The Journey is also the Experience
When we started travelling, especially with a very small child, the journey was seen as something to “get through” without tears, arguments and huge expense.
Airport Security - too slow! Airport food - too expensive! Boarding - chaos! Waiting around in the train station - boring! We came to realise that we were effectively wasting hours of what could be quality, fun family time - and time which could end in the trip starting on the wrong foot. So, we found ways to turn what can be see as the most stressful part of any trip into part of the enjoyment itself.
Just Park.
One of the errors we have made is booking a short trip (up to a week) for an amazing price (let’s say return flights for a long weekend for £120 - for three of us), and then gone to check how much airport parking is. And find out it’s £25 a day. If you have no easy public transport to the airport - like us - then factor this cost in when planning, and don’t be afraid of it!
Websites and apps such as YourParkingSpace give good options close to some airports - Manchester in particular - and at Birmingham for example you can park at the railway station for £4 a day and get the cool little monorail to the airport. Always have at the back of your mind what parking in the multi story will cost - and if you want a completely stress free trip just take that option. It is always a cost/benefit judgement in your head: if you value convenience and only having to walk 200m to your car when you leave the terminal, it’s worth it.
Picnic, Plan or Accept.
Food at airports and train stations is always a shock - £5 for a sausage roll (hello London Euston) or an unexpected £50 just for breakfast can be an annoying expenditure.
We often take picnics - even breakfast picnics - either using up what’s in the fridge before we leave or popping to the supermarket before we leave or en route. This can save tens of pounds at the start of a trip, and you get to eat what you want! Remember now that most airport terminals have refillable water points, so taking empty water bottles through security is a good idea and will save you another fiver on water.
If you want to eat at the airport, then have a plan in mind by checking out the airport website before you go - or have a look around on google maps for places in the vicinity that probably don’t charge a premium. There’s a 24 hour McDonalds 2 minutes from Manchester Airport - which turns a £40-50 airport breakfast into £15 all in.
Engage in Games.
One of the greatest things travel gives you is dedicated time to enjoy each other’s company. The games pack is an essential part of travelling and gives us options to sit, laugh and smile when we’d otherwise be simply waiting around or staring out of a window. Staples of this hand luggage essential are:
Pass the Pigs. If you haven’t heard of this, look it up, it’s very addictive!
Every variety of Uno under the sun. No Mercy is a current favourite.
Monopoly card game - this looked complicated to stay with but once you nail the rules it’s great fun to play.
Top Trumps. Although these games NEVER seem to end. Thank the lord for the boarding announcement!
Look Around You.
There is often so much going on at transport hubs, and this is fascinating for kids (and most grown men). Finding a good window seat and playing eye-spy, or just talking about what is happening can be really rewarding.
Don’t fear a Tech Interlude.
On the other hand, time on the iPad, or Switch, or Kindle or whatever the chosen device is should not be sniffed at. Sometimes we all need a break, and to lose ourselves in a good read or game. Don’t forget to download the films before you leave…
And… The Airport is what it is.
You can’t reduce the security queue, second guess which line will be shorter, hurry up that family in front taking ages over getting their laptop out… The travel experience has elements which are out of your control - so learn to tolerate the things you have zero control over, and embrace what you can affect.