Typically, kids burn a lot of energy; consequently, they may get thirsty or hungry at any given time. Cover the basics by bringing drinks and snacks for each day that you'll be traveling. For instance, you can pack an assortment of snacks in individual plastic bags for each day and a drink or bottle of water as well. Keep in mind that water is very important to keep your kids hydrated, therefore, it is a good idea to carry extra beverages. Snacks should not substitute meals, plus the more you feed kids on the road, the more bathroom stops you may have to make.
When traveling with kids you need to make sure that they have something to do during the trip. Kids may develop anxiety after being confined to a vehicle for long periods of time. Therefore, occupying their time while traveling is important to avoid boredom and prevent temper tantrums. For instance, if you have a portable DVD player, bring it along to let them watch their favorite shows. Bring other sources of entertainment to avoid overloading them with a single activity. For instance, aside from the DVD player, you can also bring audio books, puzzles, music and toys.
Being prepared is extremely important when traveling with kids. An emergency kit will come in handy in case of a small emergency. Make sure that the emergency kit has hydrogen peroxide, or alcohol, a thermometer, tweezers and different sized band-aids. A mini sewing kit with scissors can also come in very handy if you need to fix any minor tears on your kid's clothing. Medical items that must be in their original containers if you are flying include aspirin and antibiotics as well as anti-fungal and anti-itch solutions. Depending on your type of trip, remember to bring basic toiletries such as lip balm, body lotion, a toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo.
Pack clothing according to your trip. When traveling with kids, it is important that you bring clothing that will make them feel comfortable in the environment they will be exposed to. For instance, for the traveling part of the trip, make sure that kids are dressed comfortably with loose fitting clothing. Bring enough underwear and socks, keeping in mind that kids tends to get messy quickly when playing around. Take shoes that are appropriate for your final destination as well as for the trip. For instance, if you are going to the beach, bring sandals and water shoes. Bring sweaters even if you are going to a warm place. It isn't uncommon for warm places to get nippy at night. Depending on the season or your traveling plans, remember to bring windbreakers or ponchos, a dressy outfit, water gear or winter gear. Avoid packing clothes or shoes for every single day of your trip; instead, try to pack things that will serve double duty.
When you travel with kids, you are building memories. These trips make an impression on kids that can last a lifetime. To capture these moments and revisit them in the future, bring a video camera, camera or travel journal to write about the trip. Also, don't forget to take the traveling documents that are required for your specific traveling plans, such as passports, licenses or IDs and permits.
