Tips on Traveling with Kids

I have always felt that raising children is a privilege and an opportunity and when you travel with them the biggest opportunity to instill an adventurous spirit and an appreciation of the world they live in.   

There are way too many images out there of children always asking “are we there yet?’, or whining and being disrupted.    Well who can blame them – traveling in a car for hours is not fun.   As an adult I do not like it, so why do we expect children to do it.   And honestly it is not healthy to put that kind of pressure on your body.

So what do I suggest – plan – and share the plan with your children.  If you have very young children a lot of times they will sleep most of the time, but once they are toddling - time to put some effort into a trip. 

Number one – plan stops.  Do not travel straight through.  A good run at a park or wayside does amazing things for everyone.    As they get older let them help you plan the stops so the trip has more meaning because they picked a place to explore.  This method will make reaching your destination a bit longer but everyone will be far more relaxed when you get there.  Trust me.   

Number two – have a travel bag for your child that they can select things to keep them busy.  I always had extra crayons and activity books on hand as well.  When my son was growing up we gave him a state map so we could show him where we were going and then he could mark where he had been.  He is 33 and still has that map.   I have added pictures of bags I have made for friends out of recycled jeans or any type of tote will do.   The ones I make are called Kids Totes for the Road.  

Number three – pack snacks and makings for a meal (cheese, crackers, fruit, sandwich meat – you get the idea). Not only does this save you money – it’s more fun sitting on a picnic table, rock, or whatever enjoying a bite with your family.   

Number four – take the time to talk about what’s out the window.   What things are called?  What are the differences from one barn to another?  Give them a learning experience that will last a lifetime.