With the holiday season upon us many families will be getting ready for holiday travel.  Whether you will be driving to your destination or hopping on an airplane traveling with small children can be a headache.  There is a lot more stuff to get ready including strollers, carseats, diapers, etc.  Plus you have to make sure you are adequately stocked up on things to entertain the children (and save your sanity) during the trip.  The key to successfully traveling with your children is to plan ahead, be prepared (for anything), and expect the unexpected.

Before You Leave: Before you leave for the trip spend some time talking to your child about the vacation.  Talk about where you are going, how you will get there, and what you will do once you are there.  If your child is old enough invite them to help with the planning by suggesting a few things they want to do while on vacation.  By preparing your child for the trip you are more likely to have successful travels.  It is important for everyone to be prepared.

Traveling by Car: If you are traveling by car make sure you have several things handy to help keep the children occupied.  Driving long distances and sitting for long periods of time is boring for all of us, it is especially boring for the kids.  Consider their age and purchase a few things (books, games, coloring book/crayons, etc) that they can use during the trip.  It might be a good idea to only give them one thing at a time so when they get bored with something you have another item to give them.  Trying singing songs or playing games with your kids as you travel.  Stop frequently so they can stretch their legs and get some fresh air.

Traveling by Air: If you are traveling by plane make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.  Check ahead of time to find out what you can and cannot bring in your carry on so you can avoid any hassles at the security check point.  All passengers, including children must be screened, but the airport personnel should be trained on how to work with children (don’t let them out of your sight, you are aloud to be with them at all times).  Remember to pack something to prevent your child’s ears from popping.  If you child is still breastfeeding or using a bottle it is recommended that you have them eating during take off and landing (the sucking motion helps keep their ears from popping).  If you have an older child give them something to suck on or chew like a lollipop or a piece of gum.  Just like with the car travel bring enough stuff to occupy your child during the flight.

Traveling during the holidays can be both fun and very stressful.  When you add kids to the mix you increase the fun but inevitably increase the stress as well.  Remember to plan ahead.  The better prepared you are the more likely it is that your travels will be successful.

Do you travel with your children?  What have you learned from your successes and failures that would help the rest of us?

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