Traveling with Kids
Traveling with Kids takes traveling to a whole new level and will be quite a different experience than traveling alone or with other adults. Taking your little ones requires a lot more preparation and planning, and also quite a bit of patience. Here are a few tips on how to prepare for traveling with kids (and stay sane!).
Travel with Kids Tip 1: Keep them safe
The most important point is of course the safety of your children.You know your kids best, and so you know what ideas they sometimes have that could hurt or harm themselves or others! But when you are traveling with your kids, keep in mind, that they are in an unfamiliar surrounding and even the most “responsible” child might not be able to assess a dangerous situation in this new setting. So is also important to make your kids aware of it and let them know how they can help you.
Seating: You should do, what you do at home as well and respect the basic rules of driving with children. Remember that no kid under 12 years old should be in the front seat. The back seat is always the best and safer option for them at any age anyways. For the youngest kids make sure to have a car seat, or a booster seat. Every states has different age or weight rules regarding car seats, so make sure to check before you plan your trip. You can travel with your own car seat, or you might be able to rent one. Fox Rent A Car offers the option to rent a car seat with your car rental for a fix daily fee. This might be the best option, especially when you are flying to your destination.
Driving Rules: Especially when you spend your vacation in another country, you might have to concentrate on the road more than usual. The typical multitasking that you do in your home country should be a big no no! Driving rules are different and also the way people drive. Let your kids know that they need to be a little more patient. The most important things they must remember are: keep your seat belt fasten, stay calm and not scream to not distract the driver, and keep your arms in the car. You can give these “rules” a new twist and make it a game. If they follow and respect the rules, they will get a price or a special treat!
Traveling with Kids Tip 2: What should you bring?
It is important to plan ahead. Makeing a list of what to bring is always helpful. It helps you remember to bring their favorite doll or teddy bear. Especially in different environments, your kids want to have something familiar with them. This will give them safety and also can keep them busy for a while. This brings me to my next point: One of the most important things is to find a way to keep your kids occupied along the trip, especially if you are driving for a long time. For the youngest kids bring coloring books, puzzle books, and writing material so that they can focus on something else than the road. You can also plan to bring travel board games. A great new invention are the portable DVD players! It assures you some quiet and relaxing driving time. You can bring Baby Einstein for the youngest or movies for your older kids. Remember to get enough batteries though! Fox Rent A Car has DVD players available for rent, ask about it when reserving your car. CD and MP3 players are also always a good thing to have. The endless fights over what everyone should listen to can be easily avoided with CD or MP3 players and some headphones. If your kids don’t have one yet, you should consider this for their birthday list. When none of those work anymore it is time to be creative and play with them: play “I spy something …”, or make them guess car makes, or state plates…
You also need to plan what, where, and when you will have snacks and meals. Make sure to pack their favorite drinks and snacks. Between games, or when they start getting antsy, a snack break is always welcome. Make sure you pack enough water, especially if you drive during the summer. It is important to keep them hydrated and remind them to drink. And drinks, and food in the car, this can also mean to pack some extra clothes. Liquids are easily spilled and you want to make sure your kids are not freezing or sweating.
Traveling with Kids Tip 3: Frequent Stops
When traveling with kids: drinks equals bathrooms stops. Don’t forget to plan an itinerary that allows frequent stops. You can’t really tell a kid to hold it, when they have to go, they have to go! So make sure you plan stops along the way and make them go, every time you stop. Also, it is good for them to run around a little after sitting for a while. So if you plan to stop for food, try to plan a picnic instead of going inside and sit at a table. They will enjoy the fresh air, and will be less reluctant to get back in the car for more driving! And its not just cheaper and healthier, but you can bring your own food and satisfy even the pickiest eater. When driving, be flexible. You know that when you have kids, all the planing often does not do any good. And what does not work at home usually does not work on vacation either. Be prepared for off-schedule activities. If you see something interesting or if they ask to stop at to have a closer look at a sight they saw advertised on a billboard, why not make the stop? Unless you have a very tight schedule, the best about traveling with kids is to enjoy family time… so why wouldn’t they get a say in what to do once in a while!
Traveling with Kids Tip 4: Cultural differences
Another important thing to remember is the cultural differences you might encounter while traveling with kids. Make sure to read about what the norms are and the things you should avoid at your destination. If you are traveling in the USA for example, remember to always make your kids wear their clothes when in public. Or if you plan a day at the beach on your way, make sure to have their bathing suits and shorts ready (even for babies and toddlers).
We hope these Traveling with Kids Tips were helpful and Fox Rent A Car wishes you a great vacation with your children!
