Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be a struggle. Whether you’re taking a stay-cation or going abroad, planning ahead will make all the difference. Air travel with kids can be especially trying; getting through airport security; long wait times and then cooped up on a plane for several hours can make adults grumpy much less young children. With that in mind, here are some tips for traveling with kids so that you can handle any bump in the road along the way.
Set Expectations
Before you even pack your bags you can start preparing for your trip by letting your children know upfront what is expected of them. Share with them how lucky they are and some of the fun things in store, whether it’s camping in a tent, swimming or visiting an amusement park. Also mention details like how long the trip is going to be and that they have to be on their best behavior if they want to have the most fun. Don’t do this much more than a day or two before the trip because some kids will get so excited they’ll feel like they can’t wait until it’s time to go.
Bring Travel Distractions
Books, toys, games, or some DVDs (if you have a portable or vehicle-mounted player) can help to keep the kids amused when they would otherwise be driving you up the wall. The trick is to make sure to only unleash a few of these goodies at a time; otherwise the kids will be bored of all of it within 30 minutes! You can also play interactive games in the car like I Spy to help to pass the time and exercise a few brain cells.
Bring Travel Snacks
Have some food and drinks handy before the complaining starts, and make sure you get off to a good start by making sure everyone has had a decent-sized meal before departing. Opt for fruits, veggies, sandwiches and the like rather than junk food; to travel with kids hopped up on sugar is to suffer needlessly.
Take Travel Breaks
Sometimes you need to pull over and let everyone get some fresh air and stretch their legs. However if you do this too frequently you’ll make a long trip even longer. Make sure the kids know that any travel break could be their last chance for a bathroom break for a long time and hopefully you won’t have to make a detour an hour later.
Be Prepared
If you’re embarking on a long trip you may run into all sorts of weather on the road. Make sure that you have coats, hats, sun block and even blankets for those late night trips.
Enjoy The Journey
It can be tempting to try to reach your destination in record time, but remember that the journey is part of the experience as well. Savor the scenery and live in the moment rather putting all your focus on relaxing when you arrive. If you’re in a happy place those little inconveniences along the way will seem less annoying and who knows, maybe your sense of peace will rub off on the kids. Yeah right.
