Planning Family Travel
Twelve months ago, I had no idea how challenging it was to travel with a toddler. So I really didn’t know what I was in for when we decided to spend the holidays in a cabin at the Lake of the Ozarks with our daughter. Now that we’re home, I thought it might be nice to share some ideas for traveling with toddlers. Despite the fact that we had a few rough moments during our trip, I learned a lot about traveling with my daughter. Now that I know what to do (and what not to do), I’m looking forward to traveling with my daughter. Here you will find some ideas to encourage a smooth journey when traveling with your little one.
Travel While Your Child Sleeps
From our home just outside Kansas City, Kansas to the resort in the Lake of the Ozarks we stayed at, the trip took about four hours. During the first leg of our journey we traveled while our daughter was awake, something I would never advise a parent to do. This leads to the first travel tip: Drive while you’re child is asleep. After having learned our lesson, we make sure that we traveled while she slept on the way home.
Make Frequent Stops
If you can’t drive during naps or at nighttime, it’s a good idea to plan for frequent stops. This way, your child can get out, see you (especially important when you have a child that’s still rear facing in a car seat) and expell some of that pent up energy that toddlers always seem to have. Map out your travel ahead of time so that you can intentionally stop at interesting places, parks or unique restaurants that your toddler will enjoy.
There’s No Crying On Road Trips
As many parents know, being in a confined space with a screaming toddler is one of the worst things in the world. So it’s best to do what you can to prevent that from happening. One of the easiest ways to accomplish that goal is to encourage good behavior. I suggest having a new toy, game or activity that you introduce at various points throughout your trip when your child is displaying good behavior.
Scenery Is Important
As an adult, I find nature to be awe inspiring and beautiful. In fact, it’s one of the most enjoyable parts of travel. But I can’t expect my daughter to get the same joy while looking out the window. So you have to provide some scenery that sparks your child’s interest. Borrowing fun picture books or bringing games is a great way to give your little one something to look at in the car.
Keep It Fun
Playing a DVD is a great way to distract your child from becoming tired of being in the car. Finding educational DVDs that promote development in young children is a great way to achieve this goal.
Above all, try to have fun. Trips with your little ones are supposed to be fun for everyone. Planning ahead can ensure that your trip is the best it can be.
