Traveling with children is a completely different experience from traveling without them. Everything takes longer, stops are more frequent and suitcases are heavier. Done properly, however, travel with children is fun and rewarding. A vacation with children allows you to see things through their eyes and for a little while, you can be a kid yourself again. Being prepared and knowing what to expect will make your travels smoother and much more enjoyable.
Traveling by car with children allows you the flexibility to stop traveling when the kids need a break, a meal or a chance to burn off energy. Traveling with kids by car requires a great deal of patience. If you normally could make a drive in seven hours, expect it to take between nine and 10 hours with children in the car. Kids have smaller bladders and will need to stop more often for this reason. They also get antsy being in the car for long periods of time and will need to stop and stretch more often than adults. Planning to travel at night can alleviate some of this, because children will likely fall asleep quickly and stay asleep most of the night.
Air travel has one advantage over any other type of travel---it'll get you where you are going fast. Children under 2 years old do not need their own ticket on most flights, but they will not get their own seat. Ask at your gate to be moved to an aisle with an empty seat for your child. Most flight attendants will move you. Children who use a car seat in the car need to sit in one on the plane if possible, but be sure your child's car seat is labeled FAA approved. Be prepared for unexpected layovers by packing extra snacks, diapers, doses of any medication the children need, and even a change of clothes for younger children. Even if your children are a little old for a stroller, bring it along. In case of a long layover, even a 5- or 6-year-old can get in the stroller for a nap. Plus, a stroller is a great place for everyone to toss carry-on bags.
Look for hotels that are kid-friendly. In general, any hotel near a major tourist, attraction such as an amusement park, is accustomed to welcoming young guests. To be sure that kids will feel at home, give the hotel a call and ask about amenities such as small refrigerators, available cribs and breakfast plans. Some hotels offer a breakfast in the lobby that includes kid-friendly foods like yogurt and cereal. Others have an on-site restaurant with deals such as "Kids Eat Free." Finally, a hotel with a pool is usually kid-friendly. If a hotel you are interested in does not offer any of these options, it is likely not a good choice when traveling with children.
Kids get bored when they have to sit still. Be prepared for the inevitable whining by staying one step ahead of the kids. If you have a travel DVD player, rent some movies from Redbox, Netflix or the public library. Getting to have a special snack is another way to keep kids happy and quiet. If your kids are normally not allowed to have chips or soda, break the rules on your vacation, at least while traveling. Shop your local dollar store and buy small toys, books and coloring books. Keep your bag of goodies up front with you and disburse a new item to each child every hour or so. The anticipation of what they might get next will excite them and keep them in good moods.
Packing light works better for adults than it does for children. Pack two or three outfits more than you think they need. If you will be swimming at your destination, pack at least two swimsuits per child. For toddlers, pack at least one package of diapers for travel. You never know what may happen while you are in the air or on the road. If flying to your destination, pack a change of clothes for each child and a clean shirt for yourself in your carry on bag. If you get delayed overnight or a child has a bathroom accident, you will be prepared with clean clothing.
