Traveling With Children

Traveling with children can be a challenge, but with careful planning your family can have a hassle-free trip. Your odds for having a successful trip will be better if you don't set your expectations too high and if you involve your kids in planning your vacation.

Here are some additional travel tips:

PACKING

When you pack the car, put the children's suitcases on top. Kids often need to get into their suitcases to retrieve something. By having the suitcases on top, you won't have to repack the car every time your kids need their things.

Don't forget to pack essential items such as sunscreen, pain reliever, calamine lotion, bandages, hats, sunglasses, or umbrellas. The gift shop in your hotel will charge quite a bit of money for these items if you should need to buy them during your trip.

HOTELS

In order to keep your young children safe at your hotel room, you should bring along some child-proofing items. Plastic outlet covers, doorknob covers, and plastic ties for tying up drapery cords and electrical cords will give you peace of mind while you are living in your home away from home.

It is a good idea to bring your child's nightlight from home. Children won't be scared in unfamiliar surroundings with the glow of the nightlight for comfort.

CARS

My mother taught me a great trick when she went on a trip with my family to the beach. She brought a bag of new toys with her and she handed them out to my kids during our car trip. She gave them a new item about every two hours so they would have something to play with. You might try giving your children small items such as puzzle books, stickers, cards, stuffed animals, or crayons.

Pack each child a sack filled with snacks for the trip. This way you won't have to stop at a convenience store every time they get hungry. Make sure you pack healthy foods and include some small bottles of water.

AIRPLANES

Allow yourself plenty of time for check-in. When your kids travel with you everything takes twice as long.

Make sure that your children eat a substantial snack before they board the airplane. The pretzels and drink served by the airline might not be enough food for a long flight.

SOUVENIRS

Give each child a set amount of money to spend on souvenirs. Let them buy what they want even if you think the item is silly. This is a good lesson in budgeting.

Buy each child a small scrapbook before the trip. Take the scrapbook along and your kids can unwind at the hotel in the evening by pasting momentos into their books.

Bon voyage!

Renee Kirchner is a parent, educator, and freelance writer who specializes in writing for children and parents. Visit her fun and informational blog for parents and their kids at http://www.family-friend.blogspot.com and find out more about Renee's writing services offered at http://www.lieurancegroup.blogspot.com or email her at renee.kirchner@usa.net to discuss possible writing projects.