Tips For Taking a Long-Distance Train With Children

Travelling by train with children can be an exciting adventure, offering a unique way to see the world. However, long-distance train journeys with kids require careful planning and consideration to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

Train Travel With Kids – Top Tips

Whether you’re embarking on a scenic railway adventure or simply commuting to visit family, these ten tips will help you make the most of your journey while keeping your little ones happy and entertained.

Plan Ahead: Before setting off, research your route thoroughly, including train schedules, journey duration, and any layovers. Book tickets in advance to secure seats together and consider reserving a family compartment if available. Planning ahead will help alleviate stress and ensure a smoother journey.
Pack Essentials: Pack a travel bag with essentials such as snacks, drinks, toys, books, and activities to keep your children entertained during the journey. Consider bringing a mix of familiar favourites and new surprises to maintain their interest throughout the trip. Don’t forget essentials like wipes, tissues, and any necessary medications.
Dress Comfortably: Dress your children in comfortable clothing and layers suitable for the journey’s duration and climate. Opt for breathable fabrics and comfortable shoes to keep them relaxed during the trip. Additionally, pack a small blanket or sweater for added warmth, as train temperatures can vary.
Choose the Right Seats: Selecting the right seats can make a significant difference in your journey’s comfort and convenience. Choose seats near the restroom for easy access, or opt for a family compartment if available for added space and privacy. Window seats provide entertainment through scenic views, while aisle seats offer easier mobility.
Snack Smartly: Pack a variety of healthy snacks and drinks to keep hunger at bay and avoid relying solely on train dining options. Choose portable snacks like fruit, nuts, crackers, and sandwiches that are easy to eat on the go. Don’t forget to pack reusable water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the journey.
Entertainment Options: Keep boredom at bay by providing a range of entertainment options for your children. Pack their favourite toys, colouring books, puzzles, and electronic devices loaded with games or movies. Consider engaging them in interactive activities such as storytelling, scavenger hunts, or simple card games to pass the time.
Take Breaks: Long train journeys can be tiring for children, so be sure to take regular breaks to stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Explore different carriages, visit the dining car for a meal or snack, or simply take a stroll through the train to break up the monotony of sitting for extended periods.
Establish Routine: Maintain a sense of routine during the journey to help children feel secure and comfortable. Stick to familiar meal times and bedtime rituals as much as possible, even if they differ slightly from your usual schedule. Creating a sense of normalcy will help minimise disruptions and promote relaxation.
Be Flexible: Despite careful planning, unexpected delays or disruptions can occur during train travel. Stay flexible and adaptable to changes in schedule or unforeseen circumstances, and maintain a positive attitude to reassure your children. Use delays as an opportunity to explore the station or engage in spontaneous activities to keep spirits high.
Stay Calm and Patient: Travelling with children can be challenging at times, but maintaining a calm and patient demeanour is essential for a successful journey. Be prepared to handle meltdowns or tantrums with patience and understanding, and don’t be afraid to ask for help or support from train staff or fellow passengers if needed.

What Can Make Kids Restless

Several factors can contribute to making kids restless during train journeys. Understanding these factors can help parents anticipate and address their children’s needs more effectively. Here are some common reasons why kids may become restless on train journeys:

Limited Space: Train seats, especially in standard class, can be relatively cramped, leaving little room for children to move around or stretch their legs. This lack of space can make them feel confined and restless, especially during long journeys.
Boredom: Children have shorter attention spans compared to adults and may quickly become bored during extended periods of sitting. Without sufficient entertainment or activities to keep them engaged, they may become restless and fidgety.
Unfamiliar Environment: Train travel exposes children to a new and unfamiliar environment, which can be both exciting and overwhelming. The sights, sounds, and sensations of train travel may stimulate their curiosity but can also lead to restlessness if they feel unsure or uncomfortable.
Disrupted Routine: Train journeys often disrupt children’s usual routines, including meal times, nap times, and bedtime rituals. Changes in routine can unsettle children and make them more prone to restlessness or tantrums as they struggle to adapt to the new schedule.
Limited Mobility: Unlike other modes of transportation, such as cars or planes, where children can move around more freely, trains restrict their mobility to a confined space. This limitation can frustrate active children who are used to running and playing, leading to restlessness.
Monotony: Train journeys, especially those covering long distances, can feel monotonous, with little variation in scenery or activities. The lack of stimulation may exacerbate feelings of restlessness and impatience in children, causing them to seek ways to alleviate boredom.
Hunger or Thirst: Forgetting to pack sufficient snacks or drinks can lead to hunger or thirst, further exacerbating restlessness in children. Lack of access to food or beverages during the journey can leave them irritable and unsettled.
Temperature and Comfort: Fluctuations in temperature or discomfort due to factors like seating position or noise levels can contribute to children’s restlessness on trains. Feeling too hot, too cold, or uncomfortable can make it challenging for children to relax and settle down during the journey.
Stress and Anxiety: Some children may feel anxious or stressed about train travel, particularly if it’s their first time or if they’re sensitive to new environments or social situations. Anxiety can manifest as restlessness or disruptive behaviour as they try to cope with their feelings.
Overstimulation: On the flip side, excessive stimulation from crowded carriages, noisy fellow passengers, or continuous announcements can overwhelm children and make them feel restless or agitated.