HOLIDAY TRAVEL TIPS WITH YOUR KIDS

Tips For HOLIDAY TRAVEL With Your Kids

Whether by plane, train or automobile, holiday travel is here. And while we’re taking time to talk about the destination, we should also take a moment to plan the traveling. Because we’ve all been kids ourselves and we know that sometimes the “getting there” part can make or break the whole trip. So how do we keep our kids busy, happy and safe ‘til we get there? Let’s take it by age.

AGES 0-2. BAG OF

TRICKS. Remember Mary Poppins? You want to have a bag like hers, filled with everything from books to loveys to normally “forbidden” items like Scotch tape or car keys. And introduce them one at a time. You’ll be just like a magician, or at least a quirky English nanny.

AGES 3-6. AUDIO

BOOKS. Buy or download some beforehand. If you pick great storylines, your kids will listen intently and you’ll have plenty to talk about afterwards. “Mama, why do you think her shoes were made of glass? Isn’t that dangerous, Mama?”

AGES 7-10. TRAVEL

GAMES. They’re old enough to understand them but still young enough to appreciate them. Timeless favorites include I SPY, Name That Tune or 20 Questions. “Wait, Dad. Can a banana be a vegetable?”

AGES 11-14. MUSIC.

Make sure their iPods are fully charged and ready prior to leaving. Download some new material to keep them interested. And don’t forget the earphones! Or expect to be serenaded from here to Grandma’s.

Oh, wait! And did we mention snacks?!

AGES 15-18.

READING. Have them bring some age-appropriate books or magazines on whatever they’re into these days. (Might as well enjoy what they’re reading, right?). Or talk. Because when else do you have your teenager’s uninterrupted attention for hours at a time?

Of course, there are plenty of DVDs and gaming devices upon which you can also rely. The secret is not letting that plugged-in existence dominate the entire traveling experience. Enjoy each other’s company while also respecting each other’s space and you’ll be good to go.

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