Frank and I recently traveled to Gold Coast with my three boys (ages 9, 7, and 5) and it was an overall great experience. I had traveled before with one child and then two children (one nursing), but never three…on a plane…for more than 2 hours at once. The boys were happy, kept busy, and couldn’t wait to go on another plane ride. As a parent getting ready to travel with children, I find it super important to have a to-do list of how to prepare.
Our adventure to the Gold Coast was such a success that it inspired us to plan our next family trip, this time to Germany. I found my go-to resource for valuable tips and insights on traveling to Germany is Germany Travel Blog website. From kid-friendly activities to cultural excursions, this website has proven to be an invaluable asset in planning our family’s European adventure. With its comprehensive information, we’re confident that our trip to Germany will be as seamless and enjoyable as our recent escapade to the Gold Coast.
However, wherever you plan to travel, here are some helpful tips when it comes to traveling with kids.
1. Explain to the kids what their day of travel will be like and what to expect. For instance, before we left, Frank and I told the boys that we would be driving for 3 hours to the airport and then flying in a plane for another 5 hours. We also told them what to expect when going through Security and boarding. They did awesome when it was time to do it!
2. Make a packing checklist. This will ensure that you have all items necessary for your trip and will minimize the amount of stress you might experience without it.
3. Bring Dramamine. In our family, we have a good number of children who experience motion sickness – whether it be in the car, plane, or on a boat. We found that Dramamine has worked wonders for keeping motion sickness in check. Just be sure to give it to the kids (or adults) at least an hour before you travel and bring more for later. There is now a kid’s version of Dramamine, which is chewable and has a grape flavor that your kids will like.
4. Remember the booster seats. If your travel destination has you renting a car, you’ll want to remember to bring your kids’ booster or car seats. Most states require children under a certain height and weight to travel in a safety seat. This is something many people unintentionally forget and end up paying for in the long run.
5. Be sure to charge electronic devices the night before. If you are traveling with kids, chances are pretty good they’ll get bored and want to play on their iPads, tablets, or other electronic devices. You won’t want to find out on the plane ride of a long trip that the device is low or out of batteries. So be sure to plug those in the night before to ensure maximum power during and enjoyment during your travels.
6. Don’t rely solely on electronics. While kids love to play on the iPad and other gaming devices, they can also become bored with them on a long flight. Be sure to bring a notebook, crayons and markers for them to draw and color on while in flight. If your child has a favorite toy or doll, be sure to bring it along (excluding very noisy toys of course).
7. Fly a kid-friendly airline. On this trip, we flew United Airlines and it was great. The boys were even given wings for flying! I remember getting my wings when I flew as a kid.
If you simply don’t think you or the kids can handle a flight then how about driving? Road trips can take you far and wide, to places you never thought you would visit. If you have an RV then even better, head to the best RV parks around the country. There are some amazing ones that will keep the kids entertained for hours on end.
8. Pack lots of snacks. We brought a backpack on the plane and filled it with pretzels, Doritos, and even a sweet treat for the end of the flight if they’ve been on good behavior. I also like to purchase water bottles in the airport (after security) to have on hand. Oh and let’s not forget gum to give the family so their ears won’t hurt as the plane ascends into the air.
What tips do you have for traveling with kids?
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I always find engaging the kids with on-the-road games and mini-destinations help to make the trip a little shorter.
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my favorite tip is: Fly a kid-friendly airline.
I love your Make a packing checklist tip but I’d like to add giving your children your expectations of them and their behavior and putting them to bed the night before in the comfy clothes (another tip) that they’re wearing for the ride or flight will save time, you can scoop and go.
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Charge their devices the night before (and remember the chargers) is a great tip.
My favorite tip is tip 2. Make a packing checklist.
When I was a kid (particularly in the car) we always loved those Mad Libs books you could get to fill in the blanks and make funny stories. I know kids today expect electronics, but there are some classic fun and games from back in the day that can still be a big hit with the little guys.
Take along things for them to be entertained…..video games, books, etc. Things go better when they are occupied and having fun.
The packing checklist is definitely my favorite. I do that every time I travel. – See more at: http://www.themommy-files.com/2013/07/curb-motion-sickness-on-your-next-family-road-with-dramamine/comment-page-4/#comment-289302
Oh I love all your tips! The Make a packing checklist is a great idea! I always seem to forget something! I always try to bring plenty of patience! I know things never go perfect…so I try to relax…and enjoy it as it comes!
Number one is so important and will nip a lot of problems in the bud! I always explained ahead of time to my kids what to expect in any situation and traveling with a different schedule makes it more important. Great tip.
I love the tip about charging electronics the night before. Very important!
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Making a pack list is important for any trip…even if by myself.
My favorite tip is pack plenty of snack! Works like a charm
We always pack a ton of snacks to help with our road trips.
dvd player lots of dvds, books, magazines and music
Lots of great tips my favorite being 3. Bring Dramamine..My son has always had motion sickness since he was little..He is somewhat better now but still gets nauseous on the bus when they travel for school sports.
I like the “Don’t rely solely on electronics” tip. It’s true that the omg (kids lol) get bored super easily. I suspect they could get motion sickness/car sickness from it too
Dramamine is awesome- I myself do not get motion sickness but I have family member who have used it for travel (also when visiting theme parks so they can go on rides without getting ill) and I know they swear by it.
My Favorite Tip: Be sure to charge electronic devices the night before.
This is really good advice.
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I like the charging electronics the night before and making a checklist part. Those are my two downfalls when traveling!
I like Don’t rely solely on electronics
I can’t imagine going more than 20 miles from home without snacks & electronic. If kids don’t have something to do they are like wriggle worms with ADD!
My favorite tip is to remember to bring gum – don’t like that ear-poppin’!
My tip is to bring a book or magazine to read while electronic devices are charging.
Dramamine works great for most children. I’ve also seen success using Motioneaze with my child. It’s all natural and safe for children. https://motioneaze.com/product-info/