Summer will be quickly upon us and for many that means VACATION!!!! Whether it is a day trip or a road trip. Whether it is a 1 hour ride or a 12 hour ride; keeping the kids busy and happy can always a challenge. Belinda always used to fall asleep on long rides so we didn’t hear a lot of the “are we there yet?”. She was just like me – I was (and still am) asleep about an hour into riding as a passenger on a long trip. Belinda loved staying at hotels as long as they had a pool and room service but what kid doesn’t, right?
Traveling can be tough on kids, which makes it tough on parents. So here are some tips to help while on the road or when you arrive at the hotel.
Snacks. Picking on snacks and road trips seem to go hand and hand in our family. I can remember snack bags being packed even as a child when we were on the road. Bring the ones your tot likes at home it will save some money, and have some healthy options, and eliminate LOTS of food stops. Let each child have their own bag filled with snacks
Activities: Whether you are on the road or in the hotel, you want to have some of your children’s favorite toys or movies (within reason). Give your kids something familiar to play with by letting them choose a favorite toy to bring along. Let them pack their own activity bag:
I love this suggestion from one of my readers….
Now, you arrive at the hotel – for some kids (not mine) it can be hard to get comfortable. But there are lots of ways to bring a bit of home with you – without bringing your whole house along – that will help your kid feel more at ease and get a better night’s sleep.
Bedding: Wouldn’t you sleep better with your own pillow or a blanket? For kids who crave consistency and routine, these homey touches can make a bland hotel room much more appealing.
Bedtime routine is usually tossed out the window when we travel, right? But taking the time to read a book, or sing a song, or whatever your child loves to do before drifting off to sleep will help.
Bring their favorite sleep item. Belinda has puppy. Puppy went on every trip from the tip she was 2. In fact, puppy traveled to college and if I were to ask her now that she is married where puppy is, I am sure he has a special spot in her home. Make sure you bring that something special that comforts them at night.
What do you bring with you to help your kids feel at home on the road? Share in the comments.
Hope Wissel 