Are we there yet? Tips for traveling with your children in the US
Posted by Val Amodeo on Mon, Apr 19, 2010 @ 02:43 PM
Traveling with your family can be an exciting and enriching experience. It can also be a bit daunting when children resist staying in their seats for long periods. Whether driving your car, taking a bus trip or flying to your destination, a little bit of prep-work before your trip can add some peace and tranquility to your travels.
Preparation- Let children know about your travel plans in advance by using the internet to show them where you are going. Keep a count-down calendar so your family knows when travel day is near. If your child gets over-stimulated or is unenthusiastic during travel prep, create a simple rewards program that ties cooperative behavior with earning vacation spending money. The goal is to get everyone on board and actively participating in your travel preparations.
What to pack- help your child navigate the unknown by holding onto something familiar. For school-aged children, provide a small back pack and institute an "if you can carry it, you can take it rule". They can put a favorite stuffed animal, doll or small toy in their travel pack, as well as travel-friendly games, books and activities. Note to Parents: give contents final approval so that noise-making items like horns or kazoos are kept to a minimum, and toy guns and similar items are kept out of their bags, especially when flying. Sunglasses are a must, as the sun is bright in any season.
Comfort items- Since a full mouth gathers no complaints, snacks help to deflect and distract. Pretzels, cheese crackers, trail mix and other low-sugar items can buy you time between stops. Bringing drinks along helps too, (make sure to time when your children drink vs. rest-stop availability.) Consider bringing garbage bags and zippered bags for left-overs or wet items. Place a change of clothes, toothbrush, and wash cloth or travel wipes in an easily accessible place save you time and effort if your travels take longer than expected or present surprises along the way. Children especially like to bring their favorite snuggly pillow or blanket along with them, so if there is room, go for it!
What to play- from technology to simple pleasures, children travel better when they have something productive to keep them busy. Older kids will enjoy hand-held games, videos/DVDs, and CD or Mp3 players. (Remember those cords for recharging these techie toys!) Younger kids can enjoy a travel-size magna doodle or etch-a-sketch, model magic dry modeling clay, sticker books and coloring books with crayons. Everyone on the trip can play games including eye spy, license plate states, who can stay silent the longest, and sing-a-long songs.
Safety and good health on the road- Always discuss the importance of not speaking to strangers and staying together at all times. Remember Passports and ID and review knowing their name, phone number and address, as well as where you are going. Put business cards with your contact information in little one's pockets otherwise. First-aid kit items to remember can include sunscreen, motion sickness medicine, band aids and topical medicines, sanitizer spray and/or wipes, tissues, and a bit of toilet paper, just in case. Writing a checklist with medications will help you manage your first-aid kit once you are ready to pack it.
By engaging the entire family in travel preparations, everyone has something to do and to look forward to until travel day arrives. May your travels bring you laughter, enthusiasm and lots of terrific family memories!