Tips for Traveling with Kids

[Heartlyn]

1. Make a list of everything you want to do -- then cut it in half.
2. Choose accommodations close to a park or playground.
3. Bring LOTS of spare clothes
4. Don't forget travel medicine.
5. An umbrella stroller is light weight and easier to transport than a large stroller.
6. If you're staying in a hotel, contact them ahead of time to see what baby equipment they may have so that you don't have to bring as much.
7. Portable DVD player with headphones -- awesome if you can afford it.
8. Bring a bag of Dollar Store treats (toys/candy) and give them out a little bit at a time.

Any additions would be appreciated....
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Heartlyn
www.budgetniagara.com

[fra72]

about number 7... using TV as babysitter even on holidays... isn't it too much even for despetate parents?
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[paul]

Too much...? You mean portable DVD players cost too much? They are not that expensive nowadays, you know...
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[Heartlyn]

:about number 7... using TV as babysitter even on holidays... isn't it too much even for despetate parents?"--

On long drives or train rides, etc., I wouldn't call it a babysitter. I'd call it Portable Entertainment!
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Heartlyn
www.budgetniagara.com

[Gled]

check what the property or hotel offers in terms of strollers and cots etc or places to hire them at the destination book beforehand to avoid dissapointment
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[mhuy2x]

These portable DVD players are very handy with kids traveling with you. Pack them with a lot of good cartoons and you're good to go to any travel destination.
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[Red Tape]

leave them at grandma's.
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[paul]

The DVD players or the kids?
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[Red Tape]

the kids, of course.
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[amj121]

Kids may have a harder time spending hours on the journey so make sure you pack them comic, snacks, drinks, and fun activities to help pass the time. For me I have to prepare riddle because my child love it.
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[krisited]

kids usually get bored on a long road trip, you can bring along game boards, puzzles, your good memory of stories to tell or a collection of games you can play inside the car
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[PVBabyLady]

Be certain, and book your baby equipment before you leave. Many hotels and resorts do have portable cribs, however they are on a first come first served basis, and most places have only one or two of them. Some of the private homes maybe able to provide you with one, once they dig it out of Aunt Mary's storage. Also don't assume that you will be alright holding the baby on your lap for 7 days....if you are going to a warm climate, you'll likely appreciate a reprieve after about 1/2 an hour. Traveling with kids can be stressful, not only is everything new to them, but often their entire routine is upset. It is nice to have something they are familiar with from home waiting for them when they arrive at their destination. There are plenty of baby equipment rental companies all over the world, look into renting a few pieces and save your sanity!
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[Trev]

Bring proper pillows for them - not the travel neck pillow things, but a proper one ideally one they sleep with at home as that's one thing I remember when travelling as a kid, it's much simpler to go to sleep on that than the side of a car.

Also a small blanket can be quite comfortable especially if driving overnight. Doesn't need to be a quilt, but just again something familiar that makes going to sleep seem more natural.

As for DVD players, games etc. Never had DVD players when I was the right age or for that matter CD's, but that I can see working if your kids don't get travel sick. Best to check this before hand as it's very possible even on motorways under the right weather conditions. Things like the pillow can help, although they usually suggest looking forwards.

Can I also add MP3 players might be useful. Either load them with stories or music depending on kids ages. We used a "portable" tape player in the back of a Mini and later Walkman tape players, but the first one probably not a good idea considering the safety aspects.

Trev
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[henryg]

That's a great list of pointers. I think when it comes to taking kids on holiday number one is a great piece of advice...Another idea to save a lot of hassle is to consider looking at taking a family-friendly cruise. You can get deals like are mentioned on this [ spam removed ] page which make it very affordable and everything is contained on the boat- no need to worry about changing hotel rooms, etc!

[paul]

Henry... consider this a (final) warning. Blatant spamming of the board like this is not allowed.
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