Tips for Traveling with Children

If you are about to go on a trip with your children you are in good company. According to a recent poll, one in four household trips in the U.S. include children. Whether you are traveling by car, plane or train the most essential activity needed for a successful trip is advance planning. A successful plan starts with a strategy and a few lists. So sit down with your partner and your children and plan out any and all relevant details. Map out your travel, meal and sleeping arrangements. Get detailed directions for every place you want to visit. Collect relevant brochures and travel guides. The more information you gather now, the better travel experience you will have later.

Vacation Notebook
When you get recommendations from others, find out exactly why people enjoyed their stay. Was it the quiet atmosphere or the exciting hustle and bustle? What activities are available for the children and what ages? Does the hotel cater to families or adults? Is there a kiddy pool? Once you start accumulating information, record everything in a vacation notebook for future reference. Even if the hotel or vacation area you are investigating is not right for this summer’s vacation it might be the perfect getaway for you next fall. Record all details: location, hotel name, contact details, directions and pertinent descriptions such as “Hugh playground for children, clean pool, large refrigerator, top floor rooms have spectacular view of mountains, etc.” When you make a reservation you can specifically mention these features in order to double-check they are still available. This way you can avoid the problem of discovering upon your arrival that that the playground was torn down to build a parking lot.

Packing
There are two types of packing: the items you will need during the trip and the items you will need at your destination. Before you pack investigate the temperature of your vacation spot so you can pack appropriately and avoid unnecessary clothing. Be sure to label every item with your name and phone number in case something gets left behind.

Consider using backpacks to pack items needed in transit. They are much more comfortable to carry and allow you to hold your children’s hands and keep your children in safe proximity. Pack a family backpack for items needed both on the road and at your destination such as insect repellent, antihistamine, Tylenol, suntan lotion, calamine lotion, a first-aid kit and a small sewing kit.

Whether you are traveling by car or plane the following items will come in handy: a working flashlight, a bag of non-perishable snacks, a plastic bottle of drinking water, individual canteens (so each person can drink out of his own bottle without the need for a cup), and children’s sleeping aids such as favorite blankets, stuffed toys, bottles, and pacifiers.

If you have a child in diapers then a properly packed diaper bag is a necessity. Pack in your diaper bag: bottles, bottle cleaner, baby formula and/or juice, pacifiers, attachable pacifier cord that keeps pacifier from getting lost, diaper rash ointment, baby sun block lotion, baby brush, and of course diapers.

If you will be traveling by car for many hours consider bringing a few towels to cover car seats and steering wheel during the times you are out of the car. They can also be used as pillows or to mop up spills. You will need two food storage containers: a box for non-perishable items and a freezer chest for perishable goods. Don’t forget disposable plates, cups, silverware, napkins and tablecloths.

Activity Bags
Children should be given their own fun "activity bags" to keep them occupied including: crayons, coloring books, sticker books, activity books, jump ropes (for breaks), games, small toys, and an inexpensive tape cassette with head phones so that each child can listen to the tape of his or her choice. A book on a tape is also an excellent choice so your children can look at the pictures while listening to the tape. Older children may enjoy studying their own maps so they can follow the route and check off the names of towns and become acquainted with using a map. Trips can be stressful so it is not the ideal time to force children to share their toys and treats therefore make sure each child has his or her own fun bag to keep occupied.

Combination Car Seat and Stroller
If you need both a baby stroller and a car seat consider consider purchasing a "travel system" which is a car seat/stroller combination. If you purchase a car seat with a label that says "This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" then you can use it as a flight seat. Talk about convenience, when it's time to leave the plane, you put the car seat into the stroller and you're on your way.

Backpack Stroller
If you will be hiking or walking in rough terrain a backpack stroller will be a very useful purchase. For example, it can convert from a stroller to a backpack in seconds. This allows you to easily take your baby everywhere you go.

Travel Bed and Play Yard
For a double duty sleep and play area try a full size play yard (approximately 28"x40") where your baby can sleep at night and play safely during the day. A play yard that weights less than 11 pounds and rolls up into a lightweight travel bag makes it easy to transport.

Last but not least, don’t forget to bring along your sense of humor. You’re going to need it.

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