Make Family Travel a Trip Down Easy Street

With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, Moorpark families are planning to the road for summer trips. Whether by car or plane, traveling with children can be challenging. Back seat meltdowns can be avoided by being flexible and prepared.

We’re planning a short road trip up to San Francisco for a weekend in June. It probably will be our last opportunity to be away from home before the new baby arrives. Gone are the days when I could throw a few things in a backpack and take off in a spontaneous moment. With children in tow, you must be equipped with the necessary gear and plenty of snacks.

Surviving a road trip with children can be made easier and safer with a few key strategies. Plan ahead. Start preparing to pack a few days before you travel. If you are a list-making type of person, prepare a list of items needed for the road and your stay. It’s extraordinary how many items children—and especially babies—need.

Bring along plenty of snacks. There’s nothing worse than a crying hungry child. Gas stations and mini marts along highways usually do not offer the healthiest food choices. Make sure to pack some nutritious, mess-free snacks like bags of pre-cut fruit or veggies, juice boxes and string cheese. Plenty of water and baby formula, if needed, should be on hand in a small cooler as well. Partaking in a small treat can settle an antsy child. Remember also to bring baby wipes for easy clean up.

Pack strategically. Some families are lucky enough to have a DVD system in the car. I have heard they are a lifesaver for long car rides. Portable DVD players and books on tape or CD can also be bought or rented. Kaila has her Nintendo DS, which may also entertain for a few quiet minutes. There are also a number of good old-fashioned travel versions of board games that kids usually like. Surprise your child with a new toy, book, or game along the way. You can build up your cache of surprises before the trip. When a meltdown is about to ensue, squelch it quick with an unexpected goody.

Take a break. When you’re traveling with children you cannot expect them to sit for more than a couple hours at a time. Plan your route so you have some extra time to take a break and use the restroom or stretch your legs a bit. Stopping at a park with a playground is a great way to allow the kids to get some pent up energy out.

Don’t forget your camera, battery charger and memory card for all the moments you will want to capture.  

When all else fails there’s always the old 99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall (99 Bottles of Milk on the Wall works too!).