4 Tips When Travelling With Kids

“Are we there yet?” I guarantee we have all annoyed our parents with this phrase at some point in our lives. Using the following kids travel tips will help eliminate the number of times you hear “Are we there yet?” and greatly reduce travel anxiety and stress on your next long journey.

A poorly planned family road-trip can be a greater source of frustration than many families realise. Unfortunately, you normally only realise how frustrating halfway into your journey or vacation, when it's too late to remedy it.

“The level of stress during a trip is in direct proportion to the quality of planning done before pulling out of the driveway” A Famous Physicist - probably!!

Take Time To Plan

It can be so disappointing after making travel plans in order to promote family 'togetherness' only to get to your destination with parents and children at each others' throats.

But when parents discover how simple planning can make a trip more fun and enjoyable, the difference in the quality of the actual vacation is immeasurable. Remember, the journey to your destination should also form a memorable part of your vacation or holiday.

Are We There Yet - Kids Travel Tips

1. Plan Your Journey - Take time to identify a route that includes plenty of preplanned rest stops or possibly allow extra time to make a couple of stops at certain points of interest for the kids along the way – and I don't mean McDonalds (Try to avoid those high priced motorway services or roadside cafes prices by taking a cooler of refreshments – Little Chef is not known as Little Thief for nothing).

2. Flexible Travel Times - Try leaving for your trip late at night or in the very early hours of the morning. There’s nothing quite like the lull of the road to put bickering kids to sleep - Just be sure it doesn't put you, the driver, to sleep too!!

Also, involving the kids in the excitement of being awake at a time when they know they should be asleep is a huge adventure for them – trust me, my kids still fondly remember the early morning long distance drives we used to take.

3. Keep the little angels occupied - Borrow an idea from the airlines: show a movie. Portable DVD players are much more affordable these days and can be a lifesaver on a long trip! Make goodie bags for the kids but make sure you have a separate bag for each child to avoid arguments.

Again, get the kids involved with the planning and let them help you pack the bag and encourage them to think about what they want to take. Allow your children to choose their favourite toys to take (Within reason of course – can't exactly pack a train set or doll's house on the back seat) and whatever you do - Do Not Forget to pack your child's security blanket or favourite comforter – doing so could spell disaster.

The length of the trip may end up determining the appropriate size for the travel bag but if you are continuing your journey by plane, try to use something that closes tightly to avoid spills or losses. And give some thought to restricted items at airport security checkpoints – little Johnny's toy Uzi might not be well received.

Here are some suggestions for items to include: notebooks, colouring books, coloured pencils, washable markers, crayons, story books, activity books, magnetic games, card games, travel-size board games, hand held electronic games, sticker books, magic slates, small cars, small dolls/action figures, felt books with stick-ons, sewing cards, puzzles, audio books, CD player and headphones.

4. Include Some Healthy Snacks – Next to “Are we there yet?” - “I'm Hungry!” comes a close second. Be prepared by including some Healthy snacks the kids can eat between meals. Choose snacks very carefully to avoid sticky messes and stomach aches. Avoid sticky foodstuffs and drinks that can't be re-sealed and be sure to have some moist wipes to hand for any spillages and for easy clean-up.

Try to avoid sugary sweets and food full of e-numbers – there's nothing worse than a hyper active child in a confined space to increase the stress levels. Some travel-safe snacks might include: dried fruits, sliced apples, carrot sticks, bananas, snack bars, bottled water and small bags of cereal.

Are We There Yet?

Yes. In order to make a long journey to your vacation or holiday destination just as enjoyable and memorable (for all the right reasons) as the stay itself, take some time out to plan your journey carefully.

Involve your children in the planning, get them excited about the journey and make sure they know what to expect along the way. In doing so I guarantee that your vacation or holiday will start and end on a good note.

Safe and Happy Travelling