Family Travel Tips

The more things change, the more kids stay the same. The family Chevy turned into the family station wagon, turned into the family minivan, which is now the family SUV. Even with the advent of in-seat TV's, mp3 players and Nintendo DS -- surprise -- kids still can't get along in the backseat! Here are a few quick tips for traveling with children, on the road, at the hotel and in the air.

Before you even leave the house, it's a good idea to prepare your kids for the trip. If they are old enough to read, give them books about the area you are traveling to and do some research online. If not, read to them and show them pictures of the places they will see. If you are traveling to a foreign country, introduce them to the food they will taste at home before you go to help ease the culture shock upon your arrival.

Finding Family-Friendly Lodging
In most cases, the more space the better. Rather than booking a handful of rooms, or worse, trying to cram everyone into two standard double beds, you might want to try renting a weekly apartment or condo. This way, you will have more room and probably a small kitchen, which can save a bundle on food. There are many companies that provide these vacation rentals all over the world; here are some tips on finding one that's right for you.

If you have a large family, you may want to consider renting a vacation home. You'll have more space and privacy, and cut down on the bickering that comes from cramped quarters. Check out Hideaways International, a travel club that offers villas, condos and suite resorts around the world at a discount.

If you don't mind the idea of allowing another family in your home, house-swapping allows an economical, comfortable and fascinating way to vacation far from home. You arrange to occupy someone's home at your destination while they occupy yours. Intervac International is a large home exchange agency that offers access to thousands of swappers worldwide.

When you arrive at the hotel, inquire about any perks for the kids -- some hotels will offer a free room for children staying with adults. It can't hurt to ask!

For more ideas, read 6 Money-Saving Hotel Tips for Families.

Flying with Children
Before you take off, let the kids burn off some energy. Walk (as opposed to carrying them) around the airport. Show them the planes, and when you board, take them to see the cockpit and meet the pilot if you can. It also doesn't hurt to allow them to stay up a little past their bedtime the night before; this way they may actually nap on the plane. If you're traveling with a baby in a stroller, keep it until the last possible moment. Then if your flight is delayed, your child will have a place to sleep.

While in flight, make sure children are comfortable and occupied. Prepare them for the experience by describing what they can expect to feel (turbulence, ear-popping, etc.) and let them know that it is normal. Many airlines offer something special for the kids, like American Airlines' Landing Zone magazine, full of games, puzzles, activities and short stories to occupy their in-flight time. If the flight attendant doesn't volunteer anything, ask. Many wise parents opt to bring their own.

If your child is anxious about flying, there is a great book called "How to Fly For Kids" which explains what the child can expect to experience, like the "G" force and turbulence, in a very UN-scary way. If your child is flying any portion of the trip alone, be sure to read about Children Flying Solo, as there are fees and risks associated with this.

For more ideas, read 10 Ways to Amuse Kids at the Airport, Surviving the Airport with Kids, and even money-saving ideas in 10 Ways to Find Cheap Flights for Families.

Family Car Travel
No, we're not there yet! A great way to avoid the inevitable question is to give kids a map, or, even more fun, let them help create their own. You can trace the route together and point out interesting landmarks so that they will have a sense of where they are going.

You might also want to let them take their own travel pack, which they can pack themselves. This will get them excited for the trip, ensure that they have what they want with them, and save you the trouble of carrying their things. One terrific place to go for the necessary supplies is Kidstravelzone.com; they have a variety of kid's travel accessories, including a backseat survival kit featuring fun things like coloring books, games, puzzles and more. They also offer card games like "States & Capitals" and "Famous USA Landmarks," which will keep your child occupied, while also providing some educational value. For older kids, audio books are a great way to keep them occupied, and a set of headphones will prevent them from disrupting the rest of the car. On a long trip, car games are a MUST!

When renting, bring your own car seat with you. Car rental agencies charge a daily fee to rent a car seat, and chances are it won't be of as good quality as your own. Don't forget to dress the kids in loose-fitting, comfortable shoes and clothes and bring an extra sweater with you. If your child is prone to carsickness, don't forget the Dramamine!

For more tips, see Family Car Travel.

Our Forums are a great place to get and share advice, as well!