How to Plan a Trip With Children

By eHow Travel Editor

Rate: (3 Ratings)

Traveling together is one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have. Road-tripping, catching the Big One at the lake and hearing Mom scream on the roller coaster all make it worthwhile. Memories are there for the making-get those bags packed!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1
Choose a kid-friendly destination. Any cruise or resort will likely trump a big-city visit if you've got a child under the age of 5. Most cruise ships and some hotels offer camplike programs.
Step2
Consider the perils of jet lag on long-distance vacations. If you don't know how your child reacts to significant time changes, factor this into your choice of destination. He or she (and you) may be up all night and sleepy all day for the first half of the trip. Instead of wasting the vacation, take a shorter jaunt closer to home.
Step3
Establish the rules of the road before you even leave the house.
Step4
Create a boredom survival kit for each child: Action figures, dolls, and plastic or stuffed animals for younger kids; books, drawing supplies and handheld video games for older ones. For a long road trip, borrow books on tape from the library or invest in a portable DVD player (starting at less than $200). Or set kids up with their own CD players and headphones.
Step5
Take advantage of younger children's sleep patterns. Hit the road early so kids stay asleep for the first few hours. Plan for an easy breakfast break. Or drive late at night if you're not exhausted.

Tips & Warnings

  • Be prepared for mobile mopups with bottled water, napkins, plastic bags for wet clothing or trash, and wet wipes to wipe down surfaces and people.
  • Pack the car the night before to avoid a frantic morning.
  • Klutz.com offers a wealth of travel kits for all ages.
  • Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Pack a first aid kit, motion-sickness medication, barf bags and a change of clothes for each child.
  • If you have a different surname than your child, carry a photocopy of the child's birth certificate at all times as evidence of guardianship.

Comments

| View All Comments
Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 8/8/2006 If you child has a favorite toy that they cannot go to sleep without, then if you remember nothing else, remember this, otherwise a sleepless holiday could ensue! With the obvious exception of your passport and tickets, most things you forget can be picked up abroad. But if you accidentally leave teddy at home, you're not going to be able to buy a replacement.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

Flag This Comment

on 6/30/2006 If you child has a favorite toy or teddy that they cannot go to sleep without, then if you remember nothing else, remember this, otherwise a sleepless holiday could ensue! With the obvious exception of your passport and tickets, most things you forget can be picked up abroad. But if you accidentally leave teddy at home you're not going to be able to buy a replacement.

View All

Post a Comment

POST A COMMENT

Request a New How-To Article

Looking for more How To information? Chances are there’s an eHow member who knows how to do what you’re looking to do. Submit an article request now!

eHow Article:  How to Plan a Trip With Children

eHow Travel Editor

eHow Travel Editor

Category: Travel

Articles: See my other articles

Related Ads

Plan a Trip

How to Plan a Trip
By: eHow Travel Editor


Travel With Teens

How to Travel With Teens
By: eHow Travel Editor



Travel With Kids

How to Travel With Kids
By: eHow Parenting Editor


Feed Your Child on a Road Trip

How to Feed Your Child on a Road Trip
By: eHow Parenting Editor


Travel

ZachC
Meet Zach Chouteau eHow’s Travel Expert.