50+ Lifestyles

Tips for a Successful Trip with Children

By Debi Shady-Dahl
Family Support Worker
Child Abuse Council

Traveling with children is not always easy! Before setting out on upcoming holiday travel, there are many things to
consider for preparation. Whether it is a day trip, overnight trip, or long-term trip is to be determined. The ages of the
children may also influence what you do to prepare.

Here are some tips I have found helpful when traveling with young children:

• Take an activity or toy that the children can do quietly in the car or one that is interactive with others in the car like, “I spy,” or Magic markers and paper (extra tip: fill an old empty DVD case with paper cut to size and crayons-individual art boxes!)
• Take a few extra throw pillows and a couple of blankets
• Light finger snacks or individually packages of snacks like crackers are helpful
• Small ice chest with ice and drinks. Ice can be used for first-aid should you need it as well!
• First Aid Kit-you never know when fingers may be pinched or someone may have a scraped knee
• Wash cloth and towel in a baggy for wiping sticky fingers, faces, or even car doors
• Small grocery bags for garbage keeps the car clean
• Flashlights for reading during late night drives help pass time-plan a trip to the library ahead of time to stock up on new and exciting book titles
• Binoculars are fun to check out the scenery and notice things you might not have before- you can also provide children with a digital or disposable camera to take shots of the interesting things they see
• Plan frequent stops where everyone gets out of the car and stretches their legs
• Car phone chargers-don’t forget chargers and extra batteries for any electronic device you bring!
• Changes of comfortable clothes are always an essential to have with young children

For long drives, it is fun to schedule a picnic at an outdoor rest stop (weather permitting) as the first stop. It saves money, is more nutritious and allows everyone to stretch their legs and get some fresh air. Often, the drive is easier if the major portion of a trip is done while children can sleep. Driving at night can offer other advantages like less traffic, as well. However, it is essential that the diver is alert and awake. Talk about this ahead of time-will you relieve one another if you have two drivers or do you have a rule about the driver and passenger both staying awake for safety?