Summer Travel: Preparation for Fun

It’s fun to travel with children. But, it takes a lot of preparation to have a successful trip with your young ones.

Air Travel

Air travel isn’t fun for adults. Consider how stressful it will be with children when selecting your flight times. Children under two don’t need their own seat but are safer in a safety seat.

Rules are always changing with the TSA. Know airline policies about food and entertainment. Pack a sandwich and wipes so you’re prepared to address hunger.

Review the TSA screening procedure with your children so they know what’s appropriate and what to expect. Dress your child for ease of passing through security.

Make sure you’re well rested so it’s easier for you to manage your children.

Traveling Medicine Cabinet

Get savvy with international travel so you know what to bring. Check in with your pediatrician. The CDC has excellent advice for different destinations. Vaccinations and prophylactic medications are recommended for certain places. It’s better to see someone in-country when traveling than to self-diagnose. Take all of your child’s regular medications.

Car Travel

Have a media plan in place for travel. It’s hard to have a group experience if everyone is doing something different. Engage in car games to reduce car sickness. Talk about the destination with your children.

Consider your child’s resilience with car sickness. Windy roads can be tougher on her than straight drives. Provide plenty of ventilation. Speak with your pediatrician if car sickness is severe. Looking out the window and not reading can help.

Strange Sleep Environments

It’s tough to sleep in a new environment. Consider taking a morning flight overseas that arrives at night so you can go to sleep shortly after you arrive at your destination. Rest up before your vacation.

Listen as Dr. Lisa Asta joins Melanie Cole, MS, to advise on how to have a successful trip with your children.