So you decided to brave the crowds and hit the highways, skies and rails this holiday weekend? With the price of gas edging ever so close to the $4 mark around here, my family has decided to sit this Memorial Day weekend out. Yes, we are one of the millions of Americans who will be spending the holiday attending festivals close to home. Which means I will not be planning, packing, driving, flying, or sailing with an overtired 3-year-old in tow (like I did two months ago).
However, for all of you brave souls who will be heading out on your well planned and well deserved family vacations with a gaggle of kids along for the ride I offer you the following travel tips:
STICK TO A ROUTINE
This is especially important when you are traveling with young children. My daughter still takes an afternoon nap, and frankly I wouldn’t want to remain at an amusement park, museum, or other attraction if she doesn’t get one. Let’s face it; during vacations, adults tend to want to eat, sleep and have fun whenever possible. However, if you are traveling with little ones who are accustomed to being on a schedule your entire family will fare better if they have some sort of routine while on the road. It’s a good idea to feed and put younger children down for naps at approximately the same intervals they practice at home. You’ll learn pretty quickly that a baby will appreciate as much predictability as possible in the midst of a new environment.
BE FLEXIBLE
Relax and sloooooow down. Sure, there are dozens of intriguing sites in big cities like New York, San Francisco or Orlando… and when time is limited and you are trying to cover as much ground as possible, relaxing can be a challenge. However, I don’t know a single child (regardless of age) who appreciates seeing a place beyond his or her limit, even if it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It’s best to schedule plenty of buffer time into your plans and everyone will be happier.
SAFETY FIRST
Regardless of if you are at an amusement park, a hotel, or the beach it is vital to be extra mindful of where your children are and what they are doing. Besides the added risk of running into shady characters, there are a whole host of other dangers for parents to worry about, especially in large metropolitan areas. For example, there is the issue of unclean food and water, diseases, pollution and crime. It’s a good idea to research the area you are traveling to and find out what specific dangers you should prepare for. Also keep in mind some attractions are simply not age-appropriate.
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