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A famous writer once said that there are only two ways to travel in general, one is first-class and the second one is with children. Anyone who has small children will agree that traveling with kids, especially on long road trips, can be trying for adults and tough on little ones. However, there are some things that you can do to make the miles move a little faster, and even make the drive fun. Just do your basic planning and with a little luck, you can be ahead of the game. Here are some basic tips that you can follow to make traveling with the kids a more pleasant experience.
Is your ride good enough?
Remember that you will be rolling together in such a small space for an extended time. Still, some cars are simply better suited for a family journey than others. If your car isn't one of them, consider renting a car that is. If you rent something bigger like a minivan, the comfort level you gain might be worth it, in addition to avoiding putting too much mileage on your own vehicle. Don't forget to bring your own safety seats for the kids. If you have the budget, an RV would be ideal. Even with the higher cost, it might balance it off if you can use it for lodging and dining, hence, you save a small fortune on hotels and restaurants.
You have to keep 'em amused!.
Driving for hours can really be boring so having some in-car entertainment could really help to break the monotony. Think movies or music or crayons and drawing pads, even books!. Portable electronics are now affordable these days so consider bringing those dvd players, gaming systems and music players. If you do a lot of these road trips, it might be worth it to spend on these DVD screens you see mounted on headrests or interior roof of some vehicle models. It does not have to be all electronics, so don't forget the classic games like car bingo or even etch-a-sketch. Consider versions with magnetic or stay-in-place pieces. It might also be a good idea to bring soft travel trays or any stable surface that the kids can play or have snacks. Bring plenty of healthy snacks, preferable in single serve containers, plus water and fruit juices stored in a nice cooler. Baby wipes are must plus a change of clothes just in case of any spills. Garbage and litter piles up quick on these trips, so bring those small plastic bags to keep it under control. These bags can also serve as a barf bag in case someone gets car sick.
Be flexible.
Be aware that the little ones might not endure as long as the adults. That means yo need to know when to make stops, let the kids stretch out a bit, get some fresh air and of course, do the usual bathroom breaks. Quick tip on the bathroom breaks: Toilet-seat toppers for use in public restrooms can help prevent the spread of germs, and for those times when you can not find a restroom in a hurry, pack a portable potty as a last resort. Also time your travel to avoid rush hours in metropolitan areas and construction delays. Trying to stick to your at-home routine as much as possible may help young children adjust to temporary life on the road. That could mean timing travel around naps and stopping at hotels for a good night's sleep. To help your children snooze in the car, remember to bring a sun shade for the window and a favorite blanket, or pillow. Lullaby music and a soothing portable night light can further set the mood for sleep.
If you follow the basic steps above, you will ensure a relaxing road trip with the little ones and then you will find that going first class is not really necessary and what really makes it worthwhile is that you are spending memorable times with your kids.
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