Bring the kids! A Parent’s Guide to Stress-Free Travel

Traveling with “little ones” can be one of the most joyous events of all, it can also be one of the most stressful. While seeing the wonder in your children’s eyes as they gaze at some historical or natural wonder can make your heart swell with pride, you must realize that they will eventually get bored or weary, and you will have to return to your refereeing roles. , peace keeper and entertainment director.

My mother-in-law used to tell the story of traveling in the car with five children under the age of five. Someone always asked “How much longer?” to which her husband used to reply “Just 10 more minutes.” When she protested, he replied, “They just want one answer, any answer is enough!” As a mother of five grown children, I have had more luck telling the truth and then finding something creative to do.

To stay sane and enjoy some of the travel spots you take your kids to, follow some simple tips for pre-planning and organizing the trip. Before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to traveling as a family, no matter how many children are with you.

1. Go to age-appropriate places. If you want your children to enjoy their travel experience, be sure to take them to age-appropriate places. This does not mean that all trips have to include a theme park or sporting event; it simply means keeping the educational value of the trip at a level that they can understand and appreciate. If your children’s ages span a wide range, have at least one activity tailored for each child. Choosing a hotel with a pool can make a big difference!

2. Establish ground rules from the beginning. Before even leaving the house, make sure your children know what is and what is not acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as it may sound, if you don’t tell your kids what to expect, how can you please them?

3. Let the children prepare their own travel bag. Make sure the children’s bag is small enough for them to carry it. If they can read, parents can make a packing list. Include things they can do on the road or in the air: a Walkman and tapes, comics, portable video games, etc. Decide on seating arrangements ahead of time and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.

4. Establish a meeting place. Nothing could be worse than having a lost child in an unfamiliar environment. Whenever you visit a place, identify a place where the family can reunite if separated. Equally important, keep some current photos of your children handy. That way, others can help you locate your missing child. If your child can tell time, make sure he wears a watch!

5. Make the children a part of the trip and let them help plan. Your kids will enjoy the trip more if they feel like they have something to say on the agenda. Get books from the library or do an internet search for the area you plan to visit. Give them some options for what to do in your absence, and actually use some of their suggestions. Who knows, you might enjoy their suggestions more than you think.

6. Keep a separate list for each child’s belongings. Keep an up-to-date list of everything your children need on the trip. If more than two children will be traveling with you, keep a separate list for each child. Otherwise, the items start to run together and it’s hard to determine if you really have enough supplies for each child. It is surprising how many people forget to pack the basic necessities for their children, such as toothbrushes, socks and shoes.

7. Pack a first aid kit. Children will be children. That means scraped knees, bug bites, and cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always have a first aid kit close at hand. It will help to get rid of the tears and bring back the smiles and fun moments.

8. Check out special travel deals for children. It’s surprising how many people spend more time planning what to eat for breakfast than how they are going to spend a week or two on the road. A fun and well-planned travel experience will create memories that can last a lifetime. Plus, planning ahead can save you a lot of money. Many airlines, restaurants and hotels offer discounts for children, either a “kids stay or eat free” or “half child fare” offer. If you are a DIY enthusiast, surf the internet for travel websites. You can usually find great deals if you’re willing to take the time and search for them. The most important thing is to have the right attitude. Traveling with children will always present some challenges. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you’ll create and less time worrying about what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy travels.