Travelling With Children – Top Tips
The Journey!
Planning ahead is key when it comes to travelling with children. Long car journeys can be hard going and boring for anyone, never mind young children. However, there are a number of things that can be done to ensure that the trip is made just that little bit easier.
First of all, ensuring that the following items are packed (and easily accessible!) can lead to a less stressful journey.
Drinks and snacks for the journey
Packing snacks and drinks that your child will enjoy is essential for any long journey (whatever the mode of transport is!). Healthy snacks that are great for travelling include bananas, crackers, cheese cubes, fruit in zip lock bags and home made cereal bars. Drinks (preferably not fizzy drinks or high sugar options) in non spill bottles (or sippy cups for toddlers) are a must too.
Small toys, games, story books and activity books
Taking activities with you that will keep a child occupied on a long journey always makes for a more pleasant experience! Colouring books and sticker books are great for younger children; however, do bear in mind that felt tips are not a good idea in the car – stick to pencils! Storytelling CDs (or those from mobile devices if we’re being more up to date!) can keep kids of all ages entertained for hours. Older children may enjoy puzzles or reading books. And let’s not forget that children of all ages enjoy playing on a tablet. These can be used for watching films, reading stories, playing games and much more. It is a good idea for each child to have their own possessions and activities stored in a small backpack for the journey. Items can easily be stored away once they have been used.
Surprises!
A brilliant idea for a long journey – carry a small, lucky dip bag of inexpensive items (books, puzzles, stickers etc) that have been wrapped up, and use as an incentive for good behaviour. Kids absolutely love this idea and it makes the journey so much more fun for them!
Wipes and Tissues
An essential for any long journey, wipes or cleaning cloths can be used to clean sticky hands and faces, and any other spillages that may occur.
Comfort Items
Small pillows, cosy blankets and soft clothing can make a long journey more comfortable for a child, especially very young ones who will probably want to have a nap at some point along the way. And let’s not forget any favourite cuddly toys or teddies!
Jane@TopHolidaySpots
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