Care to take while travelling by train with kids: 10 fantastic suggestions

Care to take while travelling by train with kids can be a delightful experience, but it also requires thoughtful planning to ensure safety, comfort, and enjoyment for everyone involved. Here are some tips and precautions to take while traveling by train with children:

Before the Journey Care to take while travelling by train with kids

1. Choose the Right Train Class:

• Opt for a class that best suits your family’s needs (e.g., sleeper class for overnight journeys, AC coach for comfort, etc.). Check if there are family compartments available.

2. Book Tickets in Advance:

• Reserve seats well in advance to ensure you get adjoining seats and enough space for yourself and your kids.

3. Pack Essentials:

• Carry enough snacks and drinks, as train catering can be limited or unavailable, especially on long journeys.
• Bring along items such as books, toys, tablets, or games to keep kids entertained. Coloring books and puzzles can also be engaging.

4. Prepare for Delays:

• Trains can sometimes run late. Pack extra items like a sweater, blanket, or anything your child might need in case of long waits.

5. Travel Documents:

• Ensure you have all necessary travel documents, including tickets, identification for the kids (if needed), and any required medical information.

6. Health and Safety Supplies:

• Pack a small health kit with basics like hand sanitizer, wet wipes, any necessary medications, and a first-aid kit for minor injuries.

At the Station

1. Arrive Early: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Arrive at the station ahead of time to avoid any last-minute rush. This also gives kids time to acclimatize and explore a bit.

2. Keep an Eye on Personal Belongings:

• Always keep an eye on your bags and belongings. Use a backpack for personal items to keep your hands free.

3. Identify Key Facilities:

• Familiarize yourself with the location of restrooms, waiting areas, and exits at the station.

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Onboard the Train

1. Seating Arrangements:

• If possible, select seats near the aisle for easy access to restrooms and movement.

2. Safety First: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Always keep an eye on your children and ensure they stay seated during the journey, especially during stops and when the train is moving.

3. Meal Management:

• Offer nutritious snacks to your kids. Pack easy-to-eat finger foods and stay hydrated with water. Avoid overly sugary snacks that might lead to restlessness.

4. Engage Them:

• Encourage your kids to look out the window, count other trains, or engage in storytelling to keep them entertained.

5. Care for Comfort:

• Bring travel pillows or blankets to ensure they are comfortable. Dress them in layers, as train temperatures can vary.

6. Manage Noise Levels:

• Be mindful of noise; keep conversations at a moderate volume, and use headphones if allowing them to watch shows or play games.

Being Respectful Onboard

1. Consider Other Passengers: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Remind children to be respectful to other travelers, including minimizing noise and keeping their area tidy.

2. Use Shared Spaces Wisely:

• Be considerate in shared spaces such as dining cars or common areas, ensuring that your children are well behaved.

Emergencies and Issues

1. Know Emergency Procedures:

• Familiarize yourself with the emergency procedures of the train and your route. Identify the train staff and know how to contact them if needed.

2. Emergency Contacts: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Have a list of emergency contacts written down or saved on your phone in case you need assistance.

Care to take while travelling by train with kids can create lasting memories if planned properly. By ensuring safety, comfort, and entertainment, you can make the journey enjoyable for everyone. Remember, the journey is part of the adventure, so embrace it with patience and flexibility!

Traveling by train in India can be a wonderful adventure for families, providing a unique opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes and cultures of the country. However, traveling with kids can require additional planning and care to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Here are some specific tips and precautions to consider when Care to take while travelling by train with kids in India:

Before the Journey

1. Train Class Selection:

• Choose a train class that suits your family’s needs. AC classes (1AC, 2AC, or 3AC) offer more comfort and amenities compared to Sleeper Class. Sleeper Class may be more affordable but can be crowded and noisy.

2. Book Tickets in Advance:

• Reserve your tickets well in advance using the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) website or app to secure adjoining seats and avoid last-minute hassles.

3. Pack Essentials: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Bring adequate snacks and meals for the journey since onboard food may not always be available or may not meet your child’s tastes. Consider easy-to-carry items like fruits, biscuits, sandwiches, and water.
• Pack entertainment items such as books, coloring supplies, or electronic devices with headphones (make sure they have downloaded content, as Wi-Fi may not be available).

4. Health and Safety Supplies:

• Carry a small health kit with essential medications, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and a first-aid kit. Ensure your children stay hydrated.

5. Travel Documents:

• Keep all necessary travel documentation accessible, including tickets (e-tickets can be shown on your phone) and identification.

At the Station

1. Arrive Early:

• Arrive at the train station at least 30-60 minutes before departure to manage check-in, baggage, and boarding without rushing.

2. Keep an Eye on Belongings:

• Always keep an eye on your bags, especially in crowded stations. Use a backpack for easier management.

3. Use Station Facilities: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Familiarize yourself with the location of restrooms, waiting areas, food stalls, and platforms to make the experience smoother.

Onboard the Train

1. Safety Measures:

• Ensure your children are seated and reminded to be cautious during stops. Avoid letting them lean out of the windows, as this can be dangerous.

2. Comfort Considerations:

• Dress children in comfortable clothing and bring along blankets or travel pillows for long journeys. Train temperatures can vary, so layers are advisable.

3. Dining Options:

• Order meals through the IRCTC catering service in advance or bring your own food. Make sure to have water bottles and offer fluids regularly.

4. Engagement: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Engage children in activities like observing the scenery, playing word games, or storytelling to keep them entertained. Bring along games or cards for family fun.

5. Noise Management:

• Be considerate of your fellow passengers. Use headphones for electronic devices and maintain a moderate noise level.

Being Considerate Onboard

1. Respect Fellow Passengers:

• Teach kids to be polite and to minimize noise, especially in sleeper compartments where others may be resting.

2. Keeping Spaces Tidy:

• Encourage children to help in keeping their area clean and dispose of any waste appropriately.

Handling Emergencies

1. Emergency Contacts:

• Keep a list of emergency contacts written down and save important phone numbers on your mobile devices, including those of nearby relatives or acquaintances.

2. Know First Aid Basics: Care to take while travelling by train with kids

• Familiarize yourself with basic first-aid procedures. Carry a first-aid kit with essential items for minor injuries.

3. Train Staff:

• Familiarize yourself with the train staff uniform so that you can seek help or assistance if needed.

Additional Tips

1. Cultural Awareness:

• Explain to children about the diversity of people and cultures they might encounter on the train. It can be a good learning experience.

2. Patience:

• Be patient with children, acknowledging that travel can be tiring and sometimes unpredictable.

3. Entertainment Options:

• Consider downloading movies, shows, or games on devices before the journey, as internet connectivity may be limited.

Conclusion

Care to take while travelling by train with kids in India can be quite an adventure if approached with proper preparation and flexibility. By keeping these tips in mind, you can help ensure a safe, comfortable, and enjoyable journey for your family. Enjoy the experience, and take in the sights and sounds of India along the way!