10 Tips on How to Travel with Children
by CiCi Arnold
Traveling with children, especially small children, care should be taken when preparing for the trip. Here are 10 tips on traveling with children of any age:
1. When planning the vacation, let the children have input. Give them travel books and other material about the vacation spot so that they can be excited about the place you have chosen to go.
2. Determine what type of things you may need for your child and ask the hotel if they provide it, like cribs, highchairs, changing table, playpen, etc. Also, for pool side, do they provide water wings for the children.
3. It is important for the children to pack their own suitcase or bag. This way they will know what is in it. They can pack their clothes, games, favorite toy and sleeping animals or electronic game.
4. You will need to have the phone number of your doctor, a first aid kit and all the medications that your family takes or might need. It is difficult to find a doctor while on vacation to fill a prescription so be sure to get yours filled before you leave home.
5. Whether you are on a road trip or flying to your destination, you will need to have snacks for everyone. It is best to have things that are not too messy like nuts, fruit, sandwiches, and water.
6. Be sure to have games, DVDs, or CDs available. Whether flying or driving, children get restless and it is best to keep them occupied no matter what age they are.
7. Upon arrival, take everyone on a tour of where you are staying. Familiarize them with the grounds pointing out where they can go for information or help if they get lost. Help them connect how to get back and forth to their room and to the downstairs, the pool, snack shop, shopping, etc.
8. Plan activities that the small children can participate in. Small children get bored easily and their little legs get tired.
9. Weather can change no matter where you are and whatever the season is. Plan for it. Have board games, coloring books, and anything else that would make the day enjoyable.
10. Bring your camera and take lots of pictures with the children in them. Then when you get the double prints, give them one of them. If you have more than one child that wants a picture, get triple prints. Above all, let everyone enjoy the vacation!
