Tips for Traveling With Children
Thinking about traveling used to conjure up thoughts of white sandy beaches and relaxation. That was before I became a mommy. Now, even getting to our destination can hold its own set of challenges! I often return from a trip feeling like a need a vacation! I know that you moms out there are giving me an “Amen” right now. Perhaps these tips can make your next trip a tad more enjoyable for you!
Pack light: Bring only the essentials. The more you bring, the more you have to keep up with and the heavier the bags. Think through the last several trips you took. It has been my personal experience that we do not use all of the outfits that I’ve packed. Try to keep things to a minimum. Additionally, if you are traveling with small kids, you might also require a lot of “other” things like a car seat, a stroller, a play pen or some type of temporary crib, a high chair or booster seat. Before you assume that you have to take all of your own items along with you, check out this cool site www.babysaway.com where you can rent gear instead of packing it all. Also, some car rental companies rent child safety seats and some hotels offer childproof rooms or cribs upon request. (In making travel arrangements for my boss, I have noticed that Enterprise gives the option to include a child car seat). Call ahead.
Expect the unexpected: I know, it sounds like I’m contradict my first tip, but it is also important to make sure you have plenty of what you need in your carry-on: diapers, wipes (which are great for a multitude of things), medications, change of clothes, snacks, and a new coloring book or quiet game that they have not yet encountered – promising to provide a small repreave for you (and others around you!)
On the back of tip 2, I’m going to reiterate. . . bring quiet toys and games with you: Be sure to bring something to keep everyone entertained, but don’t forget the all important things like headphones! You and everyone else will be glad you did. Consider having a bag or backpack for each child, in which they can carry with their chosen toys, books, etc.
Flying?: Two things that you need to be aware of. First of all, your own car seat does NOT count as checked luggage on any airline – and you will not be charged. Second, if you have a child under the age of two, then he/she technically doesn’t need a paid seat on the plane. You can save money this way, but be aware that the trade off is that this little one will need to be on yours (or daddy’s) lap for the duration of the trip. . . so it might be worth purchasing a seat. That’s your call.
Seek out restaurants where kids eat free: This can mean an enormous saving for a larger family (like ours – six children!) Children are many times too excited or tired to eat much at a time. There are often also many restaurants that offer a free meals for one or two of your children with the purchase of an adult meal on different days of the week.
Bring your own stroller. I know. . . I told you to see if you can rent a stroller in an earlier tip, but in this tip, I’m referring to times that you and your family are going to visit theme parks or that type of destination. If you have to rent them at the destination, it can cost you anywhere from $7 to $30 (for a double) a day in rental fees!
Bring along individual refillable water bottles. These can be refilled at the hotel and at restaurants around your destination. A family of four could easily spend $20 or more a day just buying water.
The most important tip of all is to be flexible. Lines will be long, traffic will be heavy, flights will be delayed and children (and adults) will get grumpy. But with just a little planning and an open mind, you’ll survive and enjoy another family vacation. This is going to be another great memory for you and your children!
Pack light: Bring only the essentials. The more you bring, the more you have to keep up with and the heavier the bags. Think through the last several trips you took. It has been my personal experience that we do not use all of the outfits that I’ve packed. Try to keep things to a minimum. Additionally, if you are traveling with small kids, you might also require a lot of “other” things like a car seat, a stroller, a play pen or some type of temporary crib, a high chair or booster seat. Before you assume that you have to take all of your own items along with you, check out this cool site www.babysaway.com where you can rent gear instead of packing it all. Also, some car rental companies rent child safety seats and some hotels offer childproof rooms or cribs upon request. (In making travel arrangements for my boss, I have noticed that Enterprise gives the option to include a child car seat). Call ahead.
Expect the unexpected: I know, it sounds like I’m contradict my first tip, but it is also important to make sure you have plenty of what you need in your carry-on: diapers, wipes (which are great for a multitude of things), medications, change of clothes, snacks, and a new coloring book or quiet game that they have not yet encountered – promising to provide a small repreave for you (and others around you!)
On the back of tip 2, I’m going to reiterate. . . bring quiet toys and games with you: Be sure to bring something to keep everyone entertained, but don’t forget the all important things like headphones! You and everyone else will be glad you did. Consider having a bag or backpack for each child, in which they can carry with their chosen toys, books, etc.
Flying?: Two things that you need to be aware of. First of all, your own car seat does NOT count as checked luggage on any airline – and you will not be charged. Second, if you have a child under the age of two, then he/she technically doesn’t need a paid seat on the plane. You can save money this way, but be aware that the trade off is that this little one will need to be on yours (or daddy’s) lap for the duration of the trip. . . so it might be worth purchasing a seat. That’s your call.
Seek out restaurants where kids eat free: This can mean an enormous saving for a larger family (like ours – six children!) Children are many times too excited or tired to eat much at a time. There are often also many restaurants that offer a free meals for one or two of your children with the purchase of an adult meal on different days of the week.
Bring your own stroller. I know. . . I told you to see if you can rent a stroller in an earlier tip, but in this tip, I’m referring to times that you and your family are going to visit theme parks or that type of destination. If you have to rent them at the destination, it can cost you anywhere from $7 to $30 (for a double) a day in rental fees!
Bring along individual refillable water bottles. These can be refilled at the hotel and at restaurants around your destination. A family of four could easily spend $20 or more a day just buying water.
The most important tip of all is to be flexible. Lines will be long, traffic will be heavy, flights will be delayed and children (and adults) will get grumpy. But with just a little planning and an open mind, you’ll survive and enjoy another family vacation. This is going to be another great memory for you and your children!
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