Tips on Traveling with Kids

Summer vacation is halfway through,…still looking to squeeze in that road trip? If you have children, traveling can be a bit stressful for them. Here are some tips on traveling with kids to make it easier on both parents and kids!

Pack Some Toys

Kids are always looking for something to do, so you can never have enough toys when traveling with kids. Select toys that are easy to play with on the go. Consider purchasing some new items to pique their interest. For airplane travel, it may be best to select items that can be used and discarded (i.e. coloring books, activity pads). Electronic toys are great alternatives since many different games can be loaded into a single device.

Don’t Forget the Snacks and Drinks

Your meal schedule can be interrupted when traveling. Hungry kids are definitely cranky ones, so be sure to pack some snacks and drinks when traveling with kids. Choose travel sized snacks and juice boxes so they can be easily thrown away. Bring a variety to give the kids some choice. For an added bonus, purchase snacks with fun shapes and pictures. Small meals that do not need refrigeration (such as jelly sandwiches) are also a good idea. For airplane travel, you may want to avoid snacks with nuts as some airlines are nut-free to accommodate those with allergies.

Bring Familiar Items

Being away from home can make it difficult for children, especially at nap time. Bringing familiar items from home can help ease this stress. This can include blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. For convenience, it may be helpful to also bring plates or sippy cups for small children. If you are traveling with kids by car, this is all certainly easier to do.

Making the Most of Traveling with Kids

Summertime and family trips are a great opportunity to spend quality time with your children. By bringing along a few essentials, you can make traveling with kids much less stressful for both you and your children. This allows you to focus on having fun!