A travel organizer like the Sunshine Kids Travel Pal can be a lifesaver when on the road with children.

I know how stressful it can be traveling with children. While being with them and seeing new places through their eyes is a wonderful experience for kids and adults alike, traveling with children can make the whole process more stressful and complicated. Whether in a plane, train or automobile, the trick to helping them deal with being in a confined space for a long period of time is planning ahead.

It’s not just a matter of keeping them safe and comfortable; you have to keep them engaged and entertained as well.

Whether we’re traveling by plane or car, I am selective when I’m when packing toys. Try to choose favorites, the ones that your children play with for hours on end when they’re at home. Toys and toys sets with a lot of moving parts and loose pieces can be a recipe for disaster – easy to lose, spill or get left behind. Board games where game pieces are a part of the board or attached to the board itself in some way are ideal for travel. Activity sets that come in their own bag or carrying case are ideal for keeping your children amused while in the air or in the car. Another great thing to have along for the ride is something to draw with and something to draw on. Drawing pads that include sheets of paper in different colors are a plus.

Mixing it up is a key ingredient. I like to grab a handful of small toys, puzzles and novelty games commonly found in dollar stores everywhere. They’re a cheap and convenient way to keep kids busy and un-bored. Since they’re inexpensive, it won’t matter if any of them get lost. I like to get separate selections for each child; that way they can swap with one another.

Books are another way to keep them focused on something other than “Are we there yet?” There is such a variety to choose from. But as with toys, resist the temptation to take their entire library on the trip with you. Limit the number per child. Audio books are also a great option.

Portable players for both younger and older children will keep them happy and amused. Kids of all ages love music. Take along a portable CD player or DVD player (or both if you have the room). And of course, they also love movies. A choice handful of their favorites will keep them entertained for a nice chunk of time. Don’t forget to include a handy headset complete with colorful, oversized ear-cups. It will be easier for them to use and will help control the noise level.

The Heys USA Disney Princess Carry On is perfect for girls.

Giving each child their own carry-on is a smart way to make them responsible for their own stuff, while keeping all of their treasures accessible and in one place. Carry ons for kids are designed to be user-friendly, with convenient features like inline wheels and retractable handles.

Backpacks are another option, especially ones in bright colors or with a particular theme.

The Heys USA Disney Cars Carry On has a theme very popular with boys.

Don’t forget a tote bag for yourself. I prefer a travel organizer with multiple compartments, both interior and exterior, which allows me to easily pack and organize kids’ medicines, first aid items, wipes, tissues and snacks. Choose a carry on or tote bag with a wet compartment. This will give you someplace to store damp cloths or towels.Traveling with kids can be an adventure, a way to introduce them to another part of the world and give them new experiences that will become a part of a lifetime of memories. And getting there is half the fun!

© Cymax for Baby Furniture & Design Ideas, 2009. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: activity sets, Baby Gear, board games, carry ons for kids, child carry on, kids, tote bag

        

Feed enhanced by Better Feed from Ozh