Traveling Tips . Review on General tips on Travel

As a mother of four children and who has one of those four out the door and another almost there and two boys still at home, I have heard it all, seen it all and have learned it all.  Well, maybe not learned it all, but pretty darned close!  I do know a few things about traveling though and with kids!

One of the first things you learn in traveling with kids especially when they are babies is that you really don’t need to take the whole house with you.  But, new parents must learn this for themselves and I will move on from that subject for now!

As my kids have grown so have their needs and desires of things to bring with them while traveling.  And this means that my needs and desires have changed as well somewhat.  Some things don’t change though as a mother in traveling and those things are these:

Bring a wet washcloth or two along on the trip for those little hands will manage to get dirty even in the car.  You can use a zip lock bag to store them in and keep handy for your use.  You can also buy those little travel bottles of hand sterilizers to take with you.

Bring snacks and sodas along. It is a lot cheaper than buying something with each stop.  Most of the time a small cooler can fit in the floorboard of your car and if not in the trunk.

Allow the children to bring their favorite games.  With the Gameboy™ games available today this is certainly a good way to occupy their time!

Bring coloring books and crayons, but with crayons don’t let them get left in the sun.  Trust me on this!  I learned that lesson the hard way years ago!  Puzzle books are great too!

Bring books along as well for yourself and your kids.  When you do find a moments peace you will wish you had that favorite book to read some.  Besides, after getting to your destination, you will be glad you have that book to help you relax.  Just don’t read and drive for it’s as dangerous as drinking and driving!

Bring a pillow for each person and a blanket.  The air will get a little cool along the way and besides people sleep better with a blanket.  As for the pillows, we usually take the once from the couch.

You must also have some type of organization in your vehicle for each child and adult.  Make sure that each child understands that the area they are in is theirs and not to steal from their sibling.  Make sure that there is a barrier between the two kids if that is all you have with you; meaning, stack the pillows and blankets that you brought in the middle of the seat.  That way you don’t hear “He’s on my side!”  And “Tell him to move off of me!” Trust me on this one as well.  Of course I admit that I do hear “His head is touching mine!”  It is really a no win situation, but at least with the barrier it is a lot easier and nicer.

A trash bag for all the trash that will suddenly appear in your car.

Maps, phone numbers, hotel information, attraction information, address book, note cards, post cards, stamps, cell phone and battery charger, cameras and batteries, double A batteries for the Gameboy™ and the car charger that goes with it!

When packing for your travels pack as light as you can.  Of course this of course is if you don’t have a teenage daughter who thinks she must bring everything.  You learn to pack lighter for yourself to accommodate her!  But, over time she will learn not to pack as much.

Any medications that you may need with you and of course any make up, a hair-dryer, shampoos, cream rinse, razors, toothbrush and toothpaste. The necessities of travel!  If you are going to families homes on your travels you will not need to take along an iron for they should have one.   However, if you are going over seas on your travels you will want to consider a travel iron and don’t forget the electric converter that you will need for the plugs in other countries.  And of course passports for traveling over seas.

Also, you will need to take any suntan lotions that you may need and beach towels.  Don’t depend on a hotel to supply beach towels for you because they don’t.  If you are going camping you will need to remember the food supplies that you will need along with camping gear, pots, pans, etc.

Good shoes!  This is a must with any travel!  You never want your feet to hurt!  Also, keep in mind that you may go out on a night on the town or wedding or baptism, etc, and you will want to take a nice outfit for these type of occasions.  Along with pants, shorts, tops, sleepwear, sandals, money, travelers checks, etc.  If you are going to a water park bring your swimsuit and an extra pair of clothes.  Most places have lockers that you can rent to store these things in.  Also, you will want to bring zip lock bags for your personal things to keep them from getting wet.

Make sure you have your credit card holders contact numbers with you in case you loose your credit cards through theft or on some roller coaster ride!  This way you can call them and cancel the cards!  Also, if you are taking traveler’s checks make sure you have a contact number for them as well.

One of the best things to do is to make a list for yourself to use.  I usually start a list a week or so out of my travels plans and as the time gets closer to start the packing I have that list and can remember all the things I wanted and needed to take along.

For the most part you will learn over time what your children like and dislike and what is best to take on travels, just as you know what to take for yourself.  As adults you must think rationally and conservatively at the same time.  You want to please everyone on your trip but mostly you should please yourself.  You set the rules for the trip and make everyone abide by them!  If you don’t do this then the kids will rule your trip and you will be miserable!

I hope that this has helped in some kind of way!

God Bless!

©LKD 2004