Traveling with Kids - Tips for Making Vacation Fun

by Belinda J Mooney

Kids on the beach with dad.

School is out and its vacation time. Its time for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the job or school, visiting family and friends or just taking a weekend trip to see the sites. But, as anyone who has ever traveled with kids knows, family travel can leave parents more exhausted when it is all over then in the beginning.

It doesn’t have to be that way. Traveling together can be something everyone looks forward to each year. With a little forethought and planning hitting the road can be a breeze. Considering the ages of the children and their emotional as well as physical needs will help during the plotting stage also.

Here are some tips that will make traveling easy on everyone.

	Prepare Ahead of Time – Don’t wait until the last minute to decide to take a week long vacation. Write lists of things you will need to take with you and double check them. Make sure everyone has the appropriate clothes well in advance. Discovering Susie needs new tennis shoes going out the door is no fun.
	Think Practical - Get prescriptions refilled, check allergy medicines and restock the first aid kit. Pack children’s suitcases to make them accessible. Roll complete outfits, shoes, shirts, shorts and underwear, together. You can get more in this way also. Pack the car the night before so the only thing you have to do in the morning is get in it. Be sure and pack pillows and blankets for snuggling while driving.
	Sleeping & Eating – Make sure you choose kid-friendly hotels to stay in. Check out the occupancy rules before booking your room. Many hotels offer specials to families over the summer. At Holiday Inn kids eat free and at Embassy Hotels the children get a fantastic Nickelodeon backpack complete with a camera and other goodies
	Plan for Young Taste Buds -Consider younger tastes and appetites when choosing where to eat. While a local rustic, candlelit Inn might be nice for mom and dad it isn’t going to work for a tired, cranky three year old. If possible try to rest a bit before going to eat. For adventure purposes, tell the kids, “We are not going to eat anyplace we back home.”
	Carry Snacks & Drinks -Be sure and pack plenty of healthy snacks and bottled water. A cooler in the back will allow you to keep drinks cold, and yogurt or fruit fresh. Sipper cups or cups with straws that fit in a lid prevent spills.
	Bring a Buddy – If you child is under twelve make sure you bring a buddy, a cuddly one that is. Traveling can be emotionally stressful for little ones and having along a “friend” can make all the difference in the world. A favorite stuffed animal or doll can provide comfort to tired youngsters in unfamiliar places. Dolls and action figures also allow a child to retreat into their own little world. They are great for imaginative play during layovers at airports or unexpected delays. Zapf Creations has some wonderfully soft dolls and their miniature dolls; Maggie Raggie Kids and Baby-Mini World are perfect for traveling. You can find them at Wal-Mart.

Vacation time can be a fun filled adventure. Plan ahead and be prepared. So what are you waiting for? Pack the suitcases, gather up the kids and hit the road.

Traveling with Kids Continued - Boredom Busters