodations with swimming pools or playrooms for added joy.

Choosing to rent a car over using ride-hailing services, such as Grab, is a deliberate decision for the family.

She explained that this choice minimises challenges during rides with young children and ensures a prompt return. For packing, the family focuses on essential items, as they can easily purchase things locally. Safety remains a top priority, with the use of safety harnesses to keep the children close and easily monitored during their adventures.

For Nur Azizah Ulis, 33, family vacations are not just leisurely escapes but valuable opportunities for learning and personal development, especially for her children.

Dayang Hadijah and her two grandchildren are traveling in Kuala Lumpur.

Dayang Hadijah and her two grandchildren are traveling in Kuala Lumpur.

Azizah emphasises the exposure to various new environments, enhanced social interactions, and broadened thinking styles that family vacations bring. This, she believed, fosters self-confidence and sparks creative ideas and innovations in her children.

To make the most of family vacations, Azizah strategically chooses dates aligned with her children’s school activities.

“Typically, the December school holidays are prime times for our family getaways, allowing for early financial planning to meet the required budget,” she told New Sarawak Tribune.

“Sabah holds a special place in our hearts as a favourite family vacation destination. Beyond its breathtaking sea and mountain views, the state offers a rich cultural experience for the children, allowing them to taste traditional foods and engage in various family-friendly activities,” she added.

Azizah emphasises the importance of a well-planned travel itinerary to ensure a smooth and organised trip, reducing potential issues. She captured beautiful moments with her family through photos and videos, creating lasting memories.

Activities such as parasailing and scuba diving are incorporated to add an extra element of fun for the children. Traveling with children requires meticulous logistic management for Azizah.

Checking luggage size requirements in advance ensures cost-effective bookings, while packing focuses on essentials to meet weight limits.

Azizah’s family books a rental car well in advance, overcoming challenges often associated with last-minute rentals.

Prioritising comfort and safety, she prepared essential items like food and a first aid kit, ensuring a worry-free and enjoyable family adventure.

For Noor Syaffarina Ossen and Nur Azizah Ulis, we find tales of intentional parenting, where travel becomes a powerful tool for education, growth, and family bonding.

According to Dayang Hadijah Awang Bidin, 62, travelling with kids provide invaluable educational experiences for children, exposing them to diverse cultures, history, and geography.

“It was not the first time traveling with her grandchildren,” she said, noting it fosters adaptability, encourages curiosity, and enhances social skills as they interact with new environments.

“Balancing vacation time with school schedules and commitments is crucial. To manage this, we prioritise planning ahead, aligning trips with school breaks, and communicating with teachers to ensure minimal disruption to our children’s education,” she said.

“Our favourite family travel destinations include places with a mix of educational and recreational activities,” she added.

For instance, historical sites offer learning opportunities, while destinations with natural beauty provide a chance for relaxation and outdoor adventures.

“To make travel enjoyable and memorable for both parents and children, we focus on planning age-appropriate activities, involving the whole family in decision-making, and embracing spontaneity.

Additionally, capturing moments through photos and creating a travel journal helps preserve memories.

“Managing logistics and challenges during family travel involves meticulous planning. We streamline packing by creating checklists, choose family-friendly accommodations, and prioritize safety through measures like identifying emergency exits,” she added.