Must carry for parents while travelling with teenage kids 

The perfect time for parents to travel with kids is when they are teens as they understand what they are seeing and experiencing and can do most things on their own. The fussiness of food of a younger child, the inability to walk for long, the sleep cycles that are erratic and the lack of interest is something that will be less, hopefully.

But there are challenges for parents on their own as teenage children can also be a handful with hormones and erratic behaviour patterns. As the cope with the end of childhood and the transition into adulthood, the issues when you travel maybe less but will be there. Be aware of the needs of your child and help them. When travelling with teenage kids, there are certain essential items parents should carry for their comfort and safety. Here are some must-haves to consider:

1. Identification documents:

Ensure you have everyone’s passports, identification cards, and any required travel documents. Make copies and keep them separately in case of loss.

2. Medications and first aid kit:

Carry any necessary medications for your family members, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and a basic first aid kit with band-aids, antiseptic, pain relievers, etc.

3. Snacks and water:

Pack some easily accessible snacks like granola bars, fruit, or nuts for on-the-go munching. Carry reusable water bottles for everyone to stay hydrated.

4. Entertainment:

Bring items to keep your teenagers entertained during the journey, such as books, magazines, portable gaming devices, or headphones for listening to music.

5. Portable chargers:

To ensure your teenage kids’ devices stay powered, carry portable chargers or power banks for their smartphones, tablets, or other gadgets.

6. Parents must pack extra clothing and weather-appropriate gear:

Parents should prepare for various weather conditions by packing extra clothing and appropriate gear like raincoats, jackets, hats, and sunscreen. Check the weather forecast before your trip.

7. Travel adapters and cables:

If you’re traveling to a different country, bring travel adapters to charge your devices. Also, carry charging cables for different devices your teenagers use.

8. Money and cards:

Ensure you have enough cash for emergencies and daily expenses. Carry credit/debit cards or travel money cards for convenience. Inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card usage.

9. Necessary contact information:

Keep a list of emergency contacts, including your family doctor, local emergency numbers, embassy/consulate details, and any important contacts at your travel destination.

10. Travel insurance:

Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances or medical emergencies that may arise during your trip.

11. Maps and guides:

If exploring a new place, carry maps, travel guides, or download relevant apps for navigation and information about local attractions.

12. Personal hygiene and toiletries:

Pack essential toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and any other personal care items necessary for your family’s needs.

Remember to involve your teenagers in the packing process, giving them some responsibility and input regarding what they would like to carry. This can help ensure they are involved and have everything they need for a comfortable and enjoyable trip.