Wheeling And Dealing: Hitting The Open Road For Your Family Vacation

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

When my husband and I hit the road for a getaway or road trip, we usually fill up our tank, pack our cooler and our thermos and hit the open highway. And, we’re usually up and running before sunrise. It’s actually, for us, the best way to beat traffic and still get to most of the places we head out to with time to spare for enjoying the rest of the day, at least upon arrival. Yet, for many of our married friends and family with children, it seems that road trips are a bit more or a “burden” and require a bit more “planning”. After all, dh and I can eat and drive and are pretty good about not making too many “pit stops” along the way. But, again, with kids, experts suggest that your travel techniques may require a little tweeking.

Whether you hit the open road by car, bus, or train you need to give kids (especially younger ones, a potty break at least once and hour. Plus, while it may set YOU back a bit, it’s an excellent opportunity to shift their focus, since young kids have short attention spans and just an hour trip can seem long to them, and give them the chance to run around, play, and stretch their legs.

However, if you’re in flight, you won’t have this “luxury”.

But, either way, especially if you’re pressed for time, experts suggest traveling during the night when kids are asleep and don’t need to be entertained, amused, fed, or make potty stops. In fact, by the time your “little ones” wake up, you’ll likely be close or near to your destination.


Still, for long hauls or if you’re traveling via plane, train, or bus, and will need to keeps kids amused during the daytime, professionals suggest packing some books, toys, coloring books, movies, a journal, and some snacks, so you won’t have to stop as often. You may also want to keep their liquid intake to a minimum, especially with younger kids

Also, especially with little ones, make sure you pack extra clothes, since they may have an “accident” including with food and drinks.

Finally, make sure you have plenty of tissues and disposable wipes and a sealable plastic bag on hand as well. This is essential for wiping hands and faces, cleaning spills or changing diapers while on the road.

Long Island Travel & Leisure Articles > Wheeling And Dealing: Hitting The Open Road For Your Family Vacation