Traveling with the Kids: 5 Tips to Remember

Not only do November 1st marks All Saints' Day, but it also reminds us that Christmas is just around the corner. Yay! :) I am so excited I can't stop imagining all the food, gifts, parties and family bondings. Of course, these family bondings would include travel with the kids. Double yay!

Family Christmas Holiday 2010
(photo from Tito T)

Buen Family: Author, SJ and JF.

SI was still in the author's tummy. 

(photo by Tito T)

Last year, the family went to Tagaytay after Christmas Day for an overnight thingy. Back then, there were only two kids, 9-year-old SJ and my 3-month-old nephew, who traveled with us.  SI was still in my tummy. This year, travel would be tougher  (and merrier) as we now have 3 kiddos in tow. 

If you plan to travel with the kids, carefully planning out your trip won't hurt. This would ensure that the whole experience would be comfortable both for adults and kids alike. Below are some tips you might find useful when traveling with the kids:

1.  Have an itinerary.

Remember that you have children with you and they turn into grumpy monsters when their needs are neglected. See to it that stop overs and snack times are scheduled. If you plan to stay overnight at your destination, make sure you've made reservations ahead. In my experience last Christmas season, it was really difficult to find a family room. It was just fortunate that I found Lily Boy's Bed and Breakfast which was still open when I inquired.  

Main House of Lily Boy's Bed and Breakfast

2.  Don't forget to clean the car.

Most individuals may think that this is useless since kids will just a make a mess on the way to your destination just the same. That is exactly the point why you should. Instead of letting the trash pile up, clean everything first before the kids step in. You don't want your car turned into a garbage truck, do you?

3.  Have a packing list.

Most often than not, you'll tend to forget your kid's essentials if you don't frequently travel. Make an itemized list of all baby needs such as clothing, diapers, toiletries, sterilizer, feeding bottles, first aid kit, toys, food and medications, if there's any. It is also a must to have several packs of wet wipes inside the car in case they instantly get messy.

4.  Get the little ones entertained.

Don't forget to pack stuff that entertain the kids such as stuffed toys, books and puppets. Also turn up kids' music so that they would not feel bored. If your vehicle has a car TV, load Barney videos that they can sing along with. You may also lend your iPod or iPad gadget to keep them from being restless. Even the most basic cellphone has games that would keep the little one busy. Chances are if you entertain them enough, there will be little possibility of boredom setting in and you'll less likely to hear the annoying line, "Are we there yet?"

Green-nailed SJ gets her share of mobile games

5.  Give them snacks.

Give them food that is not high either on sugar or salt. If you give your kid too much sweets, he will become hyperactive and he might not be able to sit still. On the other hand, salty foods would require kids to drink lots of water resulting into several wee-wee stops. Bring crackers and juices in tetra packs that you can easily distribute inside the car. In case you pass by a fast food joint during their snack time, it would definitely be a treat to your kid if you dine there. Keep this equation in mind: hungry kids = grumpy monsters.

It is undeniable that carrying kids along a trip spells out real effort. Each trip that you take with them is a definite opportunity to show how much you love them and how devoted you are as a parent. At the end of the day, what truly matters is spending quality time with your kiddos and giving them happy memories of vacations well-spent.