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It’s already May. If your family is anything like mine, summer planning is on the brain. Whether you are hopping on a plane or hitting the roads this summer, planning for your time away is critical. And nothing makes traveling with kids more stressful than a lack of planning.
If you aren’t prepared, you can end up spending more money than you want to and dealing with moments that leave you feeling exhausted long before you even reach your destination.
So how do you avoid the extra spending and stress this summer? Here are a few travel tips that might make your life a little bit easier and your kids a lot happier.
Have a great summer!
11 Simple Tips for Traveling with Kids This Summer
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Give everyone his or her own camera
Children love to feel included in whatever is going on. When you travel this summer, make sure each child has his or her own camera. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy; just something that takes real pictures. It will make them feel like they have an important role to play when it comes to capturing all your fun memories.
Give each child a “special” job to do
Give your little one a special job during the trip. Maybe she can be responsible for reminding you to take pictures every two hours. Maybe you can have him be responsible for reminding you to charge your phone. Maybe you can offer your kids a multiple choice survey of where to do dinner, and give one kid the power to decide each day. Kids love to feel like they are helping. Sure, the tasks you assign may not be serious “needs,” but if they make your kids feel helpful, go for it.
Be prepared for unexpected weather changes
Even if the 7-day forecast at your destination calls for warm and sunny days, please don’t travel without jackets and rain gear. You just never know when this weather will switch up on you, and I think we all know that a 7-day forecast isn’t always accurate. Also, in case your vacation is largely focused on outdoor summer fun, plan some equally-thrilling rainy day options just in case you’re met with showers.
Pack plenty of wipes—even for big kids
Wipes, wipes and more wipes is the way to go when you are traveling with kids, no matter their ages. Baby wipes are great for keeping hands and faces free of yuckiness and disinfectant wipes are great for everything from wiping down tables at restaurants to cleaning off the trays in an airplane. Never take a family vacation without wipes.
At BMWK, we are fans of Pampers Natural Clean Baby Wipes. They are durable enough to use as multi-purpose wipes but they’re hypoallergenic and made with a touch of aloe, so they are great for the skin.
Do your app research beforehand
Before you head on a vacation, do some digging so you can uncover the best phone and tablet apps that your little ones haven’t discovered yet. The newness of it will keep them entertained for a lot longer than something they’ve already been exploring for months. Also, research apps that might make your vacation a little more easier for you; things like airline apps, local transportation (and Uber) apps and language translation apps may help guide you to and through your destination better.
Pack a bag of new toy and games
Same rule with the apps applies here. Don’t pack a bag of toys that your kids play with every single day. Head to discount store and spend a few dollars on things that are new. It doesn’t have to be anything pricey. Kids just love the idea of having something new to play with or figure out. Plus, pack a few surprise trinkets away while you’re out around the town; present at random and there is a chance you’ll avoid a meltdown when your kids ask you to buy those pricey souvenirs or gift shop toys.
Pack healthy snacks
Healthy snacks can be just as yummy as the unhealthy stuff. You don’t want to travel with kids who are experiencing the highs and lows of being on a sugar rush. Travel with granola bars, trail mix, cheese sticks (packed with ice) and other snacks that will keep them happy and satisfied without stressing you out. And again, it’ll be cheaper than buying marked-up goods at the airport and travel attractions.
Pack a first aid kit and all medications
Accidents always seem to happen when you aren’t prepared, so always be prepared. A small first aid kit with alcohol pads, bandages and ointment is a great start. It will save you from digging around or running to the store when your kid gets a small boo-boo. And be sure to grab things like EpiPens, inhalers and any other prescription medications.
Let your kids carry their own things
Children love independence. If your child is only 2, maybe just a small backpack is enough, however, children as young as 3 can roll their own luggage (if it’s luggage made for little ones). Moms have the tendency to carry everything themselves and that only results in shoulder pain and fatigue. Let your little ones help wherever they can.
Pack all your sun protection needs
I know we all want to believe that black doesn’t crack, but it does. It might take longer to, but our skin still gets damaged. Protect your kids from the sun at an early age by packing sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. The last thing you want is a kid suffering from sunburn when you were planning for fun.
Keep a change of clothes in reach
This rule applies to road trips as much as it does to air travel. And it also applies to adults as much as it does to kids. Spills happen and when they do, it’s nice to be prepared. Having extra shirts and pants in a place that’s easy to reach can be a lifesaver if anyone ruins his or her clothes during a trip.
[tps_footer]BMWK family, what are your tips for traveling with little ones this summer?[/tps_footer]