|
1.
Count Down to Your Departure. Count
down the last 30 or so days before the trip
on a calendar, creating
excitement about the event. You can
also include things like Day 21: Shop for
film, hiking boots", or "Day 5:
Start packing." |
| 2.
Kids Love Maps. Trace the route of
the trip on a map before leaving, giving kids a better idea of how far they are
traveling, where they will be going, and what to
expect. You can also bring the map on the
trip to trace your route as you go. |
| 3.
Make a Trip to the Bookstore. Purchase
books and stories about the destinations you
will visit on the trip. Kids who
have a basic knowledge of areas and cultures
beforehand will have a greater understanding and
appreciation for that they see and do on the
trip. |
| 4.
Kids Love Animals.
When preparing for a wildlife-viewing adventure,
buy a guide to the wildlife of the region you
will be visiting. Keep a journal of all
species sighted. |
| 5.
Prepare for Your
Flights. Pack your child's
favorite snacks and dole them out as treats
periodically. Carrying juice boxes or
bottled water is a good idea. Pack small
bags of surprises for them to open every
so often, making the flight go
faster. |
| 6.
Single Parents.
Bring a Notarized Letter. If traveling
with one parent, or with another family member,
this letter grants permission for this child to
travel with this person. Also have signed
medical release forms. |
| 7.
Document your Trip Through Pictures.
Give each child a disposable camera to take
their own pictures for a scrapbook after the
trip. Encourage them to keep ticket stubs,
brochures, etc. to add to the scrapbook. |
| 8.
Send Postcards. Encourage
children to buy a postcard at each different
destination visited. At the end of each
day, they can write their comments on the back. |
| 9.
Keep a Diary. Create a travel
diary in advance, writing each date at the the
top of a page. Every evening, set aside
time for the child to write about the day's
activities. You can also bring glue stick
for the child to add ticket stubs, postcards,
etc. to the diary. |
| 10.
Everybody Loves Shopping. Give
each child a small allowance for picking out and
buying souvenirs. They will enjoy shopping
more and get to choose their own mementos of the
trip. |
| Traveling with
children can be very rewarding and give the
family lasting memories. A bit of
forethought before the vacation takes place can
make traveling with children a great time for
all! |
