Whether it’s by train, plane or automobile (who doesn’t love that movie!), traveling with young children can leave parents weary long before reaching their final destination. A little preparedness can go a long way, however; and we have some tips to smooth your family journeys.
On The Road
Traveling by car with little ones is by far the most flexible option that puts parents in the most control over schedules and stops. Try the following hints to pass the time in the car:
- Try to plan day trips around napping schedules and maximize that sleep time to cover some significant mileage.
- Take along a survival kit for the car including mess-free snacks, favorite books and music. Consider bringing a child’s story on tape or cd. Many are available through your library.
- Build in some stops if the trip is longer than an hour. You can bring along a ball, parachute and/or bubbles and burn off some extra energy at a rest stop. In inclement weather, kids can run around a fast food restaurant indoor playground like the ones at McDonald’s.
- Remember good old “I Spy?” Teach your kids some of those car games you played as a child. There are some great “I Spy” books on the market now, too. Have mom or dad sit in back for a while, bring along a microscope and have a race to see who can find each item the fastest.
- More Tips for Long Car Rides here!
In the Air
From heading to the airport, checking bags, getting through security and then waiting for your flight, families tend to be stressed in airports! One child is hungry, another needs a nap, the other is crawling around the gate area…it’s all part of earning your parenting stripes! Then you get to board the plane! Here’s hoping for a swift (and direct flight) to avoid your worst nightmare is being confined in a small space with your unhappy kids, try these tips to make the time “fly” by. Most of all remember, every parent on the airplane with you has “been there, done that” so if things don’t go smoothly, we understand!
- While most children under the age of two can fly free on your lap, consider purchasing a separate seat for your baby or toddler. Most airlines offer a discounted fare for the little ones. Your comfort and sanity are worth the extra expense. Just ask anyone who has tried to keep a squirming child busy on their lap for a four-hour flight.
- Pack a small child’s “busy backpack” to keep your seated child occupied through the flight. Here’s what went in ours: dollar store toys (wooden lacing beads for toddlers, small cars for preschoolers); Color Wonder by Crayola mess-free fingerpaints and markers; a few new books; a small puzzle. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but every penny will be well spent when you can sit back for a few minutes while your child works on their new stuff.
- Prepare for the worst: bring along a complete spare change of clothing for all ages of children; and if you’re still in diapers, don’t forget plastic bags for disposal. Pack suckers and bubble gum (for older kids) to help reduce pressure in the ears and alleviate popping.
Riding the Rails
If you decide to take the train, check out these suggestions for turning the trip into an adventure for your children:
- Before the trip, read some train books with your child. Bring them along and compare your experience to the story. This same idea works well for first-time fliers, as well.
- Ask the conductor if your family can have a tour of the train, or just explore on your own the different cars.
- Pack a snack including sandwiches and/or cheese slices cut into train shapes with cookie cutters.
- Play some of the car “travel” games highlighted above.
- Wifi can be a great option as well; check into business class options if you want a quieter space on Amtrak. It can be worth the additional cost!
With a little advance planning, getting there with your young ones can indeed be half the fun!
