Travel Tips for Parents
by Colleen Langenfeld
Copyright (c) 2005
Another summer is fast approaching and families are once
again looking at travel opportunities. Whether it is
visiting grandparents, playing the tourist, or even
taking your family along on business, traveling with the
family is not the same experience as traveling alone.
Here are some simple tips to keep everyone smiling during
your summer excursions.
- Pack light, pack complete
This means don't take it along unless you actually need
it. But if you DO need it, don't pretend you can do
without it. You will just be miserable or end up
purchasing the item on the road.
- Buy it there
The first tip (above) brings up a useful thought. Are
there some items that are easily purchased once you reach
your destination? It may be simpler to buy some things
rather than pack and unpack them. Only you can decide if
the convenience outweighs the cost.
- Attention spans
Everyone has one and they can be vastly different within
the same family, especially if you are traveling with
small children. Little legs and minds cannot possibly
keep up with adult ones. Instead of fighting it, plan
according to the youngest family member. That's why it
is called a FAMILY vacation!
- Plan it out
Decide ahead of time what you hope to accomplish during
your travels. Is it six cities in seven days? Unhurried,
unscheduled leisure time? Family time by the bucket-load?
Make your plans with your focus in mind for a more
satisfying, less frustrating trip.
- Be practical
Pack clothes (and shoes) that are comfortable and can
last the duration. Remember that wet wipes are your best
friend! Aim for making memories, not making a fashion
statement. I like to include one personal item per
traveler under this heading as well. Whether it's a
'lovey' for a toddler, a paperback for mom, or a small
electronic gizmo for the teen, everyone gets tired and
needs a little down time. A small personal item from
home can do wonders for a grumpy attitude.
- Be flexible
You can almost guarantee that your trip will not go
exactly as planned. That's okay. That would be one
definition of the word 'adventure'. But your responses
to the changes and challenges that will arise while
traveling as a family are the real key to how everyone
will remember this special time together. It will also
be the determining factor in whether anyone in your
family wants to do this again.
- Look for a different perspective
A family trip is a great chance to get to know each other
a little bit better. What DOES your teen think about the
world situation today? Who knew Dad loved trains? What
other aspects of your family members could you learn
about while outside of your normal routine?
In truth, travel time with the family is really about
stepping back...looking ahead...gaining new insights.
These are the people you are traveling through LIFE with.
Enjoy the ride!
About The Author:
Colleen Langenfeld energizes busy working mothers with
career, organizing, meal-planning, parenting ideas and
more using the free Working Mothers Great Idea Kit at
http://www.paintedgold.com/moms.
