A child's travel kit is different from an adult's travel kit. Adults use small bags or cases to carry toiletries and small necessities. Kids' travel kits, however, have the sole purpose of keeping a child entertained while traveling. These activities must be portable, easily contained and amusing enough to keep a child absorbed for an extended period of time.
Travel kits for kids can be store-bought or they can be homemade. An advantage of creating a homemade version is that a parent can tailor the kit to the child's specific likes, tastes and personality. Homemade kits can also be more affordable than pre-made versions, especially those purchased at airports or travel stops. Store-bought kits are easier on parents; all you need to do is choose one, pay for it and hit the road.
Kids' travel kits can include a variety of items. In order to hold a child's interest for long intervals, there are several types of objects that should be included. Art and craft items are a good choice. These allow children to use imagination and keep their hands busy. Games that can be played while traveling are another great option. Some type of personalized activity is a wise choice as well. One child might be able to become engrossed in a book, for example, while a sibling might need something more tactile, such as a handheld video game.
The ideal size of a travel kit for a child should be determined by considering several factors. The first is the age and size of the child. A ten-year-old can handle a much larger kit than a toddler can, and may need more items to keep busy. The length of the trip is another factor. A two-hour plane ride will require fewer activities than a fourteen-hour road trip. Finally, consider the mode of transportation and space available.
There are some final considerations to bear in mind when choosing a travel kit for kids. If there are two or more children traveling together, including games and group activities is a wonderful idea. However, for a single child, a game requiring two or more players may not be appropriate. Also, items in the kit should not be easy to lose, too big to handle, messy or have small parts that could be a choking hazard.
