Tips For Traveling With Young Kids

Summer is a great time to bond with your kids. The lack of schedules and structure creates a more relaxed atmosphere and everyone tends to be in better moods. If you are planning to travel with your kids, then it is important to heed some useful tips that will make your trip fun and memorable. 

 1)   Avoid trips without breaks.  Although you as an adult might be able to sit for 5 hours reading your favorite book, remember that kids don’t have that kind of attention span.  A long continuous trip will be boring for kids and they will in turn become restless and cranky. Try to avoid one long exhausting trip by breaking the time up into small sections.  Do your best to spend no more than 5 – 6 hours on the road per day.  Take rest stops to go to the bathroom, walk around and to clean and reorganize the car.  Throw away food wrappers and drink bottles so the back of the car doesn’t turn into a complete mess.  Rotate toys they can reach from their carseats.

 2)   Avoid boredom by preparing several games to pass the time. You can ask your kids to look for road signs, play the license plate game or who can remember the most names of places you pass by. Additionally, you can also prepare a sing-along CD with your kid's favorite songs or remakes of popular songs performed by children. Pack some new, fun activity books or sticker books appropriate for your kid's age. Have crayons and paper ready for coloring.  If you have a movie player, purchase a few new movies to keep their interest. Make sure that DS’s and other gadgets are well charged.  This will help keep them busy and forget the long trip.

 3)   Choose a destination that offers fun for both kids and adults.  Going to the beach or amusement parks will certainly make your children happy. If you are going on a cruise, make sure you pick one that has a good kids club.  Moreover, choose a kid-friendly accommodation. Your kids will certainly love a hotel which offers amenities like a swimming pool and playroom.

4)   Remember to bring comfortable clothes for your kids to wear. Buttons, zippers, scratchy materials will only add to the whining if anything is feeling uncomfortable.  Never allow the summer heat to ruin your trip!  Bring lightweight cotton clothing.  It is also advisable to pack bright colored t-shirts so that you will be able to spot them immediately amidst the summer crowd.

5)   Don’t forget to bring a first aid kit.  Items like Band-Aids, wipes, diapers, mosquito repellant, sunscreen, benadryl, Tylenol and prescription medications are mandatory to carry whenever you are traveling with kids. Bring a separate copy of important prescriptions with you in your purse in case any of the medication gets lost.

6)   Don’t forget to pack favorite items.  Bringing everyday, comforting items like their favorite sippy cup, binky, blankey, stuffed animal or doll will prove highly beneficial.  Some kids have a hard time adjusting to new and different places, hotels, etc.  Providing these items simple items will help your kids feel more comfortable with their new surroundings.  Also, if you are going to a different country, they may not carry the exact same binky or sippy cup that your child is incredibly attached to.  Bringing a second set of these things can’t hurt

7)  Take an online parenting class prior to your trip.  Quality online courses that are provided by a licensed, practicing therapist will give    the additional tools you need to keep your calm and negotiate tantrums during your time away.  Even the most seasoned traveler can use some additional parenting tips and techniques when hitting the road.