Bring the kids! A parent’s guide to stress-free travel

Traveling with “little ones” can be one of the most joyous events of all; it can also be one of the most stressful. While seeing the wonder in your children’s eyes as they view some historical or natural wonder may make your heart swell with pride, you need to realize that eventually they will get bored or tired, and you’ll have to return to your referee roles. , peacemaker and entertainment president.

My mother-in-law told the story of traveling in the car with five children under the age of five. Someone always asked “How much longer?” to which her husband would routinely reply, “Just 10 more minutes.” When she protested, he responded, “They just want an answer, any answer will do!” As a mother of five grown children, I’ve had better luck telling the truth and then finding something creative to do.

To stay sane and really enjoy some of the travel spots you take your kids to, follow a few simple tips for pre-planning and organizing trips. Before you know it, you’ll be looking forward to traveling as a family, no matter how many kids are with you.

1. Go to age-appropriate places. If you want your children to enjoy their travel experience, make sure you take them to places that are appropriate for their age. This doesn’t mean every trip has to include a theme park or sporting event; it simply means keeping the educational value of the trip at a level that they can understand and appreciate. If your children’s ages span a wide range, have at least one activity geared toward each child. Choosing a hotel with a swimming pool can make a big difference!

2. Set the ground rules from the beginning. Before you even leave the house, make sure your kids know what is and isn’t acceptable behavior on the road. As elementary as it sounds, if you don’t tell your kids what you expect, how can they please you?

3. Let the children pack their own travel bag. Make sure the children’s bag is small enough for them to carry it. If they can read, a parent can make a packing list. Include things they can do on the road or in the air: a Walkman and tapes, comics, handheld video games, etc. Decide on seating arrangements in advance and make contingency plans in case requested seats are not available.

4. Establish a meeting place. Nothing could be worse than losing a child in an unknown environment. Every time you visit a place, identify a place where the family can meet if they are separated. It is also important to have some current photos of your children available. That way, others can help you locate your missing child. If your child can tell time, make sure they bring a watch!

5. Make the children part of the trip by letting them help plan. Your kids will enjoy the trip more if they feel like they have something to say on the agenda. Get books from the library or do an Internet search on the area you plan to visit. Offer them some options on what to do while they’re away and use some of their suggestions. Who knows, you might enjoy their suggestions more than you think.

6. Keep a separate list for each child’s belongings. Keep an up-to-date list of everything your children need on the trip. If more than two children are traveling with you, keep a separate list for each child. Otherwise, the items start to pile up and it’s hard to determine if you really have enough supplies for each child. It’s amazing how many people forget to pack their children’s basic necessities like toothbrushes, socks, and shoes.

7. Pack a first aid kit Accept it. Children will be children. That means scraped knees, bug bites, cuts and bruises. When traveling with children, always keep a first aid kit handy. It will help get rid of tears and bring back smiles and fun times.

8. Ask about special trips for children. It’s amazing how many people spend more time planning what they’re going to have for breakfast than how they’re going to spend a week or two on the road. A fun and well-planned travel experience will create memories that can last a lifetime. Plus, planning ahead can save you a lot of money. Many airlines, restaurants, and hotels offer discounts for children, whether it’s a “kids stay or eat free” or “half off kids” deal. If you like to do it yourself, browse the internet to find travel websites. You can usually find some great deals if you’re willing to take the time and look for them. Most importantly, bring the right attitude. Traveling with children will always present some challenges. Spend more time enjoying the cherished memories you’ll create and less time worrying about what could go wrong. Keep your sense of humor in full swing and happy traveling.