Traveling with kids can be a blessing but it’s not without its challenges.
Not only do you have to deal with the normal stress of traveling but factor in cranky kids that are out of their routine and it can get stressful.
But the good news is that there are a lot of things you can do to counteract this so you can still have a great time.
Whether you’re flying, taking a road trip or whatever journey you are taking, there are lots of ways to keep your little ones happy.
But, trying to keep them busy and occupied is the key.
This post is about traveling with children
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Traveling With Children
When traveling with children, especially several children,
just remember to engage them into some fun.
For example, fun can be singing,
or even spotting how many VW beattle cars they see.
As well as having plenty of books to read or color.
Flying With Kids – Traveling With Kids
Check if you can get early boarding
When it comes to traveling with kids, preparation is key.
Check with your airline to see if you can get early or priority boarding.
Even if it costs a little extra, it’s so worth it to avoid the stress of the whole airplane trying to board at once.
Expect stress if you don’t prepare
If you’re flying don’t expect to go through security, boarding and long-haul flights stress-free if you haven’t prepared.
Make sure to talk your kids through the process of flying to your destination as well as all the exciting things you’re going to see which will make it all worth it.
Kids that know what’s happening are much more likely to be happy and easy to deal with.
Expect hangry kids
Plane food can be a nightmare for most adults so don’t expect your kids to like it either.
Make sure to bring enough snacks for the whole trip as well as any potential delays too.
You may even want to throw in some candy in there as well if things get bad and you need to do some bribing.
Remember to bring some traveling essentials to keep your children occupied.
Books are about the most essential items to bring when traveling with children.
Furthermore, books will keep your children occupied for hours.
Toys are a lot of fun, but books are equally important.
Beside books will educate, and help to retain the memory function.
But also, books help to keep kids focused, occupied, and quiet
for longer periods of time.
Road Trip With Kids
Buy a car organizer
If you’re going on a road trip, then this is a must.
Not only will you be able to take so many more games and activities, but they will also be within easy reach of your child.
This means a lot less, ‘Mom, where’s my toy?’ which is a lifesaver during traffic or if you’re the only adult on the trip.
Download a music playlist
This is essential for any road trip. Everyone loves music and children aren’t excluded.
It’s the perfect way to ease boredom, especially at the end of a long day or when all the other activities have been exhausted.
Don’t forget to download your playlist for when you’re traveling through areas with no service or during a flight.
Bring a footrest
A footrest during a long or night flight is a lifesaver.
Not only will your children be able to stretch out, but it also means that they’ll be able to sleep a lot easier.
Kids that aren’t tired and cranky are so much easier to deal with plus why not enjoy some time to yourself?
Buy a kids’ tablet
Okay, screen time might be non-existent at home but on a trip, you seriously need to consider getting a kids’ tablet.
If screen time is a rarity, then they will be so much more focused on the tablet and bonus points if you use it as a reward for good behavior.
It might not be the solution all year-round, but it might just make your trip a whole lot easier and less stressful if you do decide to get one or two.
Road Trip Tips – Traveling with Kids
Plan service stops
If you’re taking a road trip, you need to schedule in your service stop trips.
Not only will this break up the trip, but it also gives something for your kids to aim for.
It also means you can stop up on any snacks or make it more fun by stopping off for lunch at their favorite restaurant.
You could even use that to reward good behavior as well.
Why not bring a ball too for them to let off a bit of steam in between stops?
It’s a sure-fire way to make them happy.
To make a road trip with kids more enjoyable,
try to engage the children with books
whether it be coloring books, a picture book or a book for reading or writing.
On the contrary to belief, books are more engaging than toys.
A child will play with multiple toys, and keep moving onto the next one,
On the other hand, children can engage with books for hours.
Traveling With Kids
Kids Picture Books and Coloring Books
Take coloring books
If you’re all spent out after paying for your vacation, coloring can be a low-cost way to entertain your kids.
Not only is it a favorite for kids of all ages but it’s also very relaxing which will surely quell some complaints especially if you encounter any delays or traffic.
If you’re flying, it can be a great bonding activity and a way to spend time together.
Bonus points if you find one travel-related or related to your destination so you can show them all the exciting things that they’re going to see.
Take reading books
If you’re looking for activities that don’t require screen time or are more low-cost then you should think about taking some books.
You also don’t have to worry about having signal or fully charging anything before you travel.
If reading books with your children is a part of your daily routine at home, it could be relaxing for them to keep up with this.
Plus, if you have a night flight, reading a book with them could help them drift off, leaving more time for yourself.
As said before, if you have any travel-related books or books about your destination this may make the whole process of traveling a lot easier as they will know what to expect and why all the travel is worth it.
The most enjoyable item to get for children when traveling
would be a kids picture book or some coloring books for kids
Some other reasons to engage your children in books are,
first, books help to improve their focus,
second, books can help to improve their motor skills,
next, books helps to improve their sleep pattern,
and finally, books can help to reduce anxiety in children.
Children and Traveling
Don’t expect things to go 100% smoothly
Ultimately, don’t underestimate bringing your kids on a trip with you.
As much as you can prepare, you can’t guarantee that things will go 100% smoothly.
But just go with it and remember that if you have enough snacks and toys there isn’t much you won’t be able to deal with.
Plus, your kids should be excited! Focus on all the amazing things you’ll be doing when you get there which makes all this travel worth it.
Doing this should decrease the amount of ‘are we there yet’ that you get even by a little bit.
If you’re looking for more travel tips, click here to check out our other blog posts!