10 Travel Tips For Children

Little travelers. Photo credit: PRNewsFoto/Learning Care Group Inc.

Camping trips to Christmas holidays, family travel can be challenging for children.

The Learning Care Group shares some smart ways to reduce the stress of travel and make it fun for the whole family.

Here are 10 Travel Tips For Children:

1. When Possible, Stick to Routines: “Consistent meal times and naps, combined with keeping up familiar habits, like reading a book before bed, keeps the stress of the unfamiliar to a minimum.”

2. Be Prepared: “Pack a bag of favorite toys to have on hand and be prepared to escape with your child to a quiet room for a little one-on-one time.”

3. Use that Energy! Encourage physical exercise: “Plan daily for at least two half-hour opportunities for physical activities and play.”

4. Schedule Light: “Visiting your grandparents and in-laws on the same day might be more than your children can handle.”

5. What’s on the Menu? “Have healthy snacks ready for when the big holiday dinner is just not appetizing enough for your little one.”

6. Set Clear Guidelines: “Remind your children of your expectations before visiting grandparents or going to the airport. Remember to acknowledge and praise good behavior. But have realistic expectations.”

7. Follow Your Child’s Lead: “Your child will let you know when she is done. Listen to her, even if you have not done everything you planned for the day’s agenda.”

8. Schedule Down Time: “For your child, doing something special with people he knows and loves best is the most important. Schedule time for the immediate family to unwind.”

9. Be Present: “Share in your child’s vacation experience. Seeing things through their eyes and talking with them about what they feel enhances the sense of adventure and being together.”

10. Encourage Learning: “Ask “what if” or “how do you think” questions, play games, make up stories or draw pictures about your adventures.”