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Tips for Traveling with
Children
by
Donna Kirdahy, Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County
Car trips and the annual summer vacation
with the children can quickly deteriorate into a Chevy
Chase farce, complete with crying kids and frustrated
parents.
If there are marital issues or if the
children have behavioral problems, a vacation won’t
solve them, and the stress may exacerbate them. Keeping
your own expectations in check helps ensure a happy vacation
for parents and children.
To help ensure a happy summer, Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County offers the following
tips for managing the five main problem areas parents
encounter when traveling with children.
Too
Much
Don’t cram everything into your
schedule, adhering to rigid itineraries. Flexibility is
key to enjoying time together and changing plans in the
event of rain, boredom, or too much of a good thing. Have
a general plan for where you want to go and what you want
to do, but try to plan familiar stops for children such
as playgrounds, hotel pools and even libraries.
Down time is essential to refresh children.
These stops may actually wind up being the most memorable
parts of the trip. Break up morning and evening visits
to amusement parks with a rest in the afternoon, especially
during the heat of the day. Go back to the hotel to nap
in an air-conditioned room, or take a dip in the pool
giving everyone the opportunity to relax and enjoy less
active pleasures, such as reading.
Too
Little
The opposite of trying to cram in too
many activities is too much rest and relaxation. While
parents crave lounging poolside or at a beach, the appeal
of languid activities can wear off quickly for active
children. Some vacation locations offer children’s
activities while parents pursue adult interests, but even
if the resort doesn’t cater to children, chances
are babysitters are available so parents can enjoy a leisurely
dinner at an adult-oriented restaurant. This is often
the perfect finale to a day spent in active family pursuits.
Sightseeing
Long drives in the car, shopping marathons,
and vigorous walking are activities sure to create bored,
tired and cranky kids. When stopping for sightseeing,
what may interest adults may not interest young childen.
Ideally, two or more adults vacationing with children
can divide time with the children and time enjoying more
adult activities.
Eating
Out
Choose kid-friendly restaurants for meals.
Children don’t usually like to try different foods,
so check menus for familiar items. Although adults enjoy
lingering over a meal, children are notoriously antsy
about waiting, either before being served or after eating.
Books, puzzle books and even hand-held video games (with
the sound turned off) can amuse waiting children.
An alternative to restaurants which provide
comfort foods for children is to book into a cabin or
suite with kitchen facilities. Simple breakfasts and packed
lunches and snacks stretch vacation dollars and offer
children an informal and familiar way to eat while away
from home.
Drive
Time
Last, but certainly not least is the
dreaded drive to and from the vacation site. Being prepared
and willing to be flexible in the driving schedule will
make the trip much more pleasant for everyone. Don’t
wait too long before stopping for a stretch or snack.
Bring healthy snacks for the car trip. Permit children
to bring a toy, stuffed animal or other favorite item
from home. Have a selection of games to play in the car,
books on tape, and books, puzzle books and video games.
Be sensitive to motion sickness.
Basic
Needs & Routines
Help children adapt to new situations
by minimizing disruptions to their routines. They will
still need 10-12 hours of sleep, want their usual foods
and favorite toys.
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