Are we there yet? I’m Bored. I’m Hungry. Are we there yet? I’m Thirsty.
If you have ever traveled with children, then I am sure you have heard these words! No matter if you are taking a road trip or going on an airplane, the best thing you can do when traveling with children is to be prepared!
Here are some great tips on making your travels a success!
- Have each child bring a backpack or bag for the ride (does not matter if you are traveling by car or airplane). Help them choose their favorite toys like; books, colors, coloring books, hand-held games, and stuffed animals. Be thoughtful about which toys to bring. What will they enjoy but also have lasting attention value.
- Prior to the trip, buy a few new items for the kids. Nothing grabs their attention like a new coloring book. It doesn’t have to be expensive, go to your local Dollar Store for inspiration. Spread out the gifts throughout the trip. It adds surprise and can prevent the “I’m Bored” statements.
- Buy a picture book about your destination. Nothing is better than the whole family learning more about where they are going!
- If your children are old enough, buy them a disposable camera, and let them take pictures of their travels. At the end of the trip, give them their own little photo album. If they know how to write, give them a journal to document their travels. Years later this will be something everyone will enjoy reading!
- Make sure to pack plenty of different snacks and drinks, including bottled water. I always include suckers on our trips. They are great distractions!
- Some may disagree but depending on the length of travel time, I am not beyond bringing our portable DVD player. I may even buy a new movie, or rent one for the occasion.
- Come prepared with travel games. If you Google, “travel games for kids”, you will see plenty of options.
- If traveling by car, check out your route for parks and play areas. Sometimes just a little fresh air and some running around can cure any crankiness you may be enduring!
Happy Organizing!
http://www.takecontrolorganizing.com
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great tips! I too recently wrote an article about driving with kiddos and I missed bringing a DVD player! I mentioned books on tape but not movies.
A couple other thoughts is to bring an air mattress along if you have a larger family and bed space is getting cramped.
Also, bring a giant cooler if traveling by car so there is always healthy food choice. We also bring a smaller, collapsible cooler that can be used for trips to the beach, parks, etc.
I also make sure I have a fully stocked first aid kid, complete with tylenol and ibuprofen.
Great post!
Thank you for the extra tips! Great ideas!
I love the idea of bringing a book about your destination! Relative to your last trip, we recently discovered that our GPS has parks & playgrounds. Awesome. Here’s a great place to get printable activities for car rides: http://www.schoolfamily.com/print-and-use-tool
Thank you for that link, I will have to check it out!
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