What kids need to know for their first Plane Flight and Snow Trip

by Gayle Reynolds · Published August 13, 2015 · Updated February 23, 2016

What kids need to know for their first Plane Flight and Snow Trip

We're flying out to New Zealand tomorrow, yeah we're on H O L I D A Y S!!! My husband and I are seasoned international travellers but this is our first time to New Zealand..............and the first time we have travelled overseas since having our son! This will be DS7's first time on a plane and experiencing the snow.

My DS7 is a little bit on the nervous side so I've been preparing him for what is to come. Here is how I've gone about it:

I've described to him what it feels like when a plane takes off and lands, you know that funny feeling you get in your tummy
The noise the plane makes
Why the plane shakes and bounces around
How long will it take
Why we have to wait at airports for connections
What immigration is
Why they stamp his passport

We have practiced take-off and landing in our lounge room chairs. We tilted them back to show him how the plane would launch itself into the sky as we take-off and how there will be a big bump when we land. We have packed a backpack just for him with lots of special snacks, some activities and a fully charged ipad!

Once we arrive in Queenstown it is going to be very COLD! Forecast is SNOW and 3 degrees. DS7 has no idea what to expect and this is how I have gone about preparing him:

I've talked about what he will need to wear to stay warm
I've given him a map of the area where we are staying
I've given him a sights guide so we can plan some activities
We've watched a few you tube clips on how to ski
I've talked about how the snow is wet but that his clothes will stay dry
I've explained why his legs might get sore from skiing

He thought wearing a belaclava was very cool and funny. He also liked the idea of ski boots as shoes that attach to his ski's. He wasn't a fan of all the layers of clothes though, he thinks he is going to be hot! One thing he is very excited about though is to start a snow ball fight with his Dad... and I have to admit I'm really excited about seeing that too. I thought I'd share this you tube clip that we watched of a family's holiday in New Zealand, DS7 loved it!