Over the years, I have learned a few lessons and welcome readers to share lessons learned in the comment section at the bottom.
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| Tips for Traveling With Kids
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Don't wait until the car is running on fumes before stopping. A simple ten minute stop at a rest area can be invigorating for everyone. Many rest areas in the Southeast where I tend to travel offer picnic tables. Pack a snack and enjoy the fellowship. Bring age appropriate recreational items such as a small ball, jump rope, or Frisbee and interact with the kids. It is time well invested. County recreational parks are often free and offer a variety of physical challenges for children.
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| Practical Tips for Road Trips With Children
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Nothing seems to make my kids hungrier than going on a trip. A few snack foods may lengthen the time between stops. Pretzels, dry cereal, and fresh fruit tend to work well. A good rule of thumb when packing travel snacks is to imagine it all over the back seat and on the kids. If it wipes up, brushes off, or vacuums fairly easily, it usually gets the green light from me. Cups with secure lids can also cause a lot less grief in the back seat.
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| What to Pack When Traveling With Kids
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A little prior planning goes a long way. Go to the local library and find age appropriate books that the kids have never read. While you are there, check out some music and books on CD that everyone can enjoy. If you have a portable DVD player, a couple of movies that nobody has seen can add suspense and help the sitting seem much less of a burden, especially if you end up in a traffic jam or if the weather takes a turn for the worse. The local Smart Start office is often brimming with fun activities for preschoolers.
Simple travel games like Punchbug or a Silly Guided Tour can entertain the kids for quite a while. The professor in me wants to add a bit of education to the trip. As you travel, you will be surrounded by shapes, colors, letters, words, man-made items, and the beauty of nature. Learning while on the move can be fun and engaging!
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| How to Avoid Problems When Traveling With Kids
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Ensuring that the vehicle has been serviced, that the tires are in good shape, and that the air conditioner or heater are in good working order can make a huge difference. Repair known issues before the ride if possible. If you think a trip seems long while you are riding down the road, it can seem like an eternity without a/c or if you have to pull off the side of the road while waiting for a tow truck.
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| How to Keep From Getting Lost When Traveling With Kids
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If you have another person who can help navigate, using a map or printing directions from a web site like MapQuest can work pretty well. Going solo on unfamiliar roads can certainly add to the stress. A working GPS system can be very helpful for those who are venturing to unknown places. Having a backup plan is also wise – I usually try to print directions to/from the destination and carry a map of the states where I plan to travel. My local Chamber of Commerce offers free state maps.
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| How to Have Fun When Traveling With Kids
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Sometimes the favorite memories come from those unexpected stops, unplanned activities, and detours that you would have never planned. A tasty snack from a roadside fruit stand or family picnic by a beautiful trout stream might be savored more than the finest restaurant experience. Allow extra time in the schedule for the unexpected. Unplug, unwind, and discover the joy of connecting with the family. They won't be kids forever. Simply stated, enjoy the journey.
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| How to Make a Trip with Children More Fun
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Help the kids select comfortable clothing for the trip up and back. The beautiful, fancy clothes will likely be much more comfortable packed in the trunk. You might want to mention this before the children are selecting their travel attire. We usually pack an extra set of clothes and extra jackets for unexpected spills or weird weather.
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| How to Encourage Kids to Help With Planning a Trip
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Children are often brimming with ideas about what they might like to do in and out of the vehicle on a road trip. Ask for their ideas. You might be surprised at how creative your little ones can be when helping to plan a trip. You might also give specific guidance before they collect all of their stuffed animals, dolls, and toys!
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| Tips for Traveling With Children
© Katrena
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Simplicity may become sublime on a long road trip with children. Many people lament the lack of quality time they have with the kids. Riding together in a vehicle can become unexpected quality time for everyone. Years later, you may miss those trips with the kids when they are grown and out on their own.
Readers may also wish to find scavenger hunts, printables, and more at Katrena's Wildflower Bouquets web site. Check out additional travel tips and travel reviews on Love 2 Travel With Kids and Travel NC With Kids.
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