hildren are always excited about travels but when it comes to the final day of the trip, things might not look the same.

The drama starts from the check-in at the airport and continues till the time you reach your home.

Thanks to so many chargers and gadgets we usually carry, this only makes the security check cumbersome and tiring.

However, this can be a great opportunity to bond with your kids and make the most of it.

You can try different things like giving them a responsibility to carry one bag or passing on some items from one place to another. This will make them feel important as well as keep them busy for some time.

Adi carried himself really well at the airport and was trying to help me with carrying our bags.

We had a connected flight from Bangalore to Trivandrum and back. The halt in Bangalore was for 7 hours long. We were not allowed in the lounge before 3 hours of the boarding time.

We took couple of rounds in the airport, clicked pictures, had our snacks at the food court and visited the airport book shop.

Adi spent some time talking to his friend on phone, showing him the airport and the plane.

Before he could lose his patience we got the entry to the lounge, had some good food. We relaxed and charged our phone batteries and our batteries as well.

Finally, it was time to board the flight. Adi was so excited that he quickly ran towards the boarding gate and we had to follow him.

Fun ways to spend time in long layover with kids

But you can make even the most boring situations fun and interesting for your kids.

1. Play Games: Bring some small board games or card games that are easy to play in a small space. Adi preferred to play cricket on phone and I was competing with him.
2. Read Books: Bring some books that your kids enjoy reading. Reading can be a great way to pass the time and also improve their reading skills. The rush in the airport was too much and Adi didnt want to read a book.
3. Watch Movies or TV Shows: Many airports have TV screens or free Wi-Fi that you can use to watch movies or TV shows on your phone or tablet. This can be a great way to keep your kids entertained for a longer period of time.
4. Listening to music: Keeping a pair of earphones can help your kids in listening to their favorite music. Adi had actually downloaded his favorite songs and was listening to them during the flight.
5. Explore the Airport: Take a walk around the airport and explore different areas. This can be a fun way to pass the time and also burn off some energy. We checked out food options, the book store and even visited a few cafes in Bangalore airport. Play Exercise Games: You can create games that encourage your kids to move around and exercise. For example, you could have them race to a certain point or do jumping jacks.
6. Do some research about the vacation together: This can be a great way to get your kids excited about the upcoming trip. Look up interesting places to explore in your destination and plan activities together. We did this before getting our tickets booked.
7. Take a Nap: If your kids are tired, take a break and allow them to get some sleep. This can help them relax and refresh before continuing on with their travels. Though Adi refused to sleep.

Remember, it's important to keep an eye on your kids at all times, especially in a busy airport environment. With a little creativity, you can make a longer layover a fun and memorable experience for the whole family.

Adi had fun collecting the baggage at the destination airport and carrying it around. We had another 2 hour drive to reach the destination .

It was great to see him excited and taking charge of the situation.

It can get difficult when traveling with younger kids, they might lose patience and get cranky easily. With the right strategies and plans, you can make even the longest layovers enjoyable for both you and your kids. Being prepared will ensure a stress-free, positive experience for everyone on the trip!

Here are some tips that may help children remain patient during flights:

1. Pack plenty of entertainment: Bring a variety of books, games, toys, and electronic devices to keep children occupied during the flight.
2. Plan ahead: Talk to your child about what to expect during the flight, including the length of time, security checks, and any stops or layovers.
3. Bring comfort items: Pack familiar items such as blankets, stuffed animals, or favorite snacks to help your child feel more comfortable and at ease during the flight.
4. Take breaks: Encourage your child to walk around and stretch their legs during the flight. This can help reduce restlessness and increase comfort.
5. Stay positive: Keep a positive attitude and encourage your child to do the same. Engage in fun conversations, play games, or watch movies together to help pass the time.

Remember, children may struggle with patience during flights, but with preparation and patience, you can help make the experience more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone involved.

When we were finally at the destination, Adi was delighted to smell the beach from the resort but it was tool late by then to explore. We decided to sleep in and go the beach early morning the next day!

Adi was excited and we planned our activities for the week.

We had a wonderful vacation filled with exciting experiences and unforgettable memories. All thanks to Adi's patience during our long layovers which made it possible!

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