Summer is here and families across the country are preparing for family vacations. My family is no exception as we are quickly approaching our second road trip ever with my 7-month old son. And if there’s anything we learned from Road Trip #1, it’s that just a little planning can go quite a long way. I’ve scoured the Internet and questioned my friends for tips on the most important planning tips for traveling with kids. If you’re a well seasoned parent, this may just be a refresher course. For new moms and dads, this is probably new material. So before you turn your car on to the interstate or head off to the airport, consider the following…
1. Don’t skimp on toys a.k.a “distractions”: In an effort to pack light, you may be inclined to forego your child’s favorite stuffed animal, coloring book or video game. Think again on this one as that additional baggage may just provide that additional amount of “quiet time” that you need on the plane or in the car.
2. Have a back-up plan: Flight delays and flat tires are aggravating enough as is but add a few kids into the mix and your trip just went from tolerable to torture. Plan ahead for these types of hang ups by simply having a few “car games” in the back of your mind to help keep everyone entertained.
3. Leave yourself additional time: A road trip that may normally take 3 hours could very well take you 4 or 5 hours after (multiple) bathroom and food stops. Don’t try to beat any records when it comes to timing or you may just be setting yourself up for disappointment and added stress. Take your time, try to stay relaxed and start your trip off right!
4. Don’t overstay, know your limits: While a two week trip to Bali may sound like the vacation of a lifetime, keep in mind that kids often get antsy and unsettled when out of their normal routine for too long. Likewise, make sure you work enough “kid focused” activities into your itinerary so they don’t get completely bored.
Now have fun and make some memories!
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