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Tips for Traveling With Kids
Story by Laura McGill
Nothing ruins a family road trip faster than an unhappy child. Meltdowns at the museum and refusals at restaurants are the stuff of parents’ nightmares. However, with a little planning, family getaways can be enjoyable experiences for everyone.
Consider the ages and tolerance levels of your kids when deciding how many miles you should drive, how many days to stay, and what activities to plan. If this is your first family getaway, pick a closer destination and a shorter stay. If everything goes great, you can extend your visit. If things don’t go so well, you can end the trip early and be back home quickly.
On the Road
Pack a few favorite toys and games and bring along plenty of snacks. Keep a supply of over-the-counter medications for cuts and scrapes, upset tummies, and motion sickness handy. Look for convenient stops along the way to take short breaks.
Spend some time getting your children excited about the destination before you leave. Check for coloring pages and puzzles from the tourism office. You can also share details about the places you are going to visit to build interest and to set expectations.
At Your Destination
Make sure your plan includes where to stay and where to eat. Pick a family-friendly accommodation close to the places on your itinerary to cut down on time in the car. Do some research in advance to check out restaurant menus, especially if you have a picky eater.
Pace yourself and be flexible because something will likely not work out as planned. Have options in mind if you need to adapt to weather conditions or need to slow things down with a low-key activity.