Tips for Traveling with Children
Posted on July 30, 2024 by CHS
Traveling with children can be an enriching experience for the entire family, but it can also require the need for careful planning, early packing preparation, and flexibility. Traveling with young children may present unique and stressful challenges, but it can also create priceless adventures and memories.
Whether you travel by air or take a road trip, this guide will provide:
- Helpful tips for planning your trip
- Health and travel safety precaution reminders
- Packing ideas to help make travel easier with children of all ages
Planning Your Trip
According to experts, exposure to travel at a young age fosters curiosity and a sense of wonder, helping children develop open-mindedness and embrace diversity.Traveling with children offers the opportunity to broaden your child’s experiences and perspective by introducing them to new environments, cultures, and interests. At the same time, travel can strengthen family bonds through shared adventures and lasting memories.
Choose Child-Friendly Destinations
If your children are old enough, get them excited about traveling by providing them an opportunity to help plan the trip with you. Ask about their thoughts on destinations and activities they would like to do, such as parks, water sports, landmarks, theme parks, family resorts, multi-generational cruises, and museums with interactive exhibits. Other popular activities are sporting events, festivals, camping, or visiting relatives. If this is your first family getaway and going out of town seems like a lot at the time, try vacationing close to home. Whatever you decide, encourage the family to learn about the places you want to go. Read travel guides and blogs about your vacation options. Explore the area’s foods, and look up the languages and customs. Remember to consider the climate and health conditions of the destination. Ensure it is suitable for your child’s age and health needs.
Create a Detailed Itinerary
Plan activities that balance fun and relaxation. Since your family is away from the familiarity of home, it will take longer to do new activities. NPR’s poll of over 200 parents about their best advice for traveling with infants and toddlers recommends scheduling extra time around activities. Most experienced travelers suggest one main activity a day, including rest periods and snacks, to prevent over-tiring your child. Scheduled breaks and snacks can help children recharge and truly enjoy the activity. Advance research of family-friendly restaurant, suggests that accommodations with a kitchenette, nearby grocery store, parks, beaches, and a variety of entertainment options may help you make the most of every moment.
Prepare Necessary Documentation
If your trip requires air travel, ensure you have all necessary up-to-date travel documents for yourself and your children. Include passports, birth certificates, Real IDs, and any required visas. If traveling internationally from the US, infants and children under 18 are required to have a passport. Whether you are flying to or away from the US,adults should check the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) child passenger screening guidelines. TSA provides helpful travel tips to avoid unnecessary expenses or delays before your trip begins.
Whether you are opting to fly or take a road trip, ensure you can access health insurance cards, medical records (especially your vaccination records), and contact information for your pediatrician in case of emergencies.
Ensuring Safety
As a parent, you want to ensure the safety of your children while traveling. A well-thought-out approach to safety can alleviate stress and make your trip enjoyable and secure. By addressing health, insurance, and travel precautions, you can focus on having fun with peace of mind. If your child has an allergy, make sure they are able to communicate that, or consider purchasing a medical alert bracelet.
Health and Wellness
Begin your travel preparations with a visit to your pediatrician. Discuss any health or environmental concerns you may need to prepare for, especially if you are visiting another country. Traveling can expose your family to new environments and potential health risks, so it is essential to be proactive. If traveling abroad, the CDC Yellow Book provides wide-ranging protective details for infants and children. Pack a comprehensive first-aid kit tailored to your child’s needs. Essentials include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, fever reducers, motion sickness remedies, and any prescribed medications. Including a thermometer and rehydration solutions can also be beneficial for unexpected illnesses.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance may be something that your family explores to offset unforeseen costs related to cancellations, medical emergencies, accidents, or lost baggage. Check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) recommendations for selecting travel insurance policies that can meet your needs.
Safety Precautions
Since safety is so important in travel, it’s worthwhile to take the time to ensure that you take care of what you can control. Here are a few low-stress air travel safety tips for different types of travel:
Air Travel
Airlines allow children under the age of two to fly free and be held by an adult. But, for toddlers older than two, it’s essential to use in-flight car seats that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and properly installed for your child’s age and weight. This not only assures your child’s safety, but also adheres to airline regulations.
- Book Flights Strategically: Selecting flights during your child’s usual nap or sleep times may make the journey smoother. Direct flights may be preferable to minimize layovers and the risk of missed connections.
- Early Check-In and Security: Arrive at the airport early to avoid the stress of rushing through security checkpoints. Utilize family lanes at airport security checkpoints, if they are available.
