Family Travel tips

 

Top Ten Travel Tips from The Mom on the Run

Colleen "Mom on the Run" Burns searches out the best products, quickest recipes, and most time-saving gadgets to help busy parents take control of their schedules. With five boys at home, Colleen’s an expert at identifying the products and services that can really help to carve out quality time with the family. For more information check out Colleen's website: www.momontherun.tv

 

1. If your summer travel plans include a long car ride, try to plan the bulk of the driving for when the kids will be asleep. If you can drive at night, you won't have to rely so heavily on entertainment (see below), and you just might avoid the “are we there, yet?” chorus from the back of the car!
2. I know we don't generally want our kids to sit zombie-like in front of electronic devices, but on a long car or plane trip, this is definitely preferable to whining or quarreling with siblings. Be sure to bring movie and song players and any hand-held electronics your kids will like. A new movie or two is good to save for the trip, and make sure everything is charged and/or you pack extra batteries.
3. Adults can go longer without a meal than kids. Make sure you remember to feed your children nutritious snacks and small meals throughout the day to keep them in a good mood. This is also the case when you reach your destination. Make sure you eat breakfast at the hotel before sight-seeing. Sometimes we're in such a rush to get to the fun, we push back breakfast, and can't understand why the kids are cranky!
4. Before you start your trip make sure your children are clear on where they will sit in the car or plane, and where they will sleep at the hotel. Making this decision ahead of time will prevent arguments and powerplays later.
5. Be sure to bring along special security items, even if your children insist they're “too big” for them. A favorite toy or blanket along with a bedtime story is the best way to help your child feel at home when sleeping in a strange bed.
6. When you choose a hotel, make sure you're considering more than just location and price. Free breakfast and Internet can help you stretch your budget, and a swimming pool is a great way for your kids to burn off some of that extra energy.
7. A good GPS device will not only help you find your destination and all the best stops along the way. Many are compatible with services that, for a small monthly fee, will give you real-time gas prices, traffic and even movie times.
8. Make sure you give your kids instructions on how to keep safe in a hotel. If they're small, make sure they know not to get on the elevator alone. If they inadvertently end up in an elevator without you, make sure they know to press the "L" or "1" button, and to ask for help at the front desk. Make sure older kids know your room number, in case you become separated.
9. Be sure to pack an empty canvas bag and a couple of empty plastic bags in your luggage. That way you can bring home new purchases and keep dirty or wet clothes separate from your other things.
10. Let your children choose what they want to do on the last day of the vacation. Use it as a reward for good behavior, and leave them with the confidence they helped choose what will probably be the highlight of their trip.