Traveling with Kids: Survival Guide for Nigerian Families

Sometimes, traveling with kids is like preparing for a mini-war. You need strategy, patience, and enough snacks to feed a small army. Nigerian parents, we know you love your kids, but admit it, sometimes you wonder why you thought taking them on that “relaxing” vacation was a good idea.

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Whether you are jetting off to Dubai, road-tripping to Obudu, or catching a flight to London, here’s a fun, engaging guide to make your travels with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and, dare we say, memorable.

1. Choosing the Perfect Destination: Fun for Everyone

Picking a travel destination when you have kids is no joke. The truth is that it is not just about where you want to go. It is also about where they won’t scream, “I’m bored!” every five minutes. Here are some family-friendly favorites for Nigerian families:

• Dubai: A crowd-pleaser with its mix of beaches, theme parks, and malls. Imagine the kids screaming with joy on a rollercoaster at Motiongate while you sneak in some shopping therapy at Dubai Mall.
• London: Between Buckingham Palace, the London Zoo, and those iconic double-decker buses, the little ones will be occupied while you enjoy some sightseeing.
• Obudu Mountain Resort: For those who want to keep it local, this Cross River gem has cable cars, nature trails, and fresh air – a perfect escape from Lagos traffic.
• Disneyland Paris: Let’s be real, nothing beats Mickey Mouse and his friends when it comes to entertaining kids. Plus, you’ll feel like a kid again, too!

Pro Tip: Always check for destinations with child-friendly amenities like playgrounds, kid-friendly meals, and nearby hospitals – because you know, kids and surprises.

2. Packing: Overpack, Underpack, or Just Right?

Nigerian parents are known for packing everything. You don’t need to carry the entire contents of your home, but you’ll want to be prepared for every “Mummy, I’m hungry,” and “Daddy, where’s my toy?” moment.

Essentials for Traveling with Kids:

• Snacks (the more, the merrier). Think chin-chin, biscuits, juice boxes, and maybe a few apples so you can feel healthy.
• Change of clothes (for everyone because accidents happen).
• Entertainment: Tablets, headphones, coloring books, and their favorite toy.
• Medications and a first aid kit. Kids are magnets for scrapes and sniffles.
• Travel documents: Make sure their passports, visas, and vaccination cards are intact—you don’t want any airport drama.

Packing Hack: Roll their clothes instead of folding, and use zip-lock bags for organizing items. You’ll thank yourself later.

3. The Airport Experience: Keep Calm and Carry On

Navigating the airport with kids is an Olympic-level event. Nigerian airports, with their crowds and long queues, can be overwhelming, but preparation is relevant.

• Arrive early. This gives you enough time to check in, pass security, and calm the inevitable tantrum.
• Use the family or priority lane if available. Don’t be shy because it is not about flexing, but survival.
• Let them burn some energy before boarding. Many airports have play areas. If not, let them walk around a bit (supervised, of course).

4. On the Plane: The Real Test

You will know you’ve entered the “elite parent club” if you survive a long-haul flight with toddlers. But with a bit of creativity and a lot of patience, you can make it work.

• Keep their ears comfortable during takeoff and landing by giving them something to chew or drink.
• Distract, distract, distract. A tablet loaded with movies and games is your best friend.
• Bring surprises. Unwrapping a new toy or snack can keep them entertained for at least 15 minutes (which is gold in parent time).

Golden Rule: Apologize in advance to your fellow passengers for any potential crying. Most will understand—kids will be kids.

5. Accommodations: Home Away from Home

When booking hotels or rentals, think comfort and convenience. Nigerian families love space (who doesn’t?). So, consider these when choosing accommodation while traveling with kids:

• Apartments or villas: More room for the kids to run around, and you can cook jollof rice if needed.
• Hotels with family-friendly amenities: Look for pools, kid’s clubs, and babysitting services so you can sneak in some alone time.
• Proximity to attractions: The less travel time, the better for everyone’s sanity.

6. Fun Activities: Keep Them Entertained

Keeping kids entertained is an art form. Here’s what works:

• Theme parks: Universal Studios, Legoland, or Wild Wadi Water Park will have them talking about the trip for years.
• Interactive museums: Destinations like the Science Museum in London or KidZania in Dubai are both fun and educational (win-win).
• Outdoor adventures: Think cable cars in Obudu, wildlife safaris in Kenya, or beach days in Zanzibar.

7. Food Adventures: Where’s the Rice?

Nigerian kids love their rice – jollof, fried, white, or in-between. Traveling doesn’t mean they have to give it up completely, but it is also a chance to expand their palate.

• Introduce them to new cuisines slowly. Pizza in Italy or shawarma in Dubai is usually a hit.
• Carry some Maggi cubes or pepper sauce to spice up bland meals (Nigerian parents, you know the struggle).
• Be ready for snack requests at odd hours, so keep something on hand.

8. Embrace the Chaos: Memories Over Perfection

To be honest, something will go wrong. This includes lost shoe, an unexpected meltdown, or a juice spill in the most inconvenient place. The secret is to embrace the chaos and focus on the memories.

Remember, your kids will forget the tantrums but remember the fun moments – building sandcastles, riding that rollercoaster, or spotting a zebra for the first time.

Why Traveling with Kids is Worth It

Yes, it is stressful. Yes, it is exhausting. But traveling with your kids is one of the most rewarding things you can do. It is an opportunity to bond as a family, create lifelong memories, and expose your children to the beauty of the world.

So, as Nigerian parents, pack your bags, grab your kids, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Trust me; it is worth every “Are we there yet?” and “I need to pee!” moment.

Clare Aririahu

Welcome to my world! 🌟 I’m Clare, the proud founder of lovemeandtour.com website. I’m passionate about connecting people and helping them find love. Join me on this exciting journey and let’s spread love together! 🌟 #LoveMe #Travel #Passionate