Parenting
Guest Post
by Dr. Suzanne Barchers
Traveling With Children During the Holidays
For most people, the idea of traveling with kids sounds great, but the reality can be quite different. Here are some key things moms and dads should consider before booking a trip.
- To prepare for a trip with children, have kids practice using a backpack or pulling a small suitcase and involve them in the steps of planning, organizing, and packing
- Check if your airline or train offers early boarding to make the process smoother.
- Engage with other parents for tips and advice, and if traveling by car, let the kids help choose snacks and activities
- Expect hiccups along the way and pack essentials like children’s Tylenol, sanitizing wipes, extra clothes, Band-Aids, and anything else that might address potential issues like ear infections (consult your doctor beforehand if flying)
- Teach kids to pack daily outfits in gallon bags, include extras like swimsuits, and use a laundry bag with detergent for sink washes to keep their belongings organized and tidy
On travel day, allow extra time for each step, from reaching the transit center to getting seated. Bring multi-purpose items like hand sanitizer, which can clean, disinfect, or even serve as a fun distraction. Help kids engage with the trip by sharing fun facts and exploring books or videos about the destination and mode of travel.
Hacks for Keeping Kids Occupied In Transit
- Make travel with kids smoother by discussing protocols beforehand, including sharing space in a car,train, or airplane. Research engaging activities on sites like Lingokids.com or MomsMinivan.com for fun travel games.
- Pack small new items to keep children entertained, such as toys, books, coloring books, or a new app like Lingokids.
- Consider creative options like wipe-off boards, discovery bottles, or sensory balls, which can double as post-trip art tools (use them to roll paint across paper).
- Include special treats for the journey, but be mindful of sugar content.
- Finally, pack washi tape to let kids decorate their seat area, which can easily peel off when the trip ends.
Things to Avoid while Traveling
To ensure smooth and enjoyable travel with children, try to maintain their usual sleep and meal schedules as much as possible. When traveling internationally, exercise patience with jet lag and be understanding if your child experiences a meltdown. Limit sugary treats and fast food, try choosing sit-down meals for restful breaks. Avoid non-stop action by pacing your activities; assume you won’t see everything and plan for rest breaks to keep the experience enjoyable. Avoid conflicts over daily plans by creating a schedule in advance that allows input from all family members. Balance structured activities with downtime, like poolside relaxation, and incorporate quiet days into the itinerary. Finally, minimize cell phone use to stay present. For teens, encourage using phones primarily for taking pictures.
Recommended Activities while Traveling
Traveling with kids can be a rewarding experience, and cruises are an excellent option for exploring multiple destinations without the hassle of constant packing and unpacking. When planning excursions, choose them together, avoiding overly long tours. Spending extended time in one city or region allows for a mix of structured tours and spontaneous walkabouts. Cooking classes and walking food tours provide fun, interactive ways to explore local flavors for all ages. Don’t shy away from including adult-oriented activities like wine or cheese tastings that can be adapted for kids with thoughtful planning, ensuring enriching experiences for the whole family.
Activities to Avoid While Traveling
When planning activities with kids during a trip, it’s important to balance excitement with practicality. Long bus tours can quickly become tedious for young ones, and museum visits should be kept short to avoid exhausting them or making them feel dragged around. Beach outings should be carefully managed to prevent sunburn, hunger-induced meltdowns, or overexertion. Overall, don’t feel pressured to pack in every possible activity—leaving room for downtime can make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
What Parents Should Do When Feeling Overwhelmed or Stressed
When traveling with kids, it's essential to stay open and honest. Let them know when things are challenging and that you're doing your best. Be sure to build in breaks -- a quick coffee or juice stop can prevent meltdowns. Pack plenty of patience, and remember that while the mishaps like sudden rainstorms or spilled drinks might seem overwhelming now, they’ll fade, leaving behind cherished memories. Capture those moments with lots of photos and video and be sure to encourage kids to take some too, adding their perspective to the shared experience.
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but with thoughtful preparation and a flexible mindset, it can also be a deeply rewarding experience.
About the Author
Dr. Suzanne Barchers is Education Advisory Board Chair at Lingokids. Barchers is former VP of Leapfrog Enterprises; Award-winning author of 300+ books for educators and children; and has served on the Advisory Boards of PBS and the Association of Educational Publishers.
