It is always an exciting time of the year when the whole family goes away on vacation. For the kids, this means sun, fun, late nights, and parents that are generally in great moods! For the parents, it is a different story. Traveling with children always brings on a host of concerns. What should I pack them, how do I prevent them from getting sick, and how do I keep them occupied? Here are some tips that with make family vacations easier on the parents.
Keep Them Occupied
Whether you’re traveling by plane, train, or automobile your kids have to stay occupied during travel for their sanity and yours. Don’t let the stress of packing and organizing deter you from the fact that the kids are going to need something to do on the plane or in the car. You know what your kids like best. Maybe it’s a Harry Potter book, a coloring book, music, movies, or travel size board games. Have them pick out one or two things to bring on the trip. Be prepared!
Packing Appropriately
When packing for your kids, plan on them wearing clothes more than once. This will cut down on baggage size. Avoid whites and other light colors like khaki-colored pants that will show stains. Denim is a definite yes for your kids. It’s easy to clean and doesn’t wrinkle easily. Pack two bathing suits if you’re going somewhere warm. This will allow one to dry while the other is in use. Long-sleeved PJs are a good idea as well if you are going somewhere warm. Generally hotel air conditioners cool down the room quite a bit at night. Make sure your kiddies stay warm.
Sickness Prevention
When traveling, kids are exposed to a larger amount of germs than in their regular life. They like to touch everything at the airport, and certainly have no concern about washing their hands before putting their hands in their mouths. Vacations also leave everyone warn down and nutritional quality isn’t always as good as it is at home. Although you don’t want to be pumping your kids full of medication during your trip, some of these remedies will make you thankful that you brought them along.
1) Avoiding colds
- Nozin Nasal Sanitizer is a citrus-scented liquid that is applied to the nose with a cotton swab and is designed to reduce the risk of catching colds and other airborne germs.
2) Avoiding motion sickness
- Queasy pops are suckers that are made to ease motion sickness.
3) Avoiding stomach bugs
- Be aware that when you’re on a southern destination ice cubes, tap water, and juicy fruits are generally a no-no. If you or your child contract a stomach bug, old-fashioned, folk remedies are great. Drink plenty of clean bottled water, eat lightly, eat plain foods, and get lots of rest. Try herbal teas to avoid dehydration.