Whether you’re hitting the road or taking to the sky, traveling with your children in tow can make for a memorable start to any family trip! A bit of planning and preparation will go a long way to ensure the first leg of your journey runs smoothly. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks to satisfy even the tiniest intrepid navigator. Bon voyage!
Snacks, Lots of Snacks
When it comes to traveling with your children, snacks are typically at the top of every “must-have” list! Pack some items that your child doesn’t typically get to eat and will be excited about. If you have an older toddler, think about packing a bento box (or large pill box organizer like this one) packed full of snacks like dried fruit, nuts, veggies, edamame, cereal, and any other filling treat. Try to pick fun foods that also have health benefits.
Be sure to prepare for the unexpected (a delayed flight or traffic jam) and pack more than you think you might need. Don’t forget to pack some of your favorite snacks too!
The Power of Play
Keeping children entertained is an important part of a long travel day. We love these Yoto and Toniebox audio players for preschoolers. The stories and sounds will capture your child’s interest and can be used with headphones for quiet time. You can also make several activity bags packed with different books, crayons with paper to color on, window gel stickers, and smaller-sized toys. You can check out some of our favorite items for a variety of ages on our curated Amazon page, and take a look at this article for some creative ways to keep your child entertained in the car.
Plan A Strategic Trip Itinerary
If you have a long drive ahead, think about leaving early in the morning. Wake your kids right before you leave, change their diapers (or let them use the potty), and get them in the car. They might fall back to sleep, but if not, it’ll take some time for them to fully wake up. Then, you can give them a pre-packed breakfast to enjoy quietly. Once they’re fully awake, you’ll already be a few hours into your trip!
Plan your stops to include rest areas with playgrounds or plenty of room for your children to run around and burn off some energy. You can do a bit of research before your trip to identify some solid stopping points.
Keep A Modified Schedule
To help your children adapt to the change a travel day brings, try your best to stick to their normal eating and sleep schedule. For example, if your children usually nap after lunch, it’s okay to encourage a car or airplane “quiet time” to help them rest. Depending on your child’s age, they may easily fall asleep around their regular nap time.
When you’re choosing a flight, pricing may dictate which flight you choose, but if prices are close, check the flight times and compare them to your children’s sleep schedule. If you can’t pick a flight that works with your child’s schedule, don’t worry about it. Just try to let them get as much rest before and after your flight as possible. And if you are flying, check out this article for some additional tips to help you prepare!
Simple Tips and Tricks
These tips may be simple, but they can make a major difference when it comes to long road trips (and can be adapted for plane rides)!
- Pack a clean-up kit and keep it handy. This kit can include ziplock bags for soiled clothes, disinfecting wipes, paper towels, and even a spare trash bag.
- Pack strategically. Organize your diaper bag to make pit stops extra quick! Fill this bag with diapers, wipes, a spare change of clothes, a spare water bottle that’s pre-filled, and a few snacks to grab and quickly pass around.
A Partner For Parents
The Gardner School is proud to partner with parents and provide support as you provide your children with new experiences. Take a look at our blog page for inspiration and helpful tips on a wide variety of topics.
Interested in enrolling your child at The Gardner School location in your area? Reach out to schedule a tour! We’re always here to answer your questions.
