It’s all about the journey, not the destination, right? Of course, this isn’t always true if you set out on a family trip without a solid plan. When you’re traveling with kids, every parent knows it’s about having what they need handy and keeping them occupied — which, in turn, can free up more time and energy for much-needed self-care!
Being stuck in a car for hours at a time with your children doesn’t sound leisurely, but it’s often necessary, and you can work at making it fun for both of you. Besides, traveling with the family has been shown to benefit children’s minds in a number of ways. So, Natural Health Strategies presents some affordable ways you can prepare for your next road trip, making it as stress-free as possible.
Tips for Traveling with Kids
Pick a Vacation Rental
Vacation rentals can help you save money thanks to complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi and toiletries, plus many rentals come with fully-equipped kitchens so you don’t have to eat out all the time. If you’re traveling to Anaheim, try to pick an accommodation that’s near attractions your family can enjoy together. As Turnkey points out, there are plenty of kid-friendly attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Adventure City. By choosing a vacation rental that’s close to family-friendly attractions and activities, you can feel less stressed about planning your vacation!
Stay Safe
Traveling with kids can get exhausting, which means you have to get some shuteye when you can. Sleep deprivation can impact your overall health and your ability to react and think. Consider purchasing Natural Health Strategies’ Calm Five Homeopathic to help you reduce your stress levels so you can get to sleep faster. Also, plan your drives ahead of time so you’ll have clear, realistic goals to meet each day.
Since you’ll be spending so much time on the road, check out your insurance ahead of time to make sure your family will be covered in any situation. See if there’s any way to get a discounted rate to save a little money in the long run. Vacation can be expensive, so if bundling policies will save a few bucks, go for it. Having a vehicle equipped with an anti-theft device and being a careful driver can also add up to extra savings.
Comforts on the Road
One of the hardest parts of traveling with children is homesickness. You won’t be able to snuggle up on the couch or tuck your kid into their own bed for a nap when you’re on the road, but you can bring along little pieces of home that won’t cost you a dime.
As you pack for the trip, consider what your children hold near and dear, such as a favorite toy, blanket, or cup, and bring what you can with you. Set up their space in the vehicle so that each kid has access to personal items. Consider letting them pack their own bag to keep beside them on the seat instead of in the trunk or suitcase.
Bring along blankets and pillows so your kid will have the option of napping and sticking to your routine. Everything you bring from home should maximize your comfort in some way, so throw in any tablets or handheld games to provide entertainment whenever you’re dozing off for a few.
Last but not least, put together an itinerary for your trip so you know where the rest stops are so you can plan your breaks accordingly. You can easily plot your course through websites like Google Maps, or you can hire someone to develop an itinerary for you.
Pack the Right Snacks
Try to pack enough snacks to stick to your daily routine of eating. You might be on vacation, but that doesn’t mean your family’s health should be. Instead of relying on fast food and junk food from convenience stores, bring a bag or cooler for snacks and simple meals.
Whole foods, like fresh fruit and nuts, can be bought in bulk and make for easy no-mess snacks on the road. Let’s face it: traveling with kids means the vehicle will be a mess by the time the trip is over. However, you can avoid crumbs and huge spills by choosing the right snacks.
Homemade granola bars, for example, are full of nutrients and energy to keep all your occupants happy, but they can get messy. So, pack hand wipes for quick clean up. In the same bag as your wipes, toss in other toiletries like multivitamins, ibuprofen, allergy medication and any regular medications you or your children are prescribed.
Planning and executing a family trip isn’t always easy, which is why you need a solid game plan. You and your family are going to have an awesome trip, and you’ll be able to stick to your all-too-important self-care routine, thanks to your forethought!
