Are you planning to travel with kids in tow? Not to worry—a family vacation can be a relaxing and memorable experience, even for Mom and Dad. Whether you're taking a weekend road-trip, rewarding yourself with a cruise getaway or flying cross-country or beyond, these tips will help you keep your sanity while enjoying time away with the kids.

Prime time
Planning your travel around your child's sleep and meal schedules will give you a fighting chance at a more restful trip. Minnow Hamilton, co-founder of Savvymom.ca, a website for Canadian moms, explains that having kids fed and ready for sleep before they're buckled up will make a long car ride more enjoyable for the whole family.

Following a regular sleep schedule works for flights as well. Suzette Simoes, a Hamilton, Ont.-based mother of two, books red-eye flights for all of her international trips. "The kids sleep for most of the way there, which helps me get some sleep as well, so I’m not exhausted," she says.

Busy bodies
Keeping kids' minds occupied at all times will help you beat the "are-we-there-yet?" syndrome. Ask older children to help pack their own selection of favourite toys, colouring books and portable games (for your own sake, don't forget headphones for handheld video games and DVD players). Avoid toys with small removable parts as these will ultimately get lost or fall between cushions and underneath seats. Simoes suggests this sanity-saving strategy: buy a few new toys and intermittently surprise the kids with them during the trip. "If you bring [the toys] out all at once, they tire of them quickly," she explains.

Plan ahead
A well-planned itinerary will help your family vacation run smoothly. First, talk to your travel agent about your children's ages and interests for specific information about what your destination has to offer. Next, let your kids have their say—stock up on travel books to get them excited about landmarks and attractions. Four Corners Books publishes children's novels that are set in various cities around the world and they come complete with maps and guides for further planning. While on the road, pack a travel guide written especially for little ones, such as the ABC Travel Guides for Kids, to help the whole family choose sites and activities along the way.

Why schlep if you can ship?
If you're travelling by plane with an infant, you've already got your hands full without the hassle of checking in a car seat, stroller and all of the other baby essentials. Innovative companies like JetSetBabies.com ship baby supplies, including diapers and infant formula, to many global vacation destinations. The package arrives at your destination before you do!
 
Know the rules
Before flying with babies or young children, familiarize yourself with airline policies and amenities. Air Canada, for instance, has bassinets available on board. However, you'll need to call the reservation line with your infant's height and weight at least 48 hours before boarding. Check with your travel agent or call the airline well in advance to ask about pre-ordered children's meals, diaper-changing facilities and seating procedures.


For more travel tips, visit caamagazine.ca. 


Page 1 of 1