Tips for Traveling With Kids

1. If you are taking a road trip, plan your stops ahead of time. Choose locations that might have something interesting to do that will break up the trip for the young ones you have in tow. Ideas include choosing rest-stops that have parks and play areas for the children, or finding an exit with a neat tourist attraction such as “Mystery Spot” or “Largest Ice Cream Cone in America.”
2. Pack plenty of snacks, and make sure you have a variety of treats stashed away. While road trips are often a good excuse to junk out, your children will feel better and happier if you throw a few healthy treats their way. Whole grain crackers, bananas, yogurt and rice cakes are good snacking options for the car. Of course, a stop at their favorite fast food restaurant along the way won’t hurt either.
3. Keep things interesting. Allow your children to pack their tablets, iPods and gaming devices, but also give them unique non-electronic games to play. Provide them with a United States map and have them check off the different license plates they see along the way, or play a family game of 20 questions while you are on the road.
4. Choose a family-friendly destination that your kids will enjoy. Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida is always a viable option, but there are other destinations such as Williamsburg, Virginia or San Francisco, California that are packed with plenty of things for your children to enjoy.
5. Plan your trip so that there is something special for everyone in the family. If your son is a history buff, plan a stop at a local museum near your destination. If your daughter loves everything about the outdoors, make sure to schedule in a nature hike. Your individual children will feel appreciated, and this gives everyone in the family an opportunity to try something new.

In the moment, your family vacation might seem frustrating and stressful. It’s important to remember, though, that your children are making memories that they will savor for a lifetime. Try to enjoy each day of your trip for what it is — you’ll be reminiscing of this trip in the years to come, and the mistakes will make for lots of laughter in the future. You only have a few special years when your children are young, so make the most of your family vacations while you can.

From the World Tourism website