Bus Journeys with small children

Bus journeys are a way of life in many second and third world countries, where distances are great but air travel is just not really affordable for the masses. I recall from my travels in Chile, that they were absolutely THE way to get around that long, thin country. As well as being far cheaper, you get a far more human view of the country you are in, and there will be more opportunities to pass the time of day with local people.

However doing long bus journeys with a paperback for company is not the same as having one or more small kids under your care. The cramped conditions, fixed schedule and limited amenities mean that a little preparation is advisable to avoid problems.


Before you get on the bus, make it clear which bags will e coming on board with you, to avoid any tears later. Normally this would be the day-pack with drinks, snacks, nappies, wipes, cash and documents, camera, guidebook, and for the kids, a small toy-backpack filled with toys/activities you have agreed on.


My number one tip, however, is to try to involve the children and activate them. At the bus stop/terminal and once on the bus, talk about where you’re going and explain the things you see, or might see out of the window. Even if you never see them, you start a conversation with your kids at their level, that is educational, interesting for both sides, and let’s face it, it’s far better than a million rounds of “Is it much further?” A bus ride is not a chance to catch up on your reading, after all. Not when your kids are still small. If you agree that you went on a journey to be with your kids, so here’s a chance to really be with them.


For smaller kids, it’s helpful to time the journey to fit in with their daily schedule, as much as possible. Assuming it’s a day-tine bus ride, our ideal plan would be to have lunch before you go, or on the bus, and then off to “bed” (get out the stuffed animals, cover them with a coat or jumper) and if you have the routine thing well-imprinted, they should hopefully fall asleep. If the schedule of the trip just does not fit this way, you may have to find other ways to pass the time.


Travel Games

If you really cannot get the children to enjoy the journey for its own sake, or perhaps they are ready for a change, then you can pull out the next options – games. You can just open the toy backpack