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Kids at airport. Children look at airplane. Traveling and flying with child. Family at departure gate. Vacation and travel with young kid. Boy and girl before flight in terminal. Kids fly a plane.

Travel by boat or plane, for me they both have pros and cons. Travelling with kids can be stressful and I am always looking for ways to reduce the stress and picking the right form of transport for the journey can help lots! Each can get you on your family holiday but for us there is one form on transport that I prefer when we go on our holidays.

Boat or Plane?

Flying with a baby

Flying – Pros

  • You get there quicker (in theory!)
  • You can gain air miles to use on future flights (airline dependant)
  • Under 2’s are free on most airlines or with a small charge
  • Lots of planes to keep the kids entertained

Flying – Cons

  • You can be delayed
  • Tight space on board unless you have paid for an upgrade
  • Limited luggage allowance
  • Under 2’s have to sit on your lap
  • Can cost more
  • Getting through security is never stress free
  • Airports can also be boring for some
  • Some timings for flights can be a pain (early mornings or overnight stops)

Boats – Pros

  • Can cost cheaper than flying
  • Space to run about and explore
  • No airline meals
  • No airport security stress
  • Can take as much luggage as you need as it will all be in your car!

Boats – Cons

  • Can take longer than flying (unless you get delayed by flying)
  • Cabins can be small unless you upgrade
  • Food can be expensive
  • Seas can be rough causing seasickness/no sleep
  • Depending on where you are travelling from it can be a long journey to get to the port

So What Do We Prefer?

No question about it, I prefer to travel by boat. It may take longer, but for me, it is far less stressful. I also find it much more enjoyable as you can stop when you like once off the boat and see more along the way.

What do you prefer? Do you have any pros and cons for each of the transport options above?

Travelling With Kids by Plane or Boat

About Author

I have always had an interest in travel and now I have My two boys I want them to see more than just the UK. I hope to give advice and tips to other parents who are anxious about travelling with their children.

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2 Comments

  1. At the moment and with travelling with so many little ones (we now travel with ten children between 13 and 2), packing up our minibus and travelling through the EuroTunnel, then driving our way through Europe is the way to go. I’m looking forward to the day the kids are old enough for us all to plane hop further afield together.

    1. Yes, I can imagine with so many little ones road tripping is the way to go. Paying for flights must be so expensive, although im sure when the time comes it would make for one awesome holiday! x

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