Travel
Tips for Families on the GO
by Molly Hayden Gold
I can honestly say that some of my fondest
childhood memories include our cross country car trips. Not only
did we cover the state of Ohio from South to North every Thanksgiving
and August Hayden family reunion for as long as I can remember,
but when I was 10, we took our first of many trips to Long Boat
Key, Florida, a mere 22 hours and counting from our home in Cincinnati
and later in Lincoln, Nebraska. Can you say road trip?
To this day, I remember the sound of the
tire on the asphalt seams in Columbus and the beauty of the stars
in the sky when we were out in the country with no city lights
to take from nature’s wonder above in the plains of Nebraska.
I will also never forget my sister throwing up all over the back
of our station wagon (and my brother) and having to finish the
remaining two hours of that cold November trip with the windows
down. Try as he might, my father never could get the smell out
of that car and eventually sold it, scent and all!
With my own family now spanning toddler
hood to double digits, I always have travel games on hand to keep
our inquiring minds wanting to know more than just the answer
to the age old question, “Mom, are we there yet?”
But beyond the travel games, here are a few tips I’ve found
most useful to create lasting and hopefully happy memories as
we take our trips down Route 66.
Fun
When it comes to media options, today’s vehicles offer more
opportunity to plug in than accessories you can remember to pack.
For the video inclined passengers, give those classic travel games
a lift and pick up a copy of "Are We There Yet?" Starring
Miles the Goose is produced by Banyan Productions, producers of
the hit cable television show "Trading Spaces". This
DVD is available at http://www.milesthegoose.com.
This fun DVD makes travel games come alive in both an interactive
and musical format. Perhaps the best bonus about this DVD is you
don’t have to take it on the road if your vehicle is not
equipped. Simply learn the games at home with your family and
lead them in the fun on the road.
Balance
the visual stimulation with a basket full of fun, and quiet, options
to encourage your kids to imagine the best. Books, both in hard
copy and on tape, brain gym activities using pen and pencil, and
low maintenance art supplies such Crayola’s
Wonder Line of markers and paper, will unleash the Picasso
in them all. Include lap desks for a sturdy working surface and
don’t forget tactile items such as mid-size Legos for those
who like to tinker and travel size board games for a little friendly
challenge.
Exercise
Nothing like a well-timed game of tag at the nearest rest stop
to get the kinks, and any cranky pants, out of the car and back
in stride. Recent studies recommend that our children need 60
minutes of exercise every day. Travel days should be no different
so plan your route to include two to four stops and pack a surprise
to go along with the fun. Think chalk for hopscotch, jump ropes
for a jumping contest, and bubbles to enchant your little ones.
Parents and kids alike will benefit from getting out from behind
the seat belt and into a wide-open space to have some fun. Visit
http://www.kidshealth.org
for great tips on exercising and keeping your kids fit at home
or on the road.
Food
If you want to save both time and money, plan a picnic to enjoy
along the way. Eat just as you do at home. Pack nutritious and
healthy options to be offered on a schedule, not as an activity
to stave off boredom. Depending on the length of your trip, you
might consider a portable cooler that you can plug into your car.
Stock it with bottled waters, naturally stain free for both car
and clothes alike. Choose both child friendly and adult sizes
with pop tops to minimize spills. Include self contained snacks
such as apples and carrots that pack the crunch of chips but keep
the mess to a minimum, and protein packed sandwiches to keep everyone
satisfied until you reach your destination. Pack more than enough
of each rider’s favorite in individual bags and small shapes
to make eating a breeze if you choose not to picnic on your exercise
break. Got a sweet tooth? If surviving close quarters without
bouncing off the walls is your goal, share the love, but not the
sugar. Tha t being said, don’t underestimate the power of
a Tootsie Pop when all else fails to induce the quite game for
your chatty Cathy in the 3rd row. Just use it as a last resort
and hopefully not before you are halfway there. BlueSuitMom.com
offers healthy and simple recipes and travel tips for families
on the go.
Rest
One of the main reasons we travel with our families each year
to get away for the stress of our daily lives and take a break.
Riding in the car can be a relaxing time, with new things to see
and learn about while lulling us into a calm state a mind, thanks
to the hum of the highway. Don’t assume that you have to
have an activity for every moment of the trip. In fact, too much
stimulation and distraction can be unsafe for the driver and bring
on an unfortunate case of car sickness for the weaker stomachs
in the group. Just as you do at home, designate a time for rest
in your day. Bring along a CD of purely instrumental music designed
specifically to encourage relaxation. Time this activity around
mid-day to encourage a nap out of any one who might want one.
You’ll be surprised to see your older kids nod off first.
Just be sure your driver has a fresh cup of coffee at hand to
counteract the pull of the peace that descends each row in tow.
Believe it or not your insuran ce company can be a great resource
on offering safety precautions you can take while on the road
with your family, and to help moms and dads stay alert and focused
while driving a car load long distance. The following sites are
just a couple we’ve reviewed, http://www.einsurance.com
or http://www.geico.com.
Basics
Outfit your car with basic survival items to keep you all clean
and comfortable as you go. Include tissues, baby wipes, hand sanitizer,
and a small first aid kit to include both Benadryl for sudden
allergies and Pepto-Bismol for upset tummies. And finally, though
I hate to say it, make sure you have strategically placed receptacles
for those unpredictable messes that might come your way, just
as my sister surprised us all so many years ago. Check out Smart
Mom Solutions™ Smart Mom Sak, a mom-friendly air sickness
bag designed to keep liquid messes of all kinds contained while
you travel with your family.
Happy
Trails!
©
Molly Hayden Gold
Molly
Hayden Gold is the creator of The GO MOM! Organizer, a licensed
product with MeadWestvaco Consumer and Office Products and sold
at major retailers nationwide. Gold’s insights into family
scheduling are sought by print and on air media alike. "Are
We There Yet?" Starring Miles the Goose is produced by Banyan
Productions, producers of the hit cable television show "Trading
Spaces". This DVD is available at http://www.milesthegoose.com.