Taking the kids away for a family holiday can be a hassle, especially when travelling long distances by car. As excited as the kids are that they are going away to a fancy resort or theme park, no amount of happiness can replace the boredom they feel when sitting in the back seat for hours on end. With these helpful travel tips, parents can keep the peace and provide fun and practical solutions to travel dilemmas.
Activities and Games for the Car
Playing games will help the travel time pass faster for kids. Traditional travel games include I Spy or Pick a Colour, where each family member selects a colour and keeps count of how many cars of that colour they can see during the trip. Alternatively, print games to play, like Noughts and Crosses or Connect the Dots.
Pack travel sized board games or card games, like Uno in case of traffic delays and play audio story books and children's music CDs in the car on long trips. Create travel activity packs for the kids by filling a bag or backpack with stationery items including:
- colouring books
- coloured pencils or crayons
- activity or puzzle books
- story books
- toys
- handheld games
- stickers
- notebooks or scrapbooks
Food and Drinks on the Go
Kids are always hungry or thirsty at the most inconvenient of times. Avoid being miles from the closest fast food restaurant or service station by preparing snacks for on the move. Pack an esky or cooler bag full of tasty and nutritious treats for the whole family.
Snacks and drinks ideal for travelling include:
- Sandwiches
- Fruit
- Muesli bars
- Biscuits and crackers
- Carrot, celery and cheese sticks
- Tetra juice packs
- Bottles of water
- Muffins
Do not forget kids can be messy eaters. Parents should ensure that disposable wipes and rubbish bags are stored in the car's glove compartment at all times when travelling to avoid sticky fingers and stained upholstery. Packing a small dustpan and brush will also help to sweep out any crumbs, or dust dirty feet before entering the car.
Tips for Happy Travelling With Kids
Organising the car to cater for special needs and emergencies will make for smoother travel. Save on time and hassle and keep travellers happy with these simple travel tips:
- Stop and take a break every 2 hours. Allow kids the chance to get out of the car, stretch their legs and use the bathroom.
- Although children are encouraged not to sit in front of the television, portable and in-car DVD players are great for keeping children entertained during long trips.
- Always ensure that a well stocked and maintained first aid kit is accessible in the car.
- Pack the car, ensuring children's items like toys, pillows and warm clothes are easily accessible. Make sure to put items that will need accessing like a nappy bag or esky is in an easy-to-reach place.
Providing a happy and exciting environment with plenty of games and activities will ensure that travelling for kids is an enjoyable experience. Organise the car and prepare for meal breaks and emergencies. Make travel time a fun time for everyone.
For more children related articles, also read Healthy Lunchbox Ideas for Kids, Low Cost Birthday Parties for Kids and Best Pets for Kids.
Source:
Independent Traveler. Family Car Travel (accessed June 20, 2010).
Sharon Rattray - After completing her studies in Freelance Journalism in 2003, Sharon received a Diploma in Freelance Journalism and a Higher Diploma in ...
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