Tips for Traveling ...With Children

This weekend we went away for a few days. We didn't go far, just a few hours down the road, but it's far enough that we stayed overnight rather than driving home. Which got me to thinking about how different it is to travel alone versus traveling with children. So I thought I would put together a few tips and tricks I've learned over the years.

1. Clothes

Most people go with the "2 pairs of pants, 4 t-shirts, maybe one nice outfit and an extra pair of shoes" method when packing. But I've learned from experience that that is the worst way to pack for a kid. Because then they have too many choices and they are overwhelmed haggling over which shirt goes with what pair of pants and you're now 30 minutes late getting out the door.

Pack clothes in sets. Full sets. Socks, underwear, pants, shirt, and hair bows or hats if necessary. Stick them in a large Ziploc bag, squeeze all the air out and stick it in the suitcase. Do this for however many days you are planning to be gone, plus an extra one or two and you're done. Then, when they wake up in the morning all they have to do is select a bag and get dressed. Trust me, it saves a lot of time and energy. And there's a much less chance of any early morning arguments.

 

2. Food

It's really easy when you're going on a road trip to just say we'll stop for fast food along the way. Really easy. But it's not good for your wallet... or you... or your child. So just don't plan on that.

Easiest thing to do is to grab a few small Ziploc bags and create small snack packs for the ride. Goldfish, pretzels, fruit snacks, cereal, teddy grahams- you're options are almost unlimited. So do yourself a huge money-saving favor and pack some snacks. It won't even take much to satisfy those tiny tummies on a trip because they're just too excited to get where you're headed!

 

3. Bathroom

My best advice? Don't trust your child when they say "I just went to the bathroom." Odds are they didn't and they're just trying to get out of going at all. And when you're headed on a road trip that will take a few hours you're not going to want to stop every ten minutes. My suggestion? Have your child go to the bathroom 15 minutes before go time. And then again right before go time. And plan your stops along the way at points that make the most sense for your journey.

We take many trips up to the Raleigh-Durham area each year and have made it our habit to stop about halfway there, fill up the gas tank, stretch our legs and take Kaley to the bathroom. Every once in a while we won't feel the need to stop, so we won't and not even ten minutes past that highly populated area Kaley has to go to the bathroom. And by that point it's another twenty minutes or so to the next place we can stop. So we're hoping and praying she can make it that long while she's bouncing up and down in the backseat reminding us every 30 seconds that she really has to go.

 

4. Toys

Every kid wants to bring every toy they own with them when they travel. Even if they're just going for the day, they just have to have every tiny little Lego or Polly Pocket. And you're standing there wondering why everything doesn't fit in the car for your three hour drive. Stop. Take a deep breath. And don't let the kids have a say in what toys they bring.

If you take just ten minutes to pack a small bag with their toys it will all be ok. They'll be happy you just thought to bring them a few toys that they won't miss the doll at home they never play with. I promise. But once you tell them to pack a bag? That's when you're bringing every Hot Wheels car ever created with you. And you don't want those all over the floor at Grandma's house. So just grab a few books. a coloring book and crayons and maybe a few toys to keep them occupied on the drive to wherever you're headed and call it good.

 

5. Electronics

I know, I know, electronics are practically considered the devil by some parents, but just hold on for a minute. When you're sitting in the car for two or three hours, the kids are in the backseat going nuts, what's the first thing you offer up? Your phone, right? Right. And maybe they actually HAVE an iPod of their own at home, you just told them they couldn't bring it with them. Why? Because it's family time and you're supposed to be enjoying your experience together. Well let me tell you that you shouldn't plan to enjoy the car ride there. Just plan to live through it and enjoy your time once you're out of the car.

Let the kids have at least one electronic in their hands in the car. Whether you have a DVD player that everyone in the backseat can see or they each have a handheld system, just let them have it. Trust me, it will save you tons of arguing and a lot of attitude from your lovely children. And, as a result, they will be much more willing to have a good time as a family once you reach your destination!

 

 

So there you have it. Just a few tips for traveling with children. And wherever you're headed this holiday season, may your travels be safe and may you enjoy the time you have with loved ones.