- In-Flight Comfort: Pack a carry-on bag with essentials such as snacks, drinks, comfort items like blankets and favorite toys, and entertainment options (e.g. books, playdough, drawing and coloring materials, tablets or other electronic devices).
Driving
For road trips, double-check that car seats and booster seats are securely installed according to your vehicle’s specifications. The safest place for children 13 years and younger to ride in a car is the back seat. Communicate with your child and explain the dangers of distractions while driving, such as using quiet voices when there may be a disagreement or not throwing things in the car.
While away from home, one effective safety measure is the use of identification bracelets for younger children. These can include your contact information and can be invaluable if your child gets separated from you in a crowded place. For older children, consider teaching them to memorize your phone number and hotel details. Set up check-in times and pick meeting spots. Another option is to use cell phone tracking apps to stay connected. Most importantly, talk with your children about safety.
Road Trips
- Frequent Breaks: Plan regular stops to allow children to stretch, play, and use the restroom. Look for rest areas with playgrounds or open spaces to let them burn off some energy.
- Car Comfort: Pack pillows, blankets, and sunshades to keep the car environment comfortable. Car organizers can keep toys, snacks, and essentials within easy reach, minimizing disruptions during the drive.
- Interactive Activities: Engage children with car games, audiobooks, and sing-alongs. A travel scavenger hunt can keep them entertained and observant, making the journey more enjoyable.
International Travel
- Research and Preparation: Learn about the destination’s culture, languages, and child-friendly amenities. Packing essentials like travel-size toiletries, favorite snacks, and medications that might be hard to find abroad can prevent many issues.
- Time Zone Adjustment: Gradually adjust sleep schedules a few days before departure to help children adapt to new time zones. Plan for rest days upon arrival to allow for acclimatization.
- Child Safety: Keep copies of important documents, including passports and medical records, in a safe place. Teaching children basic phrases in the local language, such as how to ask for help, can be invaluable in emergencies.
Making Travel Easier
Traveling with children is a journey filled with excitement, discovery, and yes, a few unexpected challenges. Embracing a flexible mindset is key to making exploration easier for everyone. Recognize that not everything will go as planned, and that's perfectly okay. Be prepared to have more flexible schedules and allow extra time for activities and transitions. If something unexpected happens, take it in stride and maintain a positive attitude. Ensure you take plenty of breaks to rest and recharge. Scheduling time for adult relaxation is just as important as planning activities for the kids. Remember, if you stay calm and balanced, your children will likely follow your lead, resulting in a more enjoyable and less stressful travel experience for the whole family.
Here are a few stress-reducing checklists for children at each stage of development:
Packing Smart
Infants:
- diapers
- diaper wipes
- formula or breast pump
- baby food
- bottles
- pacifiers
- comfortable blankets
- extra clothes for you and the baby
- baby carrier
- compact stroller
Toddlers:
- snacks
- sippy cups
- portable high chair
- favorite toys
- comfortable blanket or stuffed animal
- extra clothes for you and the child
- extra pair of shoes
- diapers/pull-ups
- diaper wipes
- a lightweight stroller
books
Preschoolers:
- favorite snacks
- toys
- books
- coloring books/crayons/stickers
- travel pillow
- comfortable blanket or stuffed animal
- change of clothes
- extra pair of shoes
- tablet with games/movies
- travel-sized toiletries
School-Age Children:
- books and activities
- travel games
- electronic device with headphones
- snacks
- refillable water bottle
- personal hygiene items
- travel pillow
- comfortable blanket
Traveling with children requires thoughtful planning and preparation, but the rewards are well worth the effort. By following these tips, you are likely to have a safe, enjoyable, and enriching travel experience with your entire family. Remember, the journey itself is a valuable learning opportunity, fostering growth, discovery, and cherished family memories. Safe travels!
For more resources and assistance with early learning child care and travel tips, visit chs-ca.org or contact us directly.
Resources and References
https://challengingbehavior.org/docs/life_easier_holidays%20and%20tipcard.pdf
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/traveling-with-kids.html
https://childmind.org/article/24-tips-for-traveling-with-children/
https://thrive.psu.edu/blog/road-trips-with-young-children/
https://www.safewise.com/blog/safety-tips-taking-kids-vacation/
https://www.usa.gov/travel-documents-children
https://riseandshine.childrensnational.org/tips-for-traveling-with-children/
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/travel-insurance/cheap-travel-insurance/
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/regs/acob949.pdf
https://www.kars4kids.org/hub/whats-the-safest-place-to-sit-in-a-car/
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/traveler-information-center
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/children
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/family/infants-and-children
https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/healthy-active-living-for-families/infant-food-and-feeding/
https://lajollamom.com/best-travel-games-for-kids/