By Marilyn Jones
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, traveling with children can be chaotic, stressful, and exhausting if you aren’t prepared. But taking the time to plan beyond the where and how-are-we-getting-there portions of a trip, the journey can be a fantastic way for any family to enjoy quality time together.
Road trips
It’s much easier to entertain children than it used to be. Portable DVD players, hand-held video games, or a device loaded with apps and games are all excellent options. Coloring books and crayons, books, and one or two favorite toys help ease the time on the road for little ones, too.
Plan to stop often. If traveling in the U.S., stop at state welcome centers. Gather brochures for the places you plan to visit or for future trips and a road map. Children enjoy looking at brochures and school-age children can follow along on the map to understand how far they’ve come and how far there is yet to go. Another idea for younger children is to equate time until the next stop, meal, or attraction with something they are familiar with. For example: a favorite movie, school recess, or drive time to grandma’s house. “We’ll be there in two morning recesses,” helps them understand.
Another tried and true tip is to bring along healthy snacks that aren’t messy or can be cleaned up easily. If you have room, take along a small cooler of bottled water.
Don’t over extend the time you spend in the car, and book your accommodations ahead. There’s nothing worse than driving all day when everyone’s tired and trying to find somewhere to stay.
Air travel
Before you leave, explain the process of security, so your children will have a better idea of what to expect. Also discuss airplane etiquette. On board, don’t allow them to the kick seat in front of them or play with the tray table.
Plan to get to the airport in plenty of time so any long lines in ticketing or security won’t cause panic. There’s nothing worse than running to the gate.
Write your cellphone number on your child with a ballpoint pen in case they get lost.
Help your child pack their backpack with favorite toys, activities, and snacks. Think twice about a carry-on suitcase even if it has wheels. Too many times, it’s the parent pulling it along with everything else they are responsible for.
Buy your child a digital camera made specifically for children (starting at $40). Whether on a road trip or traveling by air, kids love to take pictures. Not only will this entertain and occupy children during the sometimes-long waits, but it also will allow them to record events. Sometimes they capture things we, as adults, miss. Encourage older children to keep a journal of their travels.
If there will be in-flight movies, have children bring their own headsets. And, as with car travel, make sure they pack activities, including electronics.