Friday, January 13, 2012

Tips For Families With Children Traveling By Car

By Kathleen Burch


A trip abroad is always a brilliant idea for a family getaway, but if you have the children in tow and are required to rent a car from the airport en route to your holiday destination, it is your responsibility to make sure they have a smashing time and not try to smash the windows to escape a dodgy ride. Remember that if the children enjoy the journey you will normally have a great time yourself.

PLANNING AHEAD If children get car-sick easily, it is best to give them something to eat or drink and to wait a while before getting into the car. Take advantage of the time you have to wait for your luggage or at the car hire counter in the airport to avoid unnecessary delays.

You can check for a reliable roadmap at home or go online to get the most updated information regarding your travel destination en route from the airport. Always plan for a few more stops than what would be necessary, and know exactly how often you need to go on a break. Give yourself a long and hearty break of 20 minutes per two hours, because if you try to drive non-stop, you are risking accidents or car trouble. Check the corresponding motorway exits for convenient stops where your children can get out of the car and run around a while.

Try to stop at playgrounds where they can play safely. Take some time to relax and stretch your legs yourself. While this may take up more of your travel time, this can make you feel extra relaxed at the start of your holiday.

AMUSEMENT You want your kids to stay entertained, so their favorite toys would be nice to carry along in your hand luggage. Make sure to pack at least one familiar object like a favorite toy or a special blanket for every child.

You can also keep your children amused in the automobile by playing their favorite songs. Today's rental cars all come with radio de rigueur, but that does not necessarily mean that it has a tape deck or a CD player. Do not leave this to chance - you want to come prepared with all your children's favorite sounds for their enjoyment purposes.

If you are looking for an alternative way to keep the kids busy, you can try coloring books or any other colorful form of juvenile reading material. If you do not suffer from car sickness yourself reading a story for the children is also a good way to keep them occupied for a while and help the time pass more quickly.

If you can afford it consider a portable DVD player. A portable DVD player is a versatile appliance because it engrosses younger viewers both at the airport and while riding in the rental car. You will also want to have these handy for the holidays, either during the sweltering afternoon heat or in the event of a torrential downpour.




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