Take the Headache Out of Traveling With Children With These Tips

Disclosure: This was a sponsored post with Hilton Homewood Suites and the HWS/H2 Dads Team campaign. All opinions are my own.

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Undertaking the challenge of traveling with children can be daunting. When you embark on a trip there are many issues to consider. However, finding solutions to common travel obstacles can result in fun family vacations.

Taking the Headache Out of Traveling With Children

Keeping Your Kids Safe Along the Way

• Prior to travel inquire about how to use your health care in different locations.
• If your child has food allergies find restaurants and grocery stores that provide allergy friendly foods.
• Prepare a first aid kit.
• Consider investing in a child locator.
• Dress kids in bright clothing that will stand out in a crowd.
• Think about giving older children a cell phone.

Traveling with children by plane presents some unique challenges. The idea of managing luggage and cranky kids is enough to send any parent into a panic. But with a little planning the challenges of air travel can be conquered.

Packing for Plane Travel

• Carry tickets, passports, and travel documents in a secure and easy to access bag.
• Keep in mind that it is possible your luggage could be lost. Prepare for this by packing bags that you can keep with you at all times. Include extra clothing and other essential items.
• If you’re traveling with a baby make sure that you pack extra diapers, bottles, formula, and baby wipes.
• Bring plastic bags to dispose of dirty diapers and store soiled clothing in.

Getting Through Airport Security

• Think about the shoes that you and the children will wear. Chose ones that are easy to take off and put back on.
• Find out if you will need authorization to carry certain medications. For example, an epi-pen is a must for children with severe allergies, but it could be viewed as a weapon by airport security.
• Notify airplane staff about food allergies and precautions that need to be taken to ensure your child’s safety.

For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return. – Leonardo da Vinci

Before You Board the Plane

• Explore the area around you while you’re waiting to board the flight. This is the last opportunity that the kids will have to burn off energy.
• Take the time to have everyone use the restroom before boarding the plane.

Food for the Flight

• Give each child a snack pack. To eliminate any fighting over snacks make each pack identical.
• Pack snacks that are not sugary, hyper children and crowded planes don’t mix well.
• Chose foods that don’t melt, crumble, or get sticky
• Remember to bring chewy snacks, drinks, and gum for take off and landing.

Entertainment

• Provide older children with a travel journal and camera.
• Bring activity books and coloring books for younger kids, but bring small packs of crayons.
• Supply stickers and notebooks that can be decorated.

Family road trips are a popular way to travel. At the outset of the trip, everyone is excited and can’t wait to hit the road. The key to a successful road trip is to keep the kids excited and engaged as you travel.

Prior to Hitting the Road

• Inspect your car to make sure it is in good repair.
• Check car seats for proper installation.
• Carry basic emergency car items.
• Consider whether the children will be comfortable in the car.

Pit Stops

• Find safe places to stop so the kids can have some time to play and move around.
• Know the location of emergency services along your route.
• Make hotel reservations in advance.
• Have children use the restroom every time you stop.

Engaging Children Along the Way

• Incorporate side trips to check out interesting places. Consider visiting local zoos, aquariums, and children’s museums.
• Make maps that show the route of the trip. Include any stops that you plan to make along the way. Children will be able to track the progress of your trip.
• Play games as a family. Old standbys like I spy, twenty questions, and the alphabet game engage the whole family.

Traveling with kids can be a large endeavor, but with a little planning, any trip can be safe, stress-free, and fun.

For more tips, advice, stories, and other great content from some terrific travelMANagers on planning and booking travel, visit the TravelMANager site.