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Family trips can create memories cherished for a lifetime. With savvy planning and preparation, kids stay happily entertained, and parents not only stay sane — they have fun, too.
For insider tips, I interviewed some of the best experts I know — families whose kids range in age from 22 months to 11 years old. They live different lifestyles but share the same goal: joyful travels.
AIRBORNE
The first step to a pleasant flight is making sure you know the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) current regulations. They change often, so before packing your bags, visit the TSA Web site (www.tsa.gov) to find out what you can take on board and what you can check through. The Web site also has a resource page, Traveling with Children, to prepare you and your kids for the screening process and other matters. For additional current information, call your airline.
Security procedures make it necessary to spend more time at the airport. To get through the process more easily with their 2-year-old daughter, Nathan and Karen Martin use a travel stroller. "It creates a controlled environment for Lexy," Nathan says, "and it saves our backs." They also pack light. "I used to travel with too much stuff," Karen says. "I've pared it down to five to six diapers, a big bunch of wipes, one extra outfit, MP3 player and a stuffed animal."
The change in air pressure during take-off and landing can be painful for infants and toddlers. To offset the pressure in their ears, give them a pacifier, bottle or sippy cup, Cheerios or other snack. For a peaceful journey, "try to schedule the flight close to nap time," Vanessa Phelps advises. She finds that 20-month-old Karson goes fast asleep after take off and stays asleep until landing. To keep kids of any age entertained throughout the flight, take their favorite toy, game or book. And include some of the tips recommended for road and train travel.
HIT THE ROAD
A key ingredient for family fun is getting the kids involved from the start. "We encourage our girls to help in the decision process," says James Mathias, father of Jenna, 10, and Ashley, 11. "It's a team travel effort." Among other things, the girls help plan the trip itinerary and decide what they need to pack. Active involvement in trip preparation works with younger kids, too. Jamie Harmon gives each of her boys, 6-year-old T.J. and 4-year-old Tyler, their own travel bag. Before the trip, they get to decorate them with fabric paint and fill them with their favorite toys and books. "I typically help with the choices," Jamie says, "but if it fits in the bag, they can bring it."
Singing, audio books, and games the family can play together keep trips entertaining. For example, a popular diversion is the Animal ABC game. It is played by naming animals in alphabetical order, for example, A for ant, B for baboon, and so on. Young children can play along by repeating the animal names. For older children and parents, the difficulty can be increased by naming animals in specific categories, such as rain forest creatures, or limiting the animals to ones inhabiting the region where they are traveling.
Another must-have is healthy snacks, such as peanut butter, cheese slices, apples and Chex or other dry, unsweetened cereal. And don't forget DVD players with earphones for each kid. While the children watch movies, parents can enjoy the quiet time talking, relaxing or listening to their own audio book. Inevitably, after some time on the road, kids whine, "Are we there yet?" or "How much longer?" The next time you hear that, consider trying a tactic that works well for Jamie. "We answer by listing activities rather than time," she says. A typical answer is "lunch, a nap and one movie."
CHOO CHOO!
Train travel offers families the exciting novelty of dining cars, observation cars and optional sleeping accommodations. In addition, travelers get to see areas of the country not viewable from highways.
Amtrak operates two long-distance trains through Colorado. The California Zephyr runs daily from Chicago to the Bay Area via Denver and dramatic Glenwood Canyon. The Southwest Chief runs daily from Chicago to Los Angeles via La Junta and Trinidad, Colorado. The train's Web site resource page, Traveling with Amtrak, (www.amtrak.com) provides extensive tips on how to book your trip, what to expect, what to take onboard and more. Seating is first-come, first-served. If you want sleeping accommodations, reserve far ahead of your departure date.
Similar to road trips, it's essential to take along items such as books and DVD players for onboard entertainment. Games that the family can play together, such as Flapdoodle, add to the fun. This board game for kids age 6 and up urges families do silly stunts like, "Jump up and wiggle around while singing, 'I've got ants in my pants and they wanna dance!'"
Whether you travel by plane, train or car, there are countless tips and ideas to help you make the trip a success . Check out the Internet, the public library and bookstores. Also remember to tap your friends' and neighbors' wealth of experience. Planning and playfulness will help make your summer travels fun for the entire family, including you!
Resources:
Amtrak www.amtrak.com
Audio books: www.playtime-books.com
TSA: Traveling With Children http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
Wiggity Bang Games www.wiggitybang.com
Published in Colorado Parent Summer Survival Guide 2008
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