Travel

Many years ago I realized that I would never be able to offer my children what some parents can. For example, I’ll never be able to teach my children how to change an auto transmission or be much help with the chemistry homework. However, one thing I want to do is “show my children something.” I want to introduce them to the world. I agree with Marilynne Robinson who wrote in her novel Gilead, “This is an interesting planet. It deserves all the attention you can give it."

But traveling with children, as rewarding as we all hope it will be, can be challenging and at times downright maddening. Of course, the dynamics change with the age of the children with whom you’ll be traveling and the relationship you have with them—are they your own flesh and blood? grandchildren? nieces or nephews?
To make your travels more rewarding for everyone consider these tips as you prepare.

Involve the children in planning
All of us feel more ownership when we are involved in the planning process. Unless you are especially adventuresome, there is no need to let the kids choose every place you’ll visit. However, perhaps there is a range of options you are willing to consider. If so, let the kids help make the decision. Depending upon his age, involve him in your budget conversations too. This is an additional opportunity to provide financial education and practical household management skills in a real-life context.

When possible, book non-stop flights
OK, I realize this is not always possible or practical depending upon where you’re traveling and the difference in ticket price. If you are traveling with small children or several children, you may want to avoid long layovers and several gate changes.

Give each child a backpack
Kids can keep track of one carryon with no trouble and a modest-sized backpack is probably the easiest thing to tote through an airport. On a number of long trips I made sure each of my four children had a decent backpack. In it we stashed a few snacks like granola bars and gummy bears. The rest was theirs: a book, games, a notebook, a favorite toy. I’m open to just about anything that fits in the bag and that will pass through security!
Of course, this is works for travel in cars, buses, and trains too.

Keep a record of all medications
It is a good idea for all travelers, not only young travelers, to have a list of their prescription medications handy should you lose them or run out during your trip. Keep a copy close by and, if possible, leave a copy with someone back home who knows your itinerary and whom you trust. Include the actual name of the medication and not only the marketed name. Pharmacies in other countries, for instance, will likely carry the medicine under a different name.

Speaking of medicine…
Know the health particulars of your child before leaving home. Parents will probably be aware of these details, but if you travel with a grandchild, be sure to have a detailed conversation with his or her parents about health issues.
By the way, a small package of Dramamine or a similar medicine for motion sickness, is worth carrying along even if you think you’ll never need it. Depending upon where you travel, even the most courageous stomach can be undone by bus rides on some of the roads in Central America. When your stomach is adjusting to the food from another part of the world, sometimes it can use a little help.

Give the kids a disposable camera
Unless she already has a camera this is an inexpensive and fun travel accessory, no matter the age of the child (and it fits in the backpack!). A camera is more than a diversion to occupy an otherwise bored kid. On a trip to Maine a few years ago, I was surprised by what my children felt was important to capture on film—I learned a lot about them. I was also reminded of their visual perspective. My daughter, three years old at the time, took all her photos at my waist level. She turns eleven soon and those pictures are still a source of delight.

Get plenty of rest
Family travel is often fertile breeding ground for the dangerous bacteria of “strife.” We adults can get cranky when we’re tired; that is threefold the case with kids. Be realistic and don’t overdo it. Go to bed at a decent hour, sit down and rest occasionally during walks in the woods (even if you’re not tired), stop for a drink of water and for some “people-watching” while trekking along Fisherman’s Wharf.

And a recommendation from my son: spend time with the kids
Sure, the kids are with you, but now you’re in an interesting place and you want to drink in the experience. I understand. But don’t forget about the kids; be sure to interact with them. They’re discovering some remarkable things and may need to think-out-loud. Family travel is an opportunity to spend large portions of time together, to explore our wonderful, strange, and delightful world. There’s no better occasion than this to talk about things that matter most to you.

Traveling with kids is worth it! Clearly, there are challenges when traveling with kids, whether yours or someone else’s. However, with a little preparation and thoughtfulness you’ll probably alter forever your child’s view of the world, and you may end up having the time of your life—at the very least you’ll have a dozen good stories to tell when you get back to the office.

Have fun, be safe, and send me a postcard.

Please visit my blog: Being Somewhere

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