11 Tips for Traveling with Kids

Kids are lively, full of energy, and inquisitive by nature. They require vast amounts of attention and care; sometimes more than we can afford. If you're traveling with some long miles ahead of you, keeping the kids entertained while you're driving becomes difficult. As they become older and more self-sufficient, they'll find their own ways to entertain themselves. For the younger ones that require just a little more attention, here are a few tips that will make traveling with your kids a little easier. 

1. Organize

   Kids can be all over the place with their toys, games, and snacks, so it is best to try to keep everything as organized as possible. We suggest bringing with you some type of back seat organizer, so that your kids can place all their trinkets into nifty cubbies that keep the back seat clean. 
   
   

2. Coloring

   Do you have any extra markers, crayons, or coloring pencils laying around? Grab together some scrap paper or coloring books, place everything into a binder, and let your kids draw their creative wishes. Kids will love it.
   
   

3. First-Aid

   The stress of a child hurting themselves always lingers in the back of any parent's mind. Road trips will definitely give plenty of reason to bring along a first-aid kit for those "just in case" scenarios. Make sure its equipped with bandages, ibuprofen, and disinfectants.
    

4. Pack your food

   Road trips can become quite costly when you consider factors such as gas, tolls, and food. To help decrease the costs, pack food with you. If they are mess-free foods, place them within the child's reach, so that they will be able to access it when they become hungry. This will also help you avert any junk food. 
   
   

5. Book on tape

   Bringing books for the kids to listen to can be a great distraction for them while you're focused on the road.
   
   

6. Movies

   If you have any portable streaming devices, set them up to allow the kids to watch some movies. Netflix recently updated their services, so that you may download and watch your favorite movies/shows even when you're offline. 
   
   

7. Toys and games

   I Spy is a classic road trip game that is sure to never get old. Tell the kids to look out for certain landmarks and destinations to create a travel scavenger hunt, or create a licence plate check list to see who can spot all 50 states first! Games such as these will keep kids interested and aware. Bring along their favorite toys as well to keep their minds and hands occupied.
    

8. Travel tray

   To avoid large messes, bring along a travel tray that kids can put in their lap and use when it's time to eat or draw. This will reduce messiness and keep them a bit more organized. 
   
   

9. Behavior clips

   If you're looking to encourage good behavior, create behavior clips that the kids will understand. Create a reward system that associates with individual badges. If they are behaving well, reward them with a treat. If not, take the badge away and have them earn it back by performing good deeds. We'll leave the system up to you; let us know your method.
   
   

10. Diaper bag

    If you have little ones, don't forget the diaper bag. We need not explain why!
    
    

11. Create a list

    There's nothing worse than forgetting to pack something. Create a list before you leave the house to make sure you have packed everything for yourself but the kids as well.

Picture courtesy of  Aliexpress.com