A Travel Guide for Parents
Family vacations can be one of the best ways to make memories
that will last you and your kids a lifetime. But no matter how
long you are staying at your chosen destination, when traveling
with children the longest part of the trip can be your journey
there. Long rides in a car or airplane can seem endless for
young kids who can not wait to get to their vacation
destination. It can also seem endless for parents who have to
listen to choruses of the infamous line, "Are we there yet?"
However, by keeping in mind a few kid friendly travel tips,
parents can make the travel time fly by for their kids and
themselves.
Apologies to any and all kids, for sticking a label onto some of
you. But the fact is, some kids are more restless and revved-up
than others; and find it harder to cope with change; and are
often extra-sensitive to noise, to smells, to heat, to the tone
of Mom's voice, to the very feel of their socks. Call it, in a
word, a greater intensity of feeling. And it's often not easy to
take these kids on trips.
For kids, going away on a family vacation can be the highlight
of their summer. No wonder they can be restless when the moment
finally arrives and they are on their way to the beach, theme
park, or other destination. It is a given that children will be
excited about getting to their vacation spot but parents can
make the trip seem shorter by preparing a variety of games and
activities to keep their children occupied and keep their minds
off of the journey.
For long car rides there are a number of games that can make the
time fly by. Children typically get tired of playing the same
games they play day after day, so why not spice things up by
offering them games that are made for long car trips. One of
these games involves finding the letters of the alphabet on road
signs. For example, if you pass by a sign that reads "Albert's
Chicken Restaurant" the letters A, B, and C are found. When you
pass by the next sign, look for D. If there are two kids in the
backseat make it a competition by only allowing them to use
signs on their side of the road. Another car game for long trips
on Interstate highways is the license plate game, where your
children try to find cars with license plates from different
states - see if they can find all fifty! When kids get restless
on car rides it can wear on a parent's patience. But when young
children get restless on airplane rides, it can irritate an
entire jet full of passengers. For every parent planning to fly
with young children, particularly infants and toddlers, it is
their worst nightmare to be the person walking up and down the
plane aisle with a screaming baby. Flying on a large airliner
for the first time can be intimidating for young children. And
for babies who do not understand what is happening, the
sensations of taking off and landing can cause distress. Like
car rides, keeping kids entertained on airplanes is key.
Activities on planes are somewhat easier since the ride is
generally smoother and kids have the use of the pop-down trays
to use as a table top for activities such as drawing or
coloring.
Perhaps one of the most sensible but often overlooked tips is
to provide your kids with a few new activities rather than
bringing toys or games they have played with or used countless
times already. Purchase a few new books, coloring books, or
travel games. The novelty of the new items will keep kids
occupied longer than their old toys will. When traveling with
children too young to keep occupied with toys, your best bet is
to keep them comfortable. Make sure your baby does not take a
nap right before the flight; this will liken the chance that he
or she will sleep during the plane ride. Small babies should be
given bottles while the plane is taking off. Feeding them during
take-off usually prevents your baby's ears from popping. It is
best to avoid your baby's ears popping as this will cause the
baby discomfort and an unfamiliar feeling.
Parents will find that the key to traveling with children is to
always have something ready to counter an, "Are we there yet?"
It is the best bet to avoid arguments on long family car trips.
A game, puzzle, coloring activity or book will provide a good
chunk of time where parents can sit back, relax and enjoy the
ride.