Taking your car to travel for the holidays is a great way to avoid hassles at the airport. It can also be more economically-wise as many flights are more expensive during holiday travel times due to passengers’ high demands. Traveling with children will be easier if you prepare.
It is essential to be realistic about the expectations you have for children during holiday travel. You can’t expect them to sit quickly for 10-20 hours of driving time without activities. Make sure you plan your trip so you can stop every three or four hours at a rest area or even a park to allow them to run around for a while.
1. There are plenty of age-appropriate games which can be entertaining in the car during travel for the holidays. Car Bingo features game cards with different pictures on them, including railroad tracks, cows, and various road signs. Even children that aren’t old enough to read can take part in this type of car game.
2. Since there will likely be people from other states traveling as well over the holidays, make a game to identify cars from as many countries as possible. Have a list with you and then mark them off as you identify them. Try to take along small toys or treats you can give your children as s surprise throughout the trip.
3. There are plenty of CDs with fun songs for children to listen to and to sing along. For extremely long road trips over the holidays, you might want to purchase a system with monitors so the children can watch movies as they travel. Music can be a lifesaver, especially when only one adult is accompanying the vehicle.
4. Traveling with your children during the holidays offers everyone the perfect chance to visit places, make memories together, and get to know each other better. Play a game where one person asks a question, and then each person in the car gets the chance to answer. The items can be simple such as your favorite color game or more in-depth, such as your best memory. You will never get tired of reminiscing. In addition to helping kill time, you will learn a great deal about your children and learn more about you instead of just as their parent.
5. Nothing is going to create problems in the car faster than not having enough room for the children. Consider buying a container that will ride on the top of the vehicle, so you don’t need to place luggage inside of the car with them. It may be useful to consider renting a larger car or a minivan when you travel for the holidays to ensure everyone will have sufficient space for the long drive. Never have more people in the vehicle than you have seat belts for, even if you are traveling in states that don’t require them.
6. Children will likely sleep during the road trip, so make sure you bring along pillows and blankets. Also, their favorite stuffed animals, along with cups for drinks and delicious snacks, will help you ensure that the ride is fun for everyone. It is a good idea to have extra supplies in case you get caught up in a road closure or traffic jam. A cell phone is also necessary in case you need to assist someone, or you may need to search for directions.
You need to plan for delays and expect the trip to take you longer than usual when you travel. The additional traffic on the roads and people at the restaurants where you stop for food along the way will result in more time for each other than usual. Please don’t attempt to Overspeed while traveling with children in the car since you will be putting their lives at risk.
You want to get there safely, and if it takes longer to ensure that it happens, then spend that time bonding with your children along the way.
