Tips for Traveling with Children

In my previous life, before my kids came long, making the 500 mile drive to visit my parents was no big deal. I might decide on a Friday afternoon that I wanted a road trip and be headed out by that night. Throw a few clothes in a bag, grab a couple Cd's and I was on my way. That all changed with the arrival of my three kids. I still make the drive just as often as before, but now it takes more planning and preparation to avoid roadside meltdowns (and to preserve my sanity!).

I have learned a few tricks over the last five years for traveling with little ones.

1. Try to travel with another adult who can share the driving and the kid care.

On the rare occasion my husband can make the drive with me, I am amazed at how smoothly it goes. We swap the driving duties, which leaves one of us free to refill sippy cups, play 20 Questions, or just sit next to the baby. It also makes stopping for gas and food a lot easier. There is no need to wake up a car full of kids if only one of them needs to pee!

2. Invest in a portable DVD player.

We have certainly gotten our money's worth out of this. We bring a handful of movies that the older kids love and put them on when the boredom sets in.

3. Bring car-appropriate toys.

Just because a toy is a favorite, doesn't necessarily mean it will translate over to fun in the car. You don't want anything that will be distracting to the driver or too noisy. Magnetic play sets are a good, fun bet, and can be purchased inexpensively. Lap desks or even a clipboard and colored pencils also help pass the time.

4. Travel at night, if possible.

This trick has proved the most effective for our nine hour drives to visit family. The kids sleep for the entire trip and we found that we spend less money on food and snacks while traveling at night. In order to do this safely, its best to have two drivers and to rest during the day prior to your trip.

In a perfect world, people would always come to visit you, but since that isn't likely to happen, you can use these tips to minimize the stress of traveling with children.