Family Travel Success

With summer in full swing, you’re probably already suffering from vacation brain. Daydreams of sunshine and beaches, mountainous terrain, and a week or two of family time away from home stir your excitement daily. Even with the pandemic, a vacation is still possible, just be sure to use common sense and follow any guidelines. Here are some tips that will surely answer your questions and help make your family trip easier and more enjoyable.

• Make a list. Seriously. Lists are an absolute must when planning a family trip. Make a list for your personal bag (and your spouse’s), one for each of your kids’ bags, and any other bags you plan to pack. That way, you’ll know just what you need to bring in each bag and won’t forget to pack it!
• When packing, consider putting plastic shopping bags into your suitcase to use for storing soggy bathing suits or keeping your smartphone free of sand at the beach. They take up next to no space inside backpacks or suitcases.
• Pack a mini medicine cabinet with all your essential medications (something for headaches, tummy aches, etc.). You never know what may ail a family member on a trip, so having your needed medications on hand rather than having to run to a store allows you to avoid another pitstop.
• If you’ll be visiting a beach on your trip, remember the seaside necessities: sunscreen, beach bag, beach towels, blankets, sunglasses, beach toys, swim diapers, etc. 
• Plan out your travel entertainment ahead of time to avoid a headache later. Make a lengthy list of ideas for when your little ones whine about being bored. Ideas include coloring books, crayons/markers, books and handheld games.
• Traveling the friendly skies? Have everyone wear shoes that are easy to take off for security. Also, let little ones run around a bit before boarding the plane. Bring a variety of snacks in resealable bags so kids have different goodies to choose from, and pack small juice boxes.
• Make road trips easier for everyone. If you’ll be traveling by car with kids, don’t try to drive the long distance all at once. Take breaks. Kids will be miserable in car seats for more than six hours, so break it up by staying a night or two at a hotel depending on the length of the drive. Stop at local attractions and playgrounds along the way, too. Everyone will be much happier!
• Pack blankets and pillows so kids can nap more comfortably in the car, and don’t forget the portable DVD player and some favorite movies!
• Book a hotel room that has a kitchen. It’s a lifesaver, time-saver and money-saver to have a space to make your own meals and a place to store some snacks.
• If you have a stroller, bring it. If not, be sure to rent one. Little ones get tired after walking a lot and will need a place to rest their legs.
• Talk to your children when you reach your destination and hotel. Explain what you’ll be doing on your trip and set expectations.
• Go to a local grocery store and buy snacks and lunches. Pick up some items to make sandwiches, and don’t forget other snacks, like fresh fruit and veggies and chips. This will keep you from having to go to restaurants or ordering room service all the time, and it will save you money.
• Upon waking each day, be sure to let your kids know what you’ll be doing that day, even if nothing is on the agenda. If it’s a free day, let your children decide what to do.
• Stick to your normal routine as much as possible. If naptime is at noon, don’t plan any midday activities so your) can rest. If your kids take baths before bedtime, stick to that schedule as well.
• If someone’s mood isn’t jiving with the plans for the day, change your plans. Disney World will still be there tomorrow. It might be a great day to relax by the pool instead.
• If your children are past the napping stage, it’s still important to plan some downtime each day. Everyone will benefit from a midday siesta, so take some time out to nap or at least have some quiet time before embarking on your next adventure. 
• Going to the beach? Swim at lifeguard-protected beaches, stay within the designated swim area and never swim alone. Inexperienced swimmers and young children should wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets in and around the water. Don’t use any other type of flotation device.
• Most importantly, no matter where you travel, have an emergency plan. Be sure to keep phone numbers or important information on you in case of an emergency. Make phone number bracelets your children can wear when going out and about in case anyone gets lost. A keychain version can also be created and clipped onto your child’s jacket or clothing.

Summer vacations are a time to unwind from all your day-to-day responsibilities and craziness. They’re a wonderful way to enjoy quality time together as a family. Remember that it’s okay if things don’t go according to plan. With kids, stuff just happens, and then it becomes a memory that everyone can laugh at later on. Have fun and take a lot of pictures!

Kansas City mom and author Gina Klein is a true believer in making a list of what to pack weeks before pulling out the suitcases. This gives her time to add things she may have previously forgotten and remove things she can easily purchase her destination.