PACE your journey: Tips for travelling with tamariki

Research playgrounds and attractions. Make a note of playgrounds and indoor spots that you’ll pass along the way, where your tamaiti can burn off some energy. Most City Councils have a map of play areas like this one. Keep a towel handy and some spare warm clothes if it’s wet!

Snacks, snacks, snacks. Need we say more?

Relax screen time rules. Set aside your usual rules around devices when travelling. You can always collect devices when you reach your destination. Having a set of special apps, videos and audiobooks that are only used for travel can help young children look forward to the trip.

Download before you go. Not just movies and audiobooks, but also confirmation emails, instructions for holiday houses and family tickets to attractions. Having these on hand without needing to scramble for Wi-Fi can help prevent meltdowns.

Charge power banks. Most cars just have one charging port, and it always seems like everyone runs low on battery at the same time. To prevent having to decide who gets to use the charger, have a few power banks at the ready to hand out when needed.

Old-school games. It’s a digital age, but who doesn’t love a game of Would you rather?, I Spy or Car Cricket?

Help them doze off. Nothing passes the time faster than a snooze! Try to make their spot in the car as comfy as possible. You can even change into PJs at a rest stop and snuggle with them until they drift off.

PACE your journey. Don’t aim for perfection – aim for joy. Be lighthearted and focus on the big picture: you’re making memories, exploring new places, and spending time together. Try and keep up your practice of PACE and have a wonderful holiday.

Adapted from an article by the Child Mind Institute.