Surviving a Family Vacation

Relax

Faris, Randy
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The first and most important tip I can give you for traveling with kids, no matter what their age, is to PLAN.

The most successful trips you will have with your young children will be those where you have planned a variety of activities and games to help pass the time. Remember to have many tricks up your sleeve for long trips because the average attention span of young children can be as little as 15 minutes and if you're lucky up to an hour.

Once you have your destination planned you will need to think about meals, snacks, travel games, what to pack, and more. The more you plan now the more you will be able to relax and have fun with your kids.

When it comes to packing, get your kids involved. Talk to them about where you are going and what they may need. Let them pack their own clothes, don't worry about the wrinkles. I have found that showing young children how to roll their clothes seems to work best. You can even help older kids create a checklist and pack their own bags.

Make sure toiletries are put in plastic bags, just in case a bottle opens or leaks.

Let each child pack a backpack or small bag with some of their favorite things, make this their responsibility.

I also like to include a small first aid kit, you can buy a prepackaged kit or make your own and keep in a zip lock bag.

Be sure all bags have name tags...just in case.

If you are traveling by air, take precautions against lost luggage. I always try to pack at least one change of clothing in each of our carry-ons and any must need items such as medications, eyeglasses, wet wipes, or that special blanket or stuffed animal your child may not be able to sleep without.

Traveling by car can be a bit tricky if you do not plan.

Your kids are fastened into a car or booster seat or seat belt, which can become quite uncomfortable for them after a bit of time. You will want to think about having plenty of distractions and snacks ready for them. Most important don't forget to plan some pit stops.

Think about your child's comfort. Bring a small pillow to prop up their head if they go to sleep, a travel blanket just in case they get chilled and maybe even a lap tray to use for coloring, drawing, games, and snacks.

Speaking of snacks don't forget to bring plenty of healthy snacks such as raisins, dried fruit, fruit leathers, pretzels, tube yogurts, dry cereal, apples, oranges, grapes, etc.
Be sure everyone stays hydrated by packing plenty of water and juice boxes.

When traveling by care I like to pack a cooler and plan on stopping at a rest area for at least one meal Don't forget a sheet or tablecloth to cover the picnic table or lay on the ground. If you allow yourself at least an hour or so, this will give your kid's a great break and time to get some exercise. Frisbees are easy to pack and a wonderful way for everyone to move and stretch.

The best way to keep from hearing that question over and over again is to plan many distractions. There are many ways to keep your kids entertained without a lot of cost.
Make sure to always bring paper, coloring books, crayons, and pencils. Keep items handy and within your child's reach.

A map is a great educational way to entertain, your child could use a highlighter to follow your travels.
You could even make a game out of it by giving a small reward for every so many miles they highlight. Every time you reach a mile marker your child can reach in a grab bag and pick out a small wrapped toy or treat. The Dollar Store is a wonderful place to pick up some items.

Songs are another fun way to distract kids. Bring along some sing along music and sing your hearts out. Dust off some of your favorite childhood songs and teach them to your kids.

You can get a video player or video games for the car but your kids are bombarded by high tech everyday, tvs, computers, video games, handheld games, ipods, and on and on. This is the perfect time to show them how fun low tech can be.

Need ideas for some fun travel games? Just follow the link below.

When flying with children it is always best to try and get a nonstop flight, if that is not available look for a direct flight, which means you will stop once but you won't switch planes.


Try to book flights early in the day, there are fewer delays and if you do have a delay you will have more time to make other arrangements.

If you have heavy bags, check your luggage first and then park.

Have all photo IDs within easy reach (not necessary for kids under age 18 traveling with their parents on domestic flights; on most international flights, even infants will need a passport).

Carry on extra bottled water. It's easy to get dehydrated on a plane, and the drink service may be slow in reaching you.

Prepare your child for the trip. Tell him what to expect at the airport and on the plane, and give him tips for how to behave. (When checking or screening baggage, reassure your child he will get his belongings back - something many kids worry about.)

Allow extra time at the airport. As you know, everything takes l-o-n-g-e-r when traveling with kids.

Bring toys out to play with one at a time to get the maximum entertainment value.

Seat your child by the window, most kids love the view, plus it is a little safer keeping their arms and legs from getting bumped in the aisle.

Take-offs and landings can be painful for little ears. Bring along ear filters, which buffer eardrums against rapidly changing air pressure. Encourage your child to swallow by offering beverages, gum, or hard candy.

Jewelry, Expensive items and Keepsakes.
Any expensive or tough to replace item should be left safely at home during a vacation.
Why risk ruining a great vacation over an expensive item being lost or stolen?

Heavy Denim-
Denim is heavy to pack and carry and if it gets wet takes a long time to dry. Pack light, quick drying clothing. You will be more comfortable wearing it and carrying it in your bags.

Cash Money-
I know you need some cash, but for the most part it is best to use debit/credit cards and/or travelers checks.

Technology-
We are supposed to be spending time with our family so leave the laptops, video games, etc at home. Keep the cell phone but only in case of emergency.

Have Fun!

Vacations are supposed to be fun. Do not over schedule your activities.

RELAX!

Focus on spending time with your family.


Living so close to Disney World I get to see a lot of families on vacation. They have spent a LOT of money on this vacation, so they are going to do as much as they possibly can at the expense of actually enjoying it.

I love to take my granddaughter to Disney World, we have so much fun, but as I watch most of the other families, I do not see many smiles at the happiest place on earth. People are too busy rushing to get on every ride possible. Kid's and parents alike are unhappy and cranky. My granddaughter cannot figure out what the problem is with all of the tantrums and crying going on as we stroll along and take our time and really enjoy what we are doing. We still have not got to all of the rides in the Magic Kingdom, but you know what? That is okay, we had so much more fun.

Footprints in the Sand on the North Shore, Oahu, Hawaii, USA