Make Holiday Travel with Kids Hassle-Free with These Tips

Traveling can be a great experience for kids! New sights, smells, snacks, and things to do. It also can be a great way to spend quality time together and bond as a family. While there are a lot of positives to traveling with kids, it isn’t always cute naps and yummy snacks. Packing, getting out the door on time, unpredictable stop schedules, early mornings, and late nights can cause moods to do a 180 when traveling. Children’s World, a child care Greenville NC center, can help make your trip as smooth as possible. Here are some tips that you can remember when you’re traveling with your kids this holiday season.

If You’re Flying:

Flying is a great way to get from one place to another quickly and efficiently. For kids, however, it might be a little scary at first. Being so high in the sky and sitting close to other people might cause anxiety and stress in children, especially if that’s how their parents are feeling. If you’re planning on flying this holiday season, here are some things you can do to help your kids feel more comfortable and happy.

Bring snacks of your own that you know they like (gummies can help with ear-popping from the differing pressures)
Download books, shows, toys, and movies that they enjoy
Ask them to tell you how they’re feeling and what you can do to help them feel more comfortable. Remember, they aren’t as experienced as us when it comes to travel.
Let them get out their energy in a safe place in the airport or once you leave. Being cooped up on a plane for a long time can make them feel jittery.
If you can, walk them around the plane. This can help release some energy, reduce uncertainty in the environment, and they might even be able to meet some of the airplane staff.

If You’re Driving:

Driving might take a little longer, but it can also be cheaper depending on how far away the destination is. While your kids are more used to being in the car, they might not be used to being in it for long periods of time. Here are some tips to have a successful and safe road trip with the kids.

Make a cool road trip playlist to jam out to
Play car games like 20 questions or license plate game
Bring a variety of snacks. Sometimes they might want something sweet or salty, so bring small bags of both! You can also bring healthier snacks like fruit and nuts.
Minimize the amount of screentime your kids are getting
Make up fun stories and encourage your kids to add their own twists
Try to stay on the usual schedule as much as possible, such as with meal times and bedtimes

Overall Travel Tips

Whether you’re flying or driving, here are a few things to remember when traveling with children.

Bring a comfort item, like a blanket or toy
Bring sanitizer and wipes to help clean up messes
Give them time to get out their energy before, during, and after traveling
Try to dress them in stretchy, comfortable clothes while avoiding zippers, laces, and anything else that can make things difficult when dressing and undressing.
Keep your composure. Take time to destress for small moments during the trip by taking deep breaths, counting to 10, and making sure that you’re eating enough (the last thing they need is a hangry parent and child).
Ask your local child care Greenville NC center, like Children’s World, for more tips and toys that would be good to take with you.

Children’s World | Child Care Center in Greenville, NC

Children’s World is a child care Greenville NC center that is ready to help your child(ren) learn and grow into their best selves. Our professional staff has a wide variety of different curriculums for children of all ages. From infant programs to after-school care, there are endless possibilities for your children here at Children’s World. Visit our website to learn more.