Travel Tips for Families - Airline and Car Trips

If you are over 30, do you remember trips in the car with the family? Maybe it was to visit Grandma, see nature's beauty or to visit an amusement park. I will never forget singing along to the radio with my dad. That's how I found out that he had a great singing voice. He was a SLOW driver but, you could almost forget that when he was singing.

Taking the kids for a car trip can be a wonderful family bonding experience. Just remember to remain calm. Kids are easily excitable and may ask nonstop questions or exhibit other behavior which will make you wince. It's new for them. They cannot always express their feelings and may have tantrums or just try your patience.

My son and I enjoy taking trips together and try to take at least one car and airplane trip each year. We have deep uninterrupted conversations, enjoy the scenery or just do our own thing. Since he is over 10, we plan adventures which will keep each of us happy and entertained. We've attended horse shows, farmer's markets, museum exhibits and visited family. Even if we only walk around a new city, we have an agreement to only stop in shops which appeal to both of us. We have narrowed the tips down to a list of 20.

Here are the tips, in no particular order:

1. Have the car checked out. It is not wise to take a trip without checking the car. Even a visual tire and fluid check is better than nothing.

2. Fill the gas tank.

3. Charge your portable devices (phones, headsets, games, etc.)

4. Have adequate cash and credit cards. In case of emergency, the credit card will come in handy.

5. Snacks. Take a gallon of water and cups, portable snacks (fruit, sandwiches, etc.). In an emergency, these will come in handy and save money.

6. Bathroom breaks. Take one before leaving. If you are taking a new route, map quest service stations and restaurants along the route to ensure that the family has the opportunity to take restroom breaks.

7. Medications. If anyone needs regular medication, take some along.

8. Blanket. Place an old blanket in the car; just in case.

9. Pain reliever. Take a few pain relievers.

10. Music. Set a theme and play show tunes, pre-school songs or anything your family would enjoy about 2 hours into the trip. It will break the monotony and give everyone a second wind.

11. Games. Have games for the kids. If they are small, it will keep them occupied. If they are larger, you may have to get creative.

12. Rest. Make certain everyone is well rested before taking a trip. Even if you are sitting in the airport, it is easier if you are well rested.

13. Take a change of clothing for each member of the family. It can only come in handy. Just imagine a large mustard stain on the front of your t-shirt during a family trip to an amusement park. A change of clothing can be handy.

14. Keep an eye on you and yours. It is normal to be excited about a trip but, make sure that you know where your belongings and family are at all times. Criminals are always watching.

15. Copy the cards that you take with you on the trip. Just in case anything is lost, it will only help with the police report, canceling credit cards and general piece of mind.

16. Make sure you have your itinerary with you. Double and triple check. There is nothing like getting on the road without directions, tickets, etc.

17. Lock up when you leave. In the excitement, someone may forget to lock the front door. Double check it.

18. Make certain the stove and water taps are turned off.

19. Check your supplies. If you have a baby, make sure you have diapers, wipes and formula. Important items but, easy to forget.

20. Enjoy. After all is said and done, your goal is to have fun.