Travelling with Kids

Single mother travelling can be quite an uphill task, not to mention if this is your first time. I brought her to Universal Studio, Singapore with my family, she was happy and that's my goal. Simple.

The true challenge arise when I decided to go on trip with her alone, for the first time we traveled by only two of us. I was quite skeptical about Cambodia as it's  new and doesn't appeared "safe" to me, so it's a challenge to go without other adults along. However I was kind of fascinated towards the Angkor Wat where "Tomb Raider" took place ( I later found that it actually took place in another temple, can't recall the name). After a few research and feedback from a Globetrotter, it become more appealing to me so I went ahead for booking which cost me about RM1800 for two persons in a 4 star hotel (why do I spell out the cost and the hotel rating? Read more).

So you must be amazed how do I travel with a kid, Alone. Usually, travelling alone perceived as unsafe, needless to say taking a kid with you amidst travelling in such chaotic country? Well, I must say I'm excellent. My travelling preparation was parfait, at least I never felt lacking during my whole trip including my kid, she was 9 back then, our travelling was comfy and no complaints since things needed are intact. I summarise my ground preparation as follow:

Get Ready

Taking care of a child single handedly is already an arduous task, so don't over stress yourself, if you're not ready to travel with child, push it to another year. As for me I begin our travelling plan starting only from her 8th. Three reasons: She able to comprehend things surrounding her, she can appreciate travelling of course she can be independent. Remember travelling can be quite hectic when you need to keep an eye for your luggage, personal belongins on top of supervising them. Children can be super active and careless, so to avoid tragedy e.g gone missing, make sure you're mentally & physically prepared.

Set your Expectation

Expectation is the foundation for you to begin with, so no one will be disappointed at the end.You must determine whether the trip is meant for her or yourself, If this is a trip for her there must be places which interest her because her happiness is your ultimate goal. Nothing comes free, I impose certain conditions before she could go travelling i.e. Score well in her study. It doesn't really work though but will figure out something else.

Set your Objectives

Set your objectives right whether it's meant for leisure or fun or educational. Although many of my friends objected this trip (Siem Reap) as it's  historical places where doesn't appeal to kid unlike theme park, funfair but I think otherwise. I prefer her to learn something out of the trip. So to trigger her interest I use an angle which she could relate to - "Tomb Raider" online game. I do tell her bit of history and the background of the place we're visiting, I also googled her some pictures and the game she could relate on. Needless to day, those weren't interest her. But at least you did, children may not show a lot of interest there and then, but if you wish to instill her with interest in history perhaps you need to start somewhere. Whatever it's set your objectives right.

Set your Budget

As I was quite sceptical towards a third world country, I booked a package which includes accommodation and tickets. Along with this, I get recommended hotel. I chose a higher rate hotel as I wanted her to stay comfortably and feeling safe. Though I find the package I got from AirAsiaGo Travel was quite good as compared to booking it separately, it was considered EX!! Gosh! With the rate I'm paying I could travel to Japan!! Well. So I learnt, to save money, book 6 months ahead is essential. Travelling to Seam Reap can be as low as RM 750 for 2 persons!! Tricks are book ticket during Air Asia big sales and stay in hostel!

Research around or get in touch with these Globetrotter might save you more money on tour and transportation. I spent USD30 a day as transportation and tour guide fee other than entrance fee. In a nutshell, it's truly cost saving!

Set your Itinerary

Researched the places to visit before embarking to ensure I've optimised my stays filled with places i wanted to go. For this trip, we spent a day to visit Orphanages and Floating Village, it's an educational trip I planned to. She gets to learn about unfortunate one and conditions of living. Trust me, she was amazed with what she had seen and she became more appreciative of what she's getting! We went historical temples in Siem Reap on day two.

Packing

This is most essential element in your entire planning, you'll get dampen when your packing isn't complete with necessary items. To play safe, I use the L size luggage. Good preparations for us include...

1. luggage. Got ready my luggage starting from the weekend so i have buffer for a must item.

2. clothing. (researched from Internet) to ensure comfy travel including in airplane and on site

3. shoes. for a long walk, at least she never complaint:)

4. medicine. to spare in case of discomfort resulted from the weather/food

5. cosmetic. of course to make sure I look good in the photos,

6. toiletries. to make sure my daily washed items are equipped

7. skin care. to make sure I've necessary treatment resulted from exposing under the sun, so i must got ready with water mask and sunblock.

8. Accessories.s like hairband, clip & hair accessories mostly for the little one

9. snacks. for orphanages visiting

10. Phone and camera chargers. to avoid battery turn flat

11. Books. make sure she isn't bored on the plane

12. Food. on the airplane

Anyways, she look forward and excited to go on a trip. She couldn't sleep on the night before and she woke up early for preparation. Surprisingly she was quite independent in airport from check-in to boarding. Below are some pictures taken in airport. Although we lose all the pictures taken in Siem Reap but memories live in our mind even stronger:)

 

3.30am arriving at airport - her mischievous look.....

6.30am in airplane, she was excited