Planning summer travel with children? These tools will soothe your savage beasties on the road and in the air.
Taking a vacation with your kids is a lot like climbing Mount Everest. You gear up, plan your course, and try to keep everyone moving ahead despite any obstacles you encounter (odds are, someone’s going to throw up). In the end, you’ll realize every moment of the trip was beautiful and absolutely worth it.
Here we’ve rounded up our favorite ideas for being as prepared as possible, without a lot of hassle:
Rev Up for a Road Trip
An organized car that’s equipped for comfort goes a long way in keeping everyone happy on the highway. Instead of cramming bulky suitcases into the trunk, stow each person’s clothing in an individual storage bin or tote; if you’ll be moving around and staying in different accommodations throughout your trip, these will be easier to move in and out as needed. Additionally, it helps to bundle little kids’ outfits into zip-top bags for grab-and-go change anywhere you may need it. Packing a compact portable potty may prevent some messy mishaps, as will having plenty of wipes on hand.
Of course, you’ll need lots of boredom-busters for longer stretches of driving. Keep electronics, snacks, small toys, and other goodies within easy reach in a caddy that hangs behind the seat. Wooden flip-board travel games keep kids entertained and engaged with the scenery. Activity kits and sticker books are always a welcome treat, too, doing double-duty for long restaurant waits. And if you’re settling in for the night at an unfamiliar place like a hotel, bring along a night light to help little ones feel more at home.
Wave Hello to the Beach
It doesn’t get much better than a warm day frolicking in the surf with your family. To enjoy the experience in maximum comfort, set up a simple beach tent to provide shady respite when the sun is too much. Bonus: It’s the perfect spot for a child to nap. Or, as an alternative, bring along a small, inflatable baby pool with a shade. This is a fun way to keep little ones cool and contained.
Between sand castle-making and collecting shells, encourage your kids to create a special sand print to remember the day using an easy craft kit. And be sure to keep plenty of cold water nearby. We’re partial to a backpack cooler (no lugging across the sand!) with collapsible water bottles.
Finally, as you head out, toss all the toys in a roomy mesh laundry sack for a quick de-sanding. Just give the whole thing a good wash with a hose before you get in the car, and it will dry in no time.
<p><strong>Fly a Smoother Path </strong><br /> Most kids love to travel by plane, and often look forward to flights with much wonder and excitement (especially with their own personalized suitcase!). Take a deep breath and try to soak up some of that joy as you’re packing. Focus on taming your suitcase with packing cubes—which help compress clothes and provide a simple organizing system. Try different colors for each family member’s belongings. </p> <p>For the flight, give each child their own gift bag filled with a few new surprises: a fun neck pillow, paper-crafting set, new markers, magnetic activity board, or anything else that might spark their interest. Some parents even swear by things as simple as a pack of balloons or a box of band-aids for onboard entertainment. </p> <p>If air sickness is a possibility, bring along a kid-friendly acupressure bracelet that’s designed to keep nausea at bay. And to relieve painful pressure in ears, give your child a silicone chew necklace as sugar-free alternative to gum or candy. It’s fun to fidget with, and it looks cool, too!</p>
Unwind on the Wild Side
Whether it’s a weekend camping trip or an afternoon picnic and walk in the park, any nature experience is a win with kids. Invest in a folding, all-terrain wagon and you’ll always have a great way to lug your gear—which kids can fill with treasures they find on hikes.
A good waterproof picnic blanket is another must, and makes a nice spot for inspecting bugs or making sun prints from a craft kit. Follow up with active games like frisbee golf to get everyone burning off their cookout burgers in no time! Always keep a first aid kit handy, just in case.