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The holidays are something that we enjoy throughout the year! The only problem is when you’re stuck in your car or on a plane for hours with your children, and they are constantly letting you know that they do not want to be there.

It can be a difficult experience for parents as well as the children. Both can be unsatisfied and frustrated. However, there’s a bright side! Parents have come across strategies and tricks that could bring back the excitement and laughter to their family’s adventures.

Before you proceed

• Discuss the trip before departing: If this is the first time that your child will travel and you are worried about the trip, discuss what will take place before departure to ease any worries. Bring a favorite toy or a blanket to help your child feel safe and relaxed.

• If you’re switching times: help your kids (and you!) adapt by sleeping or getting time to your new schedule. You can do this for a couple of days before leaving.

• Allow the kid to choose: Find opportunities to let children decide for themselves. Perhaps it’s choosing between two places to eat at, or which type of music they want to listen to while driving. It will feel as if they are in control of an unknown environment and are involved in planning the trip. 

Flying or driving

• Carry a bag full of enjoyment: Let your child choose the latest backpack or carry-on bag and help them complete it with activities they’d like to do during the trip. Also, you can include a few fun items such as the latest book, game, or even a toy. Blind bags or surprise bags can be fun as well and generate excitement about the contents. Make sure you leave the toys and games with many small pieces that may become lost (that’s an assured recipe for breakdowns).

• No supplies for family games: Verbal games like “I spy” and “20 questions’ are fantastic because they can be played anywhere! If you’re driving around, be sure to select objects that are some distance ahead, so that you don’t get past the items before your child has an opportunity to think of them. If you’re flying, take a look at the clouds to see what animals or shapes your child could be able to recognize in the clouds. Window gels are entertaining!

• Painter’s tape: This has a dual use! It is a great tool to use when traveling to make Tic-Tac-Toe boards that the whole family can play with. Once you arrive at your destination, make use of this to hide outlets when you have to protect your baby in the room.

• Emergency items: Accidents happen. Bring a kit including a spare set of clothing, a couple of baby wipes, band aids, and towels. Make sure you bring any medicines your kids might require, along with the contact number for your pediatric physician. You might also want to pack some snacks if your flight is delayed or you are trapped in traffic.

Flying

• Fill up your water bottle: Bring an empty water bottle for each one of you in the family to keep them hydrated. After you have cleared security, you can refill it before taking off. Many airports have filling stations for water bottles connected to water fountains.

• Do not board before the time: Even though families might be allowed to board earlier, it’s not an option (unless you have allocated seats). It will mean more time you must use to entertain your children sitting in the seats. Be patient until boarding closes to allow your children more time to move around in the waiting room. Also, if there are two of you traveling, you should have one board in the morning to unload the bags and get your seats ready for the kids, then let the other parent join the children closer to the time of departure.

• Warm gum or a bottle: Depending on the age of your child, you should have an ice-cold bottle or gum to chew for take-off. This will help prevent the ears of your child from popping. Request the flight attendant to fill the bottle with half cold and half hot water, so that it’s not too hot. 

• Surprise bags for your friends: If you’re traveling with a child, you can bring your best wishes to your fellow flyers. Set up earplugs and sweets in Ziploc bags. And then, distribute them in case your child begins crying out in hysterics.

Driving

• It is a good idea to plan to pull over: If you’re driving for a long time, make some stops during the journey. This allows the whole family to discover new things and let them run off their energy. Bring a variety of recreational games like frisbees or balls so that the kids can play outside.

• Take a break whenever you are able: If your kids are just starting, make them feel encouraged to use the toilet every time you stop. Even if they insist that they don’t have to, encourage them to take a look. This can keep you from a sudden stop once you’re on the highway.

• Neck pillows: They’re often used by passengers on planes for adults and are perfect for car use too! If you don’t have plenty of room, you can opt for an inflatable model. Kids can play with these while sleeping to stop their heads from bouncing around.

Conclusion

Holiday travel with kids can be difficult, but it doesn’t have to be a stressful experience. A little planning, imagination, and adaptability may make your vacation an unforgettable experience. Making the journey as enjoyable as the destination is the goal of these parenting tips, which range from letting kids make tiny decisions to preparing good packages and engaging in easy car games.

Remember that the most important thing is to be patient, organized, and have fun, whether you’re traveling by plane or by car.