Traveling with Kids Calls for Planning Ahead
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Posted On :
Sep-21-2011
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Article Word Count :
842
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If you plan to travel with the kids you would be wise to make a list of helpful tips and resources. Nothing can spoil a trip faster than not being prepared for the twists in the road children can bring to the table.
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No one can argue the fact that one of the most important things to consider before getting in the car or hopping on an airplane for a long flight with your kids is the need to keep them distracted or in kid-friendly terms, “occupied.”
Music players, DVDs and portable computer games are all great to take on a road trip but remember these may not always be applicable or appropriate, especially if you are traveling by air. Electronic devices will slow you down at the check in gates and there is no guarantee they will work 6,000 feet above sea level. Think of books they like and soft cuddly toys to comfort them just in case.
If you are traveling by car, that’s a different story. You may be even fortunate enough to have purchased a newer vehicle equipped with DVD players and individual sound systems, so kids can watch what they want to watch and listen to what they want to listen to while the adults bicker about road map signs and whether to stop at places of historical interest.
One thing to keep in mind when traveling with an infant or toddler by car is time: Expect to have to stop more often for rest stop breaks and to let your kids run around for a few minutes in order to wear them out little bit before they climb back in the car. Snacks are key, but keep them low on sugar! Pack a small cooler or ice chest with low-sugar snacks and drinks or a sippie cup you can refill along the way
Put a small container, like a basket or box in the back seat with toys, books, non-permanent markers, paper and other activities, but be careful not to include those toys that make a lot of noise.
Take a practice drive with your kids if they have not been on long car rides before. If you are planning a ten hour trip, take your toddler on a two hour trip to get him used to sitting in the car for a longer period heading out on the vacation or road trip. If possible plan your drive so that you are doing most of your traveling at night when the kids are sleepier and less anxious.
For older kids, include them in the conversation about where you are going and what you’re passing along the way so they feel like they are part of the experience and they learn a little something about their surroundings. Offer them their own map and quiz them on miles travelled between rest stops or to the next major road cut off. Ask them to identify landmarks on the map you may be passing through and see if they can give you some details about it. All of this can be planned out in advance.
It is critical to always pack an emergency first aid kit for your trip. The kit should include any daily medications. Also children's pain reliever, adhesive bandages and antibiotic ointment. Include tweezers to get out splinters, small scissors and cold pack for bumps and bruises.
If you are travelling by air, before you take a child to the airport explain the security procedures to him. Make sure he understands how the x-ray machines work and that he will need to remove his shoes for security. Remember: all passengers going through the security check points will be X-rayed, including infants. Be sure to allow yourself extra time for check-in at the airport. Be ready to help with shoes at security checkpoints. Find a cart to carry the family's bags. Make sure you take your child to the bathroom right before you board.
Make a carry on bag just for your child with his favorite toys, books and snacks. Make sure the toys don't make noise so you aren't disrupting other passengers on the airplane. Keep fluids to a minimum, consider how hard it will be to take your child to the bathroom.
Chewing gum can mitigate the pressure in kids’ ears during take off and landings, so if they are old enough to chew, let them.
If you’ll be renting a car for your trip, be sure that it has enough room for your family and the car seats. Also, many car rental agencies provide car seats upon request, so if you don’t feel like taking one on the plane with you (checking it in can delay your time at the airport) call ahead to see if they are available.
Make sure you have snacks for the plane. As airlines continue to cut budgets, one of the first things to go is the meal for flights under four hours.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Traveling with Kids Calls for Planning Ahead_84194.aspx
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Author Resource :
To know more about Kids Backpacks please browse Kids Luggage , You can also visit Childrens Luggage
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Keywords :
Kids Luggage, Kids Backpacks, Childrens Luggage, Childrens Backpacks,
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Business
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