My husband and I have made a couple of long trips with two of our boys at the ages of one and three and at the ages of three and five. After each trip, we looked at each other and said, “The boys are sure good travelers.” Here are seven tips so you can say the same thing after your trip.
1. Plan an interesting route. Instead of traveling long stretches on the interstate or highway with nothing but cornfields to look at, do an internet search for interesting small towns on the way. You can find a lot of rare gems tucked away such as the Story Lady Doll & Toy Museum we saw in Albert Lea, Minnesota. Some of these are not on the internet, but can be found if you are open to serendipity.
2. Special travel packs for each child. Include such things as dry erase boards for drawing, travel games like Travel Bingo, and healthy snacks and drinks (limit the sugar intake so they are less restless). Space these out on a day by day basis so they don’t eat everything at once or get bored with the toys the first day.
3. Alternate blocks of travel with blocks of sight-seeing or activities. For example, plan to drive in the morning and early evening but have a place to stop for lunch and something to do in the afternoon. This should be more than just a rest area. Children need to not only stretch their legs and run around a little but also something to engage their imaginations–this will give them something to think and talk about on the drive.
4. Play simple verbal games that can be played while traveling. One of our favorites is “Johnny had in his pocket”. Everyone thinks of an item Johnny has in his pocket and has to remember everyone else’s item–you can modify this for very small children by not requiring them to remember the whole list–our little guy loves to just add funny items to the list. Another game is finding letters of the alphabet in order on signs as you pass by–include license plates and store signs to make it a little easier. Keep games fun and light, having fun is the key here not who wins the game. You can also sing songs and tell jokes and stories. Use the radio only as a last resort.
5. Make meal times an event. Pick local restaurants that look interesting instead of going for the big chains. We found a great clown-themed restaurant, Ella’s Deli, in Madison that the kids enjoyed. Don’t hurry through the meal or have fast food every time–have a variety. Use meal times as an opportunity to talk about what has happened or what you will be doing next. Be sure and take time for a bathroom break before leaving.
6. Discuss the itinerary each day so they know what to expect and anticipate. Even if the children are small, they can feel that they are participating in the trip. This will also give you something to talk about on the way.
7. Alternate, between parents, who drives and who entertains the kids. Driving and entertaining kids are both exhausting so give each other a break throughout the day.
Family vacations are a great way to bond. Make the travel time as interesting as the destination, and you and your children will have pleasant memories for a lifetime!
