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More Smiles Per Mile - Traveling Smart With Kids

Vacations are supposed to be a time to refresh the internal batteries and to bond with your family while discovering new places and enjoying new experiences together. Of course, if the world were a perfect place, all of this family bonding time would be filled with only joy and happiness. Unfortunately, because we live in an imperfect world, family vacations can be trying affairs. Family members can suddenly have meltdowns or throw tantrums, and often it’s not just the kids losing it.

So how do you prevent or at least minimize family drama on the road? Here are a few tips to make your next trip a smoother one.

Drive When They Are Sleeping

Face it. It's hard for children to sit still for hours on end in a car, so if you are heading out on a road trip, try to do a big chunk of your driving when they are asleep. The best way to manage this is to pack up your car the night before and then wake up before the crack of dawn. Buckle your sleeping children in the car and head out on the road. With any luck, you'll be able to get two to three hours of driving in before your little darlings wake up.

Pack Entertainment

DVD players and game systems can be lifesavers for long road trips and airplane rides. Don't, however, let your children get so engrossed in their screens that they never look up to enjoy the scenery.

To kill two birds with one stone, try to select DVDs that are about the area you will be visiting. That way, your child will not only be entertained, but may get to know a little about your intended destination, as well.

Keep Extra Clothing On Hand

No matter how old your children are, there is always a chance they may have an accident and soil or spill on themselves. Be prepared. Always pack a small bag with an extra set of clothing for each child in it. If you don't, you could end up on the side of the road hauling suitcases out of the back of your vehicle and searching through each one for your child's clothing in it.

If you are heading to a beach resort or a hotel with a pool, it is also a good idea to pack your bathing suits and beach towels in the separate bag, as well. That way, if your hotel room isn't ready for check-in when you arrive, your family can kill time at the beach or poolside.

Stop Frequently

Plan your road trip so that it includes time for frequent stops for refueling of your car and the humans, as well as for bathroom visits. Your stops should also include some time for the kids to run around a bit or for the family to take short hikes to see the sights.

Pack Snacks And Drinks

Pack healthy snacks such as frozen grapes and popcorn, as well as water and juices for your road trip. Not only will this be healthier for you and the children, but not having to purchase overpriced items from gas stations and convenience stores will also save you money.

Double Check The Room

Kids tend to spread their items around a hotel room, so make sure to double check your hotel room before leaving. There are few things more aggravating than driving a half hour down the road only to discover that you've left your child's much beloved toy or important medication in the room.

Get A Suite-Style Room

Some hotels offer suite-style rooms for about the same price as a regular hotel. These multi-room suites can be lifesavers if you are traveling with children. Say, for instance, your baby is sleeping. You can take him into a bedroom and shut the door, while your spouse stays with the other child in the "living room" area to watch some television.

In addition, many suite-style rooms offer kitchen areas, which can save a family money over the course of a vacation if they choose to cook a few meals in rather than eat out at restaurants all the time.

An alternative to hotel suites are time-share rentals or vacation homes. Both will typically cost less per week than hotel rooms because they usually don't have daily maid service. In addition, many of these have onsite washers and dryers, which means that a family can bring less changes of clothing. With many airlines charging for each extra bag, this can be yet another way to cut expenses.

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