2-week backpacking trip
Documents, money, packing and the first night for a two-week trip with one backpack.
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Travelling with a toddler: car or train day
Plan around naps, pack snacks and entertainment, and keep the day safe and calm.
Plan the day (5)
- Leave around nap time, if your toddler sleeps while moving
- Car: plan a stop about every 2 hours
- Train: book seats near the toilet and the door, if you can
- Have a backup plan for a delay
- Tell your toddler what will happen, in simple words
Bag within reach (8)
- Nappies or pull-ups, wipes and sealable bags, for twice the journey time
- Spare clothes for your toddler, and a top for you
- Snacks and water, plus more for delaysSmall, soft pieces. Avoid whole grapes, nuts and hard sweets.
- Comfort toy and small blanket
- New small toys, stickers and books, handed out one at a time
- Tablet and child-size headphones, downloaded, for the last resort
- Any medicines they need, and a thermometer
- Hand gel and tissues
Car (6)
- Use a seat that fits their height and weight, fitted as per its manualKeep them rear-facing as long as the seat allows.Open
- Take bulky coats off under the harness
- Pull over for any problem, rather than reaching back
- Stop to run around, and walk them by hand in car parks
- Never leave them alone in the car, even briefly
- Pack a sick bag and a towel in case of car sickness
Train (6)
- Arrive early, and find your coach position on the platform
- Stroller folded? Keep your valuables with you
- Hold their hand near the doors and platform edge
- Keep them on the inside seat, away from the aisle and hot drinks
- Walk the corridor between stations when it is calm
- Take a phone photo of your coach and seat numbers
On arrival (3)
- Let them run about before the next thing
- Stick to the usual bedtime steps
- Check the new room for stairs, sockets and windows
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