Travel Troubleshooting
Traveling, especially with children, can be a daunting thing for many people—even when the destination is enticing and the plans are laid out weeks to months in advance. Many travel “tips” can feel super obvious and often irritating rather than helpful. The list below are some suggestions that hopefully feel more practical and useful. Travel should be exhilarating, a fun adventure, a learning experience, or at least relaxing. Here are some newly framed tips for a smoother trip (with or without your kids).
Planning Ahead:
Packing lists are critical: try to imagine each day of the itinerary and what you will need and want. Then consolidate the list prior to the actual packing day. Remember to review items that may not be available for purchase locally and bring your own supply.
Like any carefully planned event, it is almost inevitable that something on your trip will not go how you expect it to. Try to remember that the trip is about time off from stress: laugh more, and try to worry less about every small detail.
Pack a mini first-aid kit for a quick and easy solution to any little issues. Include benadryl, neosporin, bandaids, gauze wrap, tweezers, and eye drops.
During Your Transportation:
If you are travelling with toddlers or older, help them organize a small carry-on with their favorite snacks, travel-friendly games (magnetic pieces), coloring books and silly putty, for example.
If anyone suffers from car/airsickness, bring an easy change of clothes. If the motion sickness is severe, discuss suitable, safe motion sickness medications in advance with your primary caretaker.
To help with ear pressure during takeoff and landing (especially for children), bring gum, hard candy, or lollipops for your older kids to eat/chew on. For babies and toddlers, try giving them a pacifier or bottle if possible.
Consider travel pillows. The downside is that they are yet another thing to carry, but for long flights they can certainly make a difference in everyone’s sleep.
Overnight flights can be tricky; as appealing as it may sound, you can’t assume that either you or your children will be able to sleep through the night. Be prepared to keep the kids occupied with quiet activities such as coloring books and sticker books. If they are old enough, bring headphones.
Try to manage your anxiety and frustration as much as possible. Dealing with changes in time-zones/schedules are undeniably difficult, especially in a new, unfamiliar environment. Try to plan for this with realistic rest times, and ramp up the activity level realistically.
Special Notes for Travel with Small Children:
Be sure you are comfortable with travel strollers, car seats, and/or cribs available during transportation as well as at the final destination.
Bring disposable plastic bags with you. This could mean leftover grocery bags, or doggie bags—they are an easy way to help clean up messes on the go.
Bring a lot of snacks wherever you go. Airports are still notoriously low on healthy alternatives for kids. Ask Dr. Geary about GOODBag™ travel boxes for kids.
