More Tips for Traveling with Children
Monday, March 30th, 2009
Family travel is coming back in vogue. That means that more children are flying, cruising or hitting the road with their parents. It can be tough keeping the adults entertained during the trip but finding ways to make travel with children easier can be almost impossible - but not quite.1. Let each child pack their own bag. Each bag should be a different color or pattern (let them pick their own). They will enjoy feeling grown up with their own bags and will likely enjoy pulling around the wheeled versions through the airport. Hint: Keep a list of all that is packed in the children's bag in your own so you reduce the risk of things getting left behind.
2. Splurge on tickets for everyone. You are better off getting even the youngest children their own seats than having to fly the whole way with a squirming child in your lap. Hint: Bringing along the child's car seat may add a sense of comfort and security for the flight.
3. Plan extra time into your trip. It doesn't matter HOW you are traveling, getting there with children will require extra time. Road trips mean more pit stops, air travel means arriving even earlier, and any trip requires more opportunities to stretch and burn up some energy. Hint: Airport security will probably require children to walk through the metal detector on their own - be prepared and be patient.
4. Start sooner than later. Getting a jump on the planning and packing of your trip with children will help to guarantee a better experience for all involved. Hint: Plan a surprise bag for each child with games, puzzles or other new items that they can open through out the trip.
Traveling with children can be easier if you plan a little extra time, give them some responsibility and keep it interesting.