Traveling with kids can be fun, a hassle, or both. Kids get bored easily, and they get hungry, tired, overwhelmed, and want to go home. However, there are ways to make travel more fun for them and manageable for you. So let’s dive in with some tips and tricks to make munchkin travel easier!
Snacks
Anytime you’re traveling with kids, you’ll need snacks. One of the best things you can do is have a little box with a lid or a little backpack (social media has tons of inspiration if you are a visual person), and fill it with the snacks they like. I’d recommend doing non-refrigerated snacks because they don’t last as long as others. Try your best to make the snacks healthy so you avoid the sugar crash.
Bathroom Stops
If you’re driving, remember that you’ll need to stop for the bathroom. Kids have teeny tiny bladders, and after one cup of water, they’ll need to go. Rest stops are typically every fifty to one hundred miles, but remember, they’re not always safe. Be careful to watch your grandchildren and ensure that you’re all safe when stopping.
Running Around
Another helpful tip is to let them run around after you’ve stopped for the bathroom. Keep your eyes on them and play games with them, but try to let them run or skip. The idea is to let them burn off some of the energy so they won’t be so bored in the car. Taking thirty minutes is going to save you a lot of headaches later.
Know Your Limits
Physically, grandparents have limits, and the kids do too. Depending on their age, walking around all day is going to drain them. Not to mention it’s going to drain you. So, the best thing to do is to research activities like short hikes, museums, or something that is low-key. If you have a child who suffers from motion sickness, a theme park may not be the best idea.
Financial Stress
Kids want to have fun, but fun can cost. So, a great thing to do is create a budget, and if you want, let the kids be involved. It teaches them about money and still lets them have choices. For instance, if you have $100 for souvenirs, let the kids have choices that stay under budget.
Essentials
Always have the essentials with you. Sunscreen, extra clothing, lighting, navigation, and more are all things that you’re going to need. Other things that you’ll need include first aid kits, repair kits, and extra food and water. You never know what could happen, so you need to be prepared for the best and worst.
Travel Insurance
Grandparents can use travel insurance too. It covers the grandkids, too, and it ensures that if anything happens, you’re protected and they are too. This ties into the essentials area because you always have to be prepared and think ahead of what could happen. Always make sure you’ve covered all your bases.
Optimal Driving Time
If the kids you’re traveling with are younger, think about going in the early morning or driving at night, as long as you’re safe. As we age, we can’t usually drive all night. If that’s your case, then sleep at night and get up early in the morning. Chances are, your child will sleep for most of the ride. Be prepared for a little crankiness, but know that it will pass.
Safety
If the kids need car seats, then make sure they have the right ones, that you know what you’re doing, and that they are strapped in properly. When people get stressed, things get missed, and you need to make sure that you’re paying attention to the safety of yourself and the children.
Get A Good Hotel
Now, we’re not saying blow $1,000 a night and go to something fancy, but you don’t want to end up in the middle of nowhere at a creepy destination either. Read the reviews, and make sure you’ve got a good hotel. If the hotel offers breakfast, pools, or other extras, you’ll have options for eating and playtime that they might like.
Music
Whether you’re listening or singing, it can put kids in a good mood. Let them dance in their seats, sing loudly, and have fun. No one can hear you inside the car, and it’s a good way to get the kids to behave longer. Not to mention having random karaoke in the car can burn off a lot of energy.
Games
Car games are a fun option too. One of my fondest memories is sitting in the back of my grandparents’ car with my sister playing the alphabet game, the license plate game, or others. If they want to play by themselves, you can have a kit with colored pencils, coloring books, or small toys. Travel magnetic games are popular now as well.
Try Limiting Screens
Portable DVD players in the car can help relax the kids. It’s easy to sit back, watch a movie, and forget that you’ve been in the car for a long time. The same is true for other electronic devices; there are times when it keeps them quiet. However, it can also make them sluggish, cranky, and more disobedient. Try to find the balance between screens and things that aren’t digital. You’ll build a better relationship.
Allow Down Time
No one can go all the time for hours on end. You need to plan for downtime and ensure that everyone has time to play and relax. If you’re constantly on the go, the kids will be tired, they won’t be able to keep up, and it’s going to take its toll on both them and you.
Sleep
One reality of traveling with kids is that they need sleep, and you need to remember that if they don’t get enough sleep, it’s not going to be a good morning when they wake up. Try to keep them on a semblance of a routine. This way, they know what to expect, and it helps them adjust.
Plan Ahead
Planning ahead for issues and using smart tips like these will make the trip go a lot smoother. Keep in mind that kids sometimes get frustrated, and it can be difficult for them and you to maintain your composure. Try to stay calm and have fun. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
