Automobile

Who's up for a road trip? Traveling by car can be a great experience if done right.

Space: When traveling by car first consider how much space you have in your vehicle. You may be limited so consider some of the following:

Going to visit family: Before you leave call ahead and ask if you can borrow items they may no longer use but still have, such as a crib, pack-n-play, toys, highchair, or stroller. Sometimes if your family does not have items you can borrow they may have friends or neighbors who would gladly lend them during your stay. This is an incredible space saver.

Entertainment: There are plenty of forms of entertainment to keep your child busy from DVD players to games. It is also important to keep your child engaged in the road trip. Show them a map beforehand, explain the route, and point out interesting sites along the way. Make it a learning experience that is both educational and enjoyable.

Making Stops: You may need to make frequent stops when traveling with small children. Try to reserve time when planning your trip for these extra stops. It is important to allow time for your child to run around and expel some pent up energy in addition to bathroom breaks. Many rest areas have picnic facilities so you may consider packing a lunch for one of your stops.

If you are traveling a long distance, split up your trip at a fun location. Your child will love the change of scenery and the chance to explore a new location. For example, on a road trip from Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta we stopped in Savannah to break up the trip. We were able to walk around and enjoy the town for a few hours before we went to the hotel. Then we were off the next morning. It was a great way to explore and learn about a new place.

Be sure to also review Universal Tips for more travel information.

Last update : 20-02-2008 21:11