Yalda Golsharifi

Traveling with kids can be a challenge, especially for new parents. No matter if it's your first trip with your child or your twentieth, it can always be an anxious and stressful experience. It's so important for me to still look presentable and be comfortable while traveling and handling kids and making sure that I don't completely neglect myself.

Getting organized and managing your time is key. Whenever we have a trip coming up with the kids, I always make sure to plan ahead weeks in advance and book my appointments like getting my hair and nails done, planning my outfits for the trip, and any other errands that need to get done. Leaving things until the last minute is the easiest way to neglect yourself. You will end up rushing around and packing for your kids, which will result in you having no time to focus on yourself.

Another thing that I've found so useful is finding a simple and quick routine that will make you look more put together as quickly as possible. My routine starts with fixing my hair and making sure it doesn't look like a disaster. I usually put it up into a messy bun or braid, which instantly makes you look so much more presentable. For my face, I usually go for a bit of BB cream all over, some mascara, a bit of blush and a tinted lip balm or lipstick. This routine doesn't even take me 10 minutes but it makes such a difference to how I look and feel. A simple routine like this can be used when you're traveling to make you look more put together while still looking effortless and comfortable.

As for keeping your kids entertained while traveling, I always make sure to pack my kids a backpack each filled with their favorite toys and snacks to keep them going during the flight. Packing extra clothes and medicine is also a good idea because you never know when an accident might happen or if your kids may feel unwell during travel. Making sure your kids stay hydrated while traveling is so important so having some juices handy or packing their favorite water bottle will encourage them. If it's a long haul flight, packing pajamas or your child's favorite blanket or stuffed animal can be a great way to make them feel at home and maybe get some sleep if they're struggling.

At the end of the day, traveling is an exciting experience. As stressful as it may be to parents, kids are usually so excited about flying and "going up in the sky" and all of the excitement that goes along with visiting a new country and trying new things, so don't let the stress ruin the excitement. Make sure to give your kids the best experience that you can, so remembering to stay calm and not let the little things get to you is so important.

Remember that some of the best family memories you will ever have are made when you travel :)