From the ArcaMax Publishing, Features Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/features/s-333526-652378
Whatever your mode of travel, there will be special challenges if you
take the kids along. The key to sanity is some careful planning - and
a calm, unruffled approach.
* Where Should we Stay? *
If you are planning at stay at a bed and breakfast, do some research.
Many bed and breakfasts are not suitable for children. However, you
may be able to find a 'farmstay' - a bed and breakfast on a farm that
allows your kids to interact with the animals. This can be an
unequalled family experience - especially for city dwellers.
Staying in a hotel? Do they provide extra cots and/or cribs for
children? Do they have a restaurant with a kids' menu? Is there a
playroom or playground on the premises? Are there children's
activities nearby?
* What Should I Pack? *
Use common sense. Every family is different. Check the following list
and pack what is appropriate for your household:
- Small first aid kit
- Liquid anti-nausea medication
- Liquid Tylenol
- Individual-sized tissues
- Moistened hand-wipes in individual packs
- Paper towels
- Photos of the kids and important details regarding medications
- Telephone numbers of doctors (at home and at your destination)
- Copies of passports, birth certificates, custody documentation
- Decks of cards, favorite toys, children's books
- Coloring books, crayons, mechanical pencils, paper
- Crossword puzzle books, erasable pens, highlighters
- Windbreakers, slickers, umbrellas
- Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen
- Plastic bags from grocery store checkout (for storage and cleanup)
* Diaper Disposal *
There are scented disposal bags available - or you might want to pack
some small zip-lock bags. Plastic grocery bags or newspaper bags can
also be used. The solid matter should be disposed of down the toilet.
Next, roll the diaper up with the soiled area facing inwards so that
you have a compact bundle with the plastic on the outside. Place the
diaper in the zip-lock bag, seal most of the way, then press out as
much air as possible while you complete the seal. Discard in a
bathroom garbage container or outside garbage bin.
If you are outdoors and there are no outhouse or bathroom facilities
nearby, you should carry the entire diaper contents with you,
disposing of appropriately when you find a garbage bin or bathroom. DO
NOT leave diapers or diaper contents behind. Besides polluting the
environment, some animals are attracted to human waste. Protect the
environment even more by making sure that you purchase biodegradable
diapers (or switch to cloth).
If you must carry soiled diapers along with you for any length of
time, you might want to consider packing a few deodorant disks or a
baking-soda based scented deodorizer.
* Snacks *
If your children are finicky eaters, chances are you will encounter
problems with airline and restaurant meals. Pack a few nutritious
snacks. Snacks may include fresh fruit, granola bars, individual-size
cereal boxes, cheese and crackers, raisins, unsalted peanuts - or
snack-size containers of applesauce, puddings, and fruit cocktail.
* Boredom *
Boredom is always going to be a problem. Even a half-hour trip seems
like a long time to a young child. The easiest and most accessible
boredom solution is YOU. Use the time to interact with your kids. Ask
them questions. Get them to tell you stories if they are old enough.
You can keep young children entertained by telling them stories -
complete with sound effects of animal noises, whistles, and whatever
else you can invent.
Play guessing games like 'I Spy' with older kids, or get them involved
in some children's cards games. Although games like 'Go Fish' can be
played with a regular deck of cards, there are many games with
special, brightly-colored decks made just for children. Do an internet
search for 'card games for kids' and you'll find plenty of resources.
* Inactivity *
Sitting still for long periods of time is not a natural activity for
children. If you're on a plane, train, or bus, get up and take a walk
down the aisle once every hour. When travelling by car, find an
appropriate pullout and play frisbee or go for a short walk.
* Relax - Lighten Up - Unwind *
Treat every family trip as an opportunity to connect with your
children. Relax, enjoy their unique personalities, and enjoy yourself!
There are many more travel tips available at: 1000tips4trips.com
- and you can search for more ideas at this page of
search engines. If you are trying to find a bed and breakfast,
boutique hotel, or bed and breakfast, try: 111 Travel.