Aussie mum-of-three Sophie Pearce shares her top travel tips

You’re not alone if the thought of getting on a plane with a toddler fills you with anxiety. 
But mum-of-three Sophie Pearce has some good advice for parents who are toying with the idea of travelling with their kids – just do it. 
“So often we are deterred from travelling because there’s this feeling that it’s ‘same thing, different location’ or because our kids won’t remember it so what’s the point,” she tells 9honey Parenting.
“But if you have the means and the desire to travel, I could not recommend it more.”
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“When I look at my 6.5 years of parenting so far, most of my favourite memories, most cherished experiences, most present times with my kids have been while traveling with them!” 
Sophie is mum to three girls, Poppy, six, Goldie, four and 18-month-old Pearl and admitted they’ve been very strategic with their family trips so far. 
“The furthest we have flown is Tokyo because I don’t feel the pull to do more than a nine or so-hour flight with all of them,” she explains.
“I know my Euro Summer will come one day, but it’s just not right now haha.”
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Of course she knows that fear of having kids kicking off on a light, but she’s got a good way of looking at it.
“Know that the flight is going to be painful, but it’s one day of your life and you can do it! Remember your kids have every right to be on a plane. Don’t let anyone make you or your kids feel guilty for being there, noise cancelling headphones exist for a reason!”
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And while you can do it, Sophie admits that Pearl’s age right now is the hardest to travel with. 
“18 months is the absolute worst, but we don’t let it stop us,” she laughs..
“As I said, it’s only going to be max one day out of your life! I find newborn to around nine months the easiest to travel with because I was always able to get them to nap in a carrier, pop a boob in their mouth if they got unsettled and they are generally pretty still.”
Sophie has found that one to two year old’s are the hardest because they’re so busy and you cannot negotiate with them.
“Bugaboo’s new research found that 50 per cent of Australian parents agreed that one to three years old is the most challenging to travel with,” she adds.
“I think from three years onwards it definitely gets easier. They have their own seat, you can give them activities to do, they can watch or play on an iPad and there is the ability to negotiate (not that you’ll necessarily win).”
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So, with three kids and a lot of travel under her belt as a mum, of course she has some tips for making it easier and the key is a travel pram. 
“We have a Bugaboo Butterfly with a toddler scooter board on the back, and it just means we don’t get stuck carrying kids along with luggage/carry on around the airport,” she explains.
“It’s also super lightweight, easy to stow in the overhead and is built to last – I’ve had my Bugaboo for nearly seven years now. 
“Also, Bugaboo’s changing bag doubles as a chic travel bag and the insulated bottle holder is a gamechanger. I think a portable portacot like the Bugaboo Stardust is also great for instant nap and play times while on the go.”
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And if you’re looking for a bit of inspiration for finally booking that trip, Sophie spilled on some of their favourite destinations so far.
“We have been extremely lucky to do a fair bit of travel since becoming parents,” she says.
“In terms of relaxation I would say Fiji but in terms of adventure and experience, you can’t go past Japan! Possibly my favourite country to visit in the world!”
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