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A
Travel Guide for Parents - Family Vacations
Family vacations can be one of the best
ways to make memories that will last you and your kids a
lifetime. But no matter how long you are staying at your
chosen destination, when traveling with children
the longest part of the trip can be your journey there. Long rides in
a car or airplane can seem endless for young kids who can
not wait to get to their vacation destination. It can also
seem endless for parents who have to listen to choruses of
the infamous line, “Are we there yet?” However, by keeping
in mind a few kid friendly travel tips, parents can make
the travel time fly by for their kids and themselves.
For kids, going away on a family vacation can be the highlight
of their summer. No wonder they can be restless when the
moment finally arrives and they are on their way to the beach,
theme park, or other destination. It is a given that children
will be excited about getting to their vacation spot but
parents can make the trip seem shorter by preparing a variety
of games and activities to keep their children occupied and
keep their minds off of the journey.
For
long car rides there are a number of games that can make
the time fly by. Children typically get tired
of playing the same games they play day after day, so
why not spice
things up by offering them games that are made for long car
trips. One of these games involves finding the letters of
the alphabet on road signs. For example, if you pass by a
sign that reads “Albert’s Chicken Restaurant” the letters
A, B, and C are found. When you pass by the next sign, look
for D. If there are two kids in the backseat make it a competition
by only allowing them to use signs on their side of the road.
Another car game for long trips on Interstate highways is
the license plate game, where your children try to find cars
with license plates from different states – see if they can
find all fifty!
When
kids get restless on car rides it can wear on a parent’s
patience. But when young children
get restless on airplane
rides, it can irritate an entire jet full of passengers.
For every parent planning to fly with young children, particularly
infants and toddlers, it is their worst nightmare to be
the person walking up and down the plane aisle with a screaming
baby. Flying on a large airliner for the first time can
be
intimidating for young children. And for babies who do
not understand what is happening, the sensations of taking
off
and landing can cause distress. Like car rides, keeping
kids entertained on airplanes is key. Activities on planes
are
somewhat easier since the ride is generally smoother and
kids have the use of the pop-down trays to use as a table
top for activities such as drawing or coloring. Perhaps one of the most sensible but often overlooked tips
is to provide your kids with a few new activities
rather than bringing toys or games they have played with
or used
countless times already. Purchase a few new books, coloring
books, or travel games. The novelty of the new items will
keep kids occupied longer than their old toys will. When
traveling with children too young to keep occupied with toys,
your best bet is to keep them comfortable. Make sure your
baby does not take a nap right before the flight; this will
liken the chance that he or she will sleep during the plane
ride. Small babies should be given bottles while the plane
is taking off. Feeding them during take-off usually prevents
your baby’s ears from popping. It is best to avoid your baby’s
ears popping as this will cause the baby discomfort and an
unfamiliar feeling.
Parents will find that the key to traveling with children
is to always have something ready to counter an, “Are we
there yet?” It is the best bet to avoid arguments on long
family car trips. A game, puzzle, coloring activity or book
will provide a good chunk of time where parents can sit back,
relax and enjoy the ride.
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