Family Travel: How to make long flights and car rides fun for kids
Traveling with children can be a lot of fun, but long flights and road trips often test the patience of both parents and children. However, with proper planning and creativity, these trips can be enjoyable for everyone. Here are some tried-and-true tips to help make long flights and car rides fun for kids.
1. Prepare entertainment in advance
Keeping kids entertained is key to a successful trip. Make sure you have a variety of activities that match your child’s interests. Tablet packs filled with movies, games and educational apps can be a lifesaver. Don’t forget headphones so kids can enjoy the screens without disturbing others.
For those who prefer screen-free options, pick up coloring books, puzzles, or small toys that are convenient to use on the go. Sticker books, magnetic drawing boards, and travel versions of games like chess or checkers will also keep kids occupied.
2. Prepare snacks and food
Snacks are an important element to keep little travelers happy. Take a variety of healthy and interesting snacks such as fruit, crackers, nuts or granola bars. Avoid treats that are too sweet so as not to provoke hyperactivity and subsequent energy slump.
For road trips, bring a container of pre-prepared meals to avoid fast food stops. If you’re flying, consider taking your kids’ favorite snacks, especially if the food on board doesn’t suit them.
3. Create a travel routine
Long trips can disrupt your child’s routine, so establishing a routine will help them feel more comfortable. Designate times for snacks, rest, and activities. On board an airplane, this may involve adjusting your child’s routine to fit the destination time zone, while in the car, plan stops for meals and rest.
Encourage stops during the trip. Allow children to stretch at stops, visit a nearby park, or even play a short game to burn off excess energy. Planned breaks give kids something to look forward to and make the trip less monotonous.
4. Pack comfort items
Having familiar items can go a long way in helping kids feel more comfortable while traveling. Bring along their favorite plaid, soft toy, or pillow to help them relax or fall asleep. A neck roll can also provide extra comfort while they sleep.
If you are traveling with small children, consider taking spare changes, diapers, and wet wipes in an easily accessible bag. This will help you be prepared for unexpected accidents while traveling.
5. Transform your trip into an adventure.
Turning a trip into an exciting adventure can make a long journey more enjoyable for children. Create a themed activity, such as a treasure hunt, where they look for landmarks, animals, or interesting objects outside the window. You can hand out small surprises or rewards on the way to the next destination to keep the interest going.
On car trips, let kids take turns choosing music or a podcast, or play classic road games like “Guess What It Is” or “20 Questions.” On board an airplane, you can explore the entertainment system together by pointing to different directions on a map or discussing a travel plan.
6. Involve them in the planning.
Kids love to feel like they are part of the process, so give them the opportunity to be involved in the planning part of the trip. Show them pictures or videos of the destination to get them interested. You can have them pick out road games or activities they want to take with them.
For older children, you can offer small responsibilities, such as helping with navigation or choosing a place to stop, to make them feel more involved and interested in the trip.
7. Promote nap time.
If your trip has long stretches of time, encourage children to sleep in to make the trip shorter. Make sure they are comfortable and have everything they need to sleep, whether it’s a favorite blanket, eye mask, or quiet music.
For flights, take a neck roll or travel blanket to help your child get comfortable. For road trips, if you can synchronize your trip with your child’s usual sleep time, they may sleep most of the way through.
8. Be prepared for the unexpected
When traveling with kids, you need to be prepared for the unexpected. Pack a small “surprise bag” with toys or treats they haven’t seen before to pull out when boredom starts to set in. This could be a new puzzle, an interesting book, or a small snack that will distract and refresh their interest during the trip.
9. Maintain a positive attitude and flexibility
Finally, it is important to maintain a positive attitude and flexibility throughout the trip. There will be occasional moments of frustration, but a calm and optimistic attitude will help set the right tone for the children. If things go wrong – such as delays or detours – see it as part of the adventure.
Being flexible allows you to adapt to the children’s needs and make changes so that everyone is comfortable and enjoying themselves. After all, the journey itself can be just as memorable as the destination when it’s filled with fun moments with your family.
Conclusion
Long flights and car rides don’t have to be stressful when you’re traveling with kids. Proper planning, keeping them entertained, and making the trip an exciting adventure can help make these moments memorable and joyful for the whole family. Whether it’s a road trip through scenic routes or a flight to a faraway place, with the right preparation, everyone can enjoy the journey.