Traveling after having kids is tricky, but it’s in no way impossible. Having children shouldn’t mean putting an end to your wanderlust or tossing your travel dreams aside. Whether you’re toting a toddler across the world or dragging an unenthusiastic teen along on a road trip, traveling with kids always ends up being an enriching experience for the family. Here’s how to make sure your travels are easy and fun for everyone! Presenting you Travel tips to parents when kids are on the board.

 

• Secure the Fort : To maximize your peace of mind while you’re away, be sure you have a plan for your home in your absence. Even if you don’t have a home security system and won’t be hiring a house sitter, this guide from High Security Home outlines some important steps to take (and avoid!) to ensure your property is secure while you’re away. For example, you can install motion-sensored lights outside that illuminate any time someone enters your home’s perimeter, lock down your garage door and windows so they can’t be opened, and let a neighbor know that you’ll be out of town and that you’re not expecting anyone to stop by.

 

• Get Them Involved in Planning : One of the best things to do to keep children of any age happy on your travels is to let them be involved in the planning. According to PBS Parents, getting them involved in planning can even help your kids remember the trip better. Show your kids pictures of the places you have in mind, and ask them about things they might want to do or see. Teens, especially, are more likely to enjoy the trip if they’ve had some say in it.

 

• Prepare for Nerves : If this is your first family trip, a long car ride or plane trip might feel overwhelming to your youngster, so plan accordingly. One option worth considering is CBD oil, which is safe for people of all ages, has been proven to lower anxiety levels, and is contained in small, travel-friendly containers. Of course, it’s important to speak with your child’s pediatrician and consult a buying guide before choosing a formula. Another way to help your little one calm their nerves is to let them know what to expect for each leg of the trip. Talk them through your driving or flying schedule, and if you’re riding a plane together for the first time, discuss the sights, sounds, and sensations they can expect. For example, they may feel like their tummy is flipping during takeoff, but it only lasts a second and is nothing to be sacred over!

 

• Keep Your Kids Well-Fed : To avoid cranky children of any age, make sure you keep them well-fed! Stopping for food along the way can quickly get expensive, not to mention unhealthy. Healthline recommends avoiding junk food to keep your family from getting drained and tired, so you can all arrive at your destinations happy and energized. So, it’s important to avoid unhealthy items such as chips, soda and candy. Try to prepare some healthy meals and snacks that you can easily serve toy our kids when hunger strikes while you’re on the go. Some great examples include good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, crackers or veggies with hummus, homemade wraps, and protein boxes.

 

• Make Sure Your Kids are Always Rested : It can be difficult for people of any age to sleep in an unfamiliar place. Help your kids adjust to time differences and get over jet lag by allowing a couple of extra days after arrival for them to get on an appropriate sleep schedule. Don’t book large events or tours for the first couple of days. Your whole family can stave off jet lag by staying outside in daylight and avoiding naps during the day. Though you and your older children should avoid sleeping until night, make sure babies and toddlers get their regular naps in.

 

• Give Your Family Plenty of Space : If it’s possible, always try to book accommodations with two rooms. It can be difficult for your entire family to get a good rest if you’re sharing one room. You’ll have to either go to bed early with the young ones, or risk waking them up if you and your older children stay awake. Ask to be upgraded to a suite at your hotel, or try booking some short-term apartment rentals instead. Often, these are the same price or even cheaper than hotels. Short-term rentals can also help your kids feel more comfortable, since apartments are homier than hotel rooms.

 

• Be Ready to Entertain : Keeping young children happy during long car or plane rides can be difficult. Before you leave, pack a bag full of fun activities to help them stave off boredom. Electronic entertainment can keep them occupied for hours with movies, shows, and games. When they’ve had enough screen time, break out the creative activities. Some great ideas include personal whiteboards for drawing and writing on, activity books, and even Silly Putty and colored pipe cleaners.

 

One of the most important tips for parents about to travel with kids is to set realistic
expectations. Of course, this is your vacation, too, but you have to be ready for some of your plans to go out the window when your kid suddenly needs some downtime. Remember to take your time and let your kids explore at their own pace. Even if things seem to go wrong at every turn, consider it an adventure and a learning experience so you can travel with ease next time.

Happy Traveling!!

 

About the author:

Daniel is a single dad raising two children. His goal is to provide other single dads with information and resources to help them better equip themselves on the journey that is parenthood.