Does the very thought of traveling with your small children strike fear into your heart? You are probably thinking of all that you need to pack and envisioning yourself chasing your naked toddler across a crowded beach. Here is a little secret that you need to know: traveling with little ones can be done. And, you can actually have a lot of fun. Follow these tips and tricks to take your family on a memorable vacation:
Slow Down
Under normal circumstances, you would try to get to your destination as quickly as possible. In case you need reminding, traveling with small children will never be considered “normal circumstances!” Take your time! You are much less likely to lose your cool if you go into the trip expecting it to take a long time. Toddlers need time to stretch, get some energy out, and explore. You will be doing yourself a favor if you do not expect more than they can handle. As long as you plan accordingly, your rental on the Outer Banks will still be there waiting for you!
Book Your Lodging Ahead Of Time
When traveling with children, it is never a good idea to play it by ear in terms of lodging. As was already mentioned, allow enough time, but book each overnight stop ahead. Otherwise, you run the risk of wasting time trying to find a place while everyone is already tired and cranky!
Invest In Disposable Cameras
Nothing will capture the attention of your kids like giving them their own camera to take pictures of anything they want. They will be more focused on their surroundings and they will be so caught up in finding things to snap pictures of, they will not be bored.
Be Permissive With Devices
While it is a good idea to limit your little ones’ screen time at home, in your day-to-day life, vacation is different. Listen up, moms and dads — it is perfectly acceptable to play fast and loose with the iPad when you are traveling with kids! Technology can be a real lifesaver on a road-trip if you let it. If it makes you feel better, make sure there are lots of educational apps downloaded. Just do not forget the chargers and car adapters.
Pack Wipes And Then Pack Some More
Hand sanitizer and baby wipes are a necessity when you are traveling with kids. You never know what type of germs and icky things you and your children may come into contact with while you are out and about. There are a million situations in which you will be so glad you have wipes and sanitizer.
Do Not Leave Home Without Medication
You do not want to be caught in an unfamiliar locale with a toddler who spikes a fever at 2 a.m. Take a thermometer, children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen, antibiotic cream, allergy relief medicines, and band-aids. Hopefully, you will not need to use them, but you will be so glad to have them if you do!
Provide Appropriate Snacks
It is okay to be permissive with devices, but the rule does not carry over to the food you give your children on a trip. You will regret allowing them to eat as much sugar as they wish! It is guaranteed that at least one of you will end up in tears. Take a cooler and fill it with water bottles, fruit, cheese sticks, and other healthy treats.
Following these tips will put you well on your way to a wonderful experience traveling with your small children!
