10 Tips to Save Your Sanity
by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.
765 wds

Even the best family summer trips can leave parents exhausted and in need of a vacation upon return. Fuel costs, highway construction, delayed flights, and airport security can rack up the stress. But trips with the kids help everyone reconnect.

With twenty years of experience as a travel journalist, Eileen Ogintz of TakingTheKids.com writes “The chance to share something new together—something you’d never see or do at home—is what makes those indelible family vacation memories that last forever.”

So how can we travel without pulling a Griswold?




1. PLAN as a clan! Kids love to be included in the trip planning so find simple tasks such as searching online for things to do in the towns you’ll visit or choosing DVDs and books to bring along.

2. PEP talk. To keep everyone feeling secure (especially if flying for the first time) break down the details. Talk about how the airports can be crowded and the way security checks work. For younger children, consider sharing a picture book such as Airport by Byron Barton.

3. PACK like a rockstar. Ogintz’s site has great tips for smarter packing:

 Reach for a scarf instead of an additional outfit.
 Lay out everything you’d like to take then choose half of those pieces.
 Pack only shirts matching more than one thing.
 Consider going completely “carry on” to avoid fees.
 Use space bags, “Pack-it Cubes,” or Ziploc plastic bags.
 Don’t pack clothes they hate.
 Pack a change of clothes in a carry-on for in-flight accidents.
 Remember laundry can be done in a hotel sink.

Sane on the Plane

4. Spy before you fly. Ogintz says be sure to read the fine print on your airline’s website before heading out the door since they all have different fees and rules. Don’t forget to pack crayons and little games to entertain them as well as a DVD player if you have one. If you’ll be traveling with a car seat, bring it on the plane so your child will be both safe and comfortable.

5. Anti-freak plan. These realistic tips from Paula Shelton, creator of FlyingWithKids.com will keep your anxiety in check while in the air with kids:

• Pack lipstick and a compact mirror. If you’re having a bad time, take two minutes to apply lipstick and give yourself a pep talk in the mirror.

• Take advantage of fast track security checks if you’re traveling with an infant.

• Be prepared to lose stuff, and don’t freak out when you do.

• Treat any time to relax as a bonus.

• Keep smiling at your kids.

• Ignore rude people—only you can know the right way to handle your child.

Prevent Woes On the Road

6. Safety first. Ogintz says get the car checked out before you leave to avoid flats, and since automobile crashes are the leading killer of kids, make sure your children have the proper restraints for their age and size. Kids weighing 40-80 pounds should use a booster seat as this will reduce the risk of serious injury by 59 percent. Make sure your phone is charged, and plan to leave at a time you won’t hit morning or rush hour traffic. Depart when you are well rested and if possible, when the kids will sleep most of the way.

7. Consider a rental. Renting a fuel efficient vehicle and driving to your destination is often more economical than flying. Ogintz recommends fuelcostcalculator.com to calculate the cost of a road trip.

8. Think comfy. Bring DVDs, treats, books, and toys to entertain them. Books on tape are great, and kids can be encouraged to “unplug” for periods of time so you can talk. Older kids can help navigate with a GPS or maps.

Peaceful Getaways

9. Pace yourself. Whether you fly or drive, upon arrival plan to chill for awhile so kids can adjust. If your vacation activities keep you active, consider eating dinner early to save on wait times and to prevent exhausted kid melt-downs in the restaurant. Have plenty of healthy snacks (Cheerios, string cheese, bananas) and water on hand for your hungry kids who may not like the food where you dine.

10. Forget trying to save the world. It’s always tempting to over-schedule with so many exciting things for the family to do and see while away. Instead, together decide on one big outing each day so that the kids don’t become over-stimulated and sleep deprived. Your vacation should include plenty of downtime where everyone is together restfully and peacefully.

Michele Ranard has a husband, two children, and a master’s in counseling. Her blogs are hellolovelychild.blogspot.com and hellolovelyinc.blogspot.com.

Resources:

Barton, Byron. Airport. Harper Collins, 1987.
Ogintz, Eileen. www.TakingTheKids.com
Shelton, Paula. www.FlyingWithKids.com