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Travel Tips for Families on the Go
by Molly Hayden Gold
I can honestly say that some of my fondest childhood memories include our
cross country car trips. Not only did we cover the state of Ohio from South
to North every Thanksgiving and August Hayden family reunion for as long as
I can remember, but when I was 10, we took our first of many trips to Long
Boat Key, Florida, a mere 22 hours and counting from our home in Cincinnati
and later in Lincoln, Nebraska. Can you say road trip?
To this day, I remember the sound of the tire on the asphalt seams in
Columbus and the beauty of the stars in the sky when we were out in the
country with no city lights to take from nature's wonder above in the plains
of Nebraska. I will also never forget my sister throwing up all over the
back of our station wagon (and my brother) and having to finish the
remaining two hours of that cold November trip with the windows down. Try
as he might, my father never could get the smell out of that car and
eventually sold it, scent and all!
With my own family now spanning toddler hood to double digits, I always have
travel games on hand to keep our inquiring minds wanting to know more than
just the answer to the age old question, "Mom, are we there yet?" But
beyond the travel games, here are a few tips I've found most useful to
create lasting and hopefully happy memories as we take our trips down Route
66.
Fun
When it comes to media options, today's vehicles offer more opportunity to
plug in than accessories you can remember to pack. For the video inclined
passengers, give those classic travel games a lift and pick up a copy of
"Are We There Yet?" Starring Miles the Goose is produced by Banyan
Productions, producers of the hit cable television show "Trading Spaces".
This fun DVD makes
travel games come alive in both an interactive and musical format. Perhaps
the best bonus about this DVD is you don't have to take it on the road if
your vehicle is not equipped. Simply learn the games at home with your
family and lead them in the fun on the road.
Balance the visual stimulation with a basket full of fun, and quiet, options
to encourage your kids to imagine the best. Books, both in hard copy and on
tape, brain gym activities using pen and pencil, and low maintenance art
supplies such Crayola's Wonder Line of markers and paper, will unleash the
Picasso in them all. Include lap desks for a
sturdy working surface and don't forget tactile items such as mid-size Legos
for those who like to tinker and travel size board games for a little
friendly challenge.
Exercise
Nothing like a well-timed game of tag at the nearest rest stop to get the
kinks, and any cranky pants, out of the car and back in stride. Recent
studies recommend that our children need 60 minutes of exercise every day.
Travel days should be no different so plan your route to include two to four
stops and pack a surprise to go along with the fun. Think chalk for
hopscotch, jump ropes for a jumping contest, and bubbles to enchant your
little ones. Parents and kids alike will benefit from getting out from
behind the seat belt and into a wide-open space to have some fun.
Food
If you want to save both time and money, plan a picnic to enjoy along the
way. Eat just as you do at home. Pack nutritious and healthy options to be
offered on a schedule, not as an activity to stave off boredom. Depending
on the length of your trip, you might consider a portable cooler that you
can plug into your car. Stock it with bottled waters, naturally stain free
for both car and clothes alike. Choose both child friendly and adult sizes
with pop tops to minimize spills. Include self contained snacks such as
apples and carrots that pack the crunch of chips but keep the mess to a
minimum, and protein packed sandwiches to keep everyone satisfied until you
reach your destination. Pack more than enough of each rider's favorite in
individual bags and small shapes to make eating a breeze if you choose not
to picnic on your exercise break. Got a sweet tooth? If surviving close
quarters without bouncing off the walls is your goal, share the love, but
not the sugar. That being said, don't underestimate the power of a Tootsie
Pop when all else fails to induce the quite game for your chatty Cathy in
the 3rd row. Just use it as a last resort and hopefully not before you are
halfway there.
Rest
One of the main reasons we travel with our families each year to get away
for the stress of our daily lives and take a break. Riding in the car can
be a relaxing time, with new things to see and learn about while lulling us
into a calm state a mind, thanks to the hum of the highway. Don't assume
that you have to have an activity for every moment of the trip. In fact,
too much stimulation and distraction can be unsafe for the driver and bring
on an unfortunate case of car sickness for the weaker stomachs in the group.
Just as you do at home, designate a time for rest in your day. Bring along
a CD of purely instrumental music designed specifically to encourage
relaxation. Time this activity around mid-day to encourage a nap out of any
one who might want one. You'll be surprised to see your older kids nod off
first. Just be sure your driver has a fresh cup of coffee at hand to
counteract the pull of the peace that descends each row in tow. Believe it
or not your insurance company can be a great resource on offering safety
precautions you can take while on the road with your family, and to help
moms and dads stay alert and focused while driving a car load long distance.
Basics
Outfit your car with basic survival items to keep you all clean and
comfortable as you go. Include tissues, baby wipes, hand sanitizer, and a
small first aid kit to include both Benadryl for sudden allergies and
Pepto-Bismol for upset tummies. And finally, though I hate to say it, make
sure you have strategically placed receptacles for those unpredictable
messes that might come your way, just as my sister surprised us all so many
years ago. Check out Smart Mom Solutions Smart Mom Sak, a mom-friendly air
sickness bag designed to keep liquid messes of all kinds contained while you
travel with your family.
Enjoy your trip!
More You Might Like:
Stress Free Travel With Kids
Car Trips With Kids
Creating a Travel Journal for Kids
More Traveling Tips in Our Forums
About the Author:
Molly Hayden Gold is the creator of The GO MOM! Organizer, a licensed
product with MeadWestvaco Consumer and Office Products and sold at major
retailers nationwide. Gold's insights into family scheduling are sought by
print and on air media alike. "Are We There Yet?" Starring Miles the Goose
is produced by Banyan Productions, producers of the hit cable television
show "Trading Spaces". This DVD is available at
Miles The Goose.
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