Practical tips for travelling with kids
To make your family trip to Ecuador all the more rewarding, here's a few practical tips.
Infants and toddlers
Pack wisely: bring supplies like diapers, wipes, baby food, and medication as they might not be readily available, or could be expensive. Also consider bringing a portable crib or baby carrier.
Be health-wise: always use bottled water for drinking and preparing formula, and have a good sun hat and sunscreen.
Choose accommodation wisely: research family-friendly hotels or accommodation that offers cribs, high chairs and kitchen facilities.
Plan wisely: tailor daily itineraries around your child’s routine, allowing for naps and regular feeding times.
Pre-teen kids
Bring boredom busters: come armed with games, books and activities to keep kids entertained while you're travelling.
Stay safe: while you’ll know to keep a close eye on your kids, especially in crowded places, also teach them to stay close and what to do if you’re separated.
Book interactive activities: keep ‘em keen by keeping your itinerary interactive and engaging — think guided wildlife walks and chocolate-making workshops.
Factor in rest breaks: make sure your itinerary allows for downtime. As you’ll be aware, kids need a balance of adventure and rest.
Teenagers
Offer adventure and freedom: incorporate activities that feed teenagers' sense of adventure and independence e.g. surfing in Montañita, exploring Otavalo's markets, or trekking in the Andes and Amazon.
Offer immersion: encourage teenagers to learn and interact with local culture through the likes of language classes or cooking sessions.
Keep them connected: ensure teenagers have at least some access to wi-fi so they can stay in touch with friends and share their experiences.
Responsibility: give them responsibilities during the trip, such as creating and managing day plans, or helping with navigation.
For more general advice, read our practical tips for travelling with kids.