I’m sure many of us have heard horror stories about being locked in a car or plane for hours with cranky kids. “Are we there yet?” “How much longer?” “Megan is ‘watching’ me!” “I have to go to the bathroom–RIGHT NOW!” There are endless cases in which children can make us nervous when we travel. Here are some tips that can help smooth out those travel woes…
Create a TRAVEL SURVIVAL KIT filled with small travel toys and games. Wear a bright backpack or tote bag dedicated to the purpose. Include age-appropriate toys, such as a taped sketch for preschool drawing fun, a magnetic letter board for a toddler, stickers, puzzles, or joke books for an elementary child. Interactive games can keep siblings happy, like Brain Quest cards with age-appropriate riddles and questions, or even a simple deck of cards. Today, portable DVD players and handheld video games can keep kids hassle-free and busy for hours. If you are carrying electronic things like a Game-Gear, be sure to bring extra batteries.
Snacks can be healthy carrot sticks, crackers, pretzels, cheese, or fruit. Try to keep the sugar content low for less hyperactive children. Choose juice boxes and bottled water instead of canned sodas.
Take CD’s along with your favorite music, as well as familiar music that everyone can sing together on the go.
Make sure your child uses the bathroom every chance they get: before leaving home, at the airport before boarding the plane, right after eating on the plane (queues for the few bathrooms can mean a long wait) , before boarding the bus to go to the hotel or a sightseeing trip.
If you’re going on a beach vacation or cruise, of course, suntan lotion is a must, as are hats and sunglasses. Also carry a skin cream in case of sunburn. Be sure to include fun bandages and a small first aid kit. Include some stomach pills, such as Gravol, for car, bus, or plane rides, and medications for constipation or diarrhea.
Another item to bring on your travels would be a history book or facts about the place you are visiting to keep the child engaged. Play games asking them if they can find the historical site you are visiting in the book, or a game of eye-spying to locate various types of trees, flowers, or birds. Even allowing them a childproof disposable camera to take their own photos would be helpful in keeping the child interested.
Make sure the children have had enough rest before the trip. Tired children are cranky children. And limit your intake of exotic foods to prevent stomach problems. It’s good for kids to try and enjoy different fruits in another country, but too much papaya or avocado can wreak havoc on even the most mature stomach.
Many resorts are kid-friendly and these can be a family traveler’s best friends. These ‘kid-friendly’ venues offer everything a child or parent could want, from kid-focused cafes (serving pizza, burgers and mac and cheese), children’s pools, special computer rooms, sports and activities , to group games (where children can interact with others in their same age group). Many of these family-friendly resorts also offer babysitting services that allow mom and dad to have some quiet time.
Bring a special security blanket or teddy bear with you to make travel less scary for younger children. Travel pillows, window shades, and a warm blanket can increase a child’s comfort level when sleeping in a car or on a plane and reduce travel blues.
Traveling with children does not have to be a nightmare. With careful planning, plenty of rest, and controlled activities, parents and children can enjoy the holidays together.