Taking the Kids™
Summer Travel Tips
1. ROAD TRIP 101 AAA says more than 80 percent of vacation trips this summer will be by car, despite high gas prices. (AAA’s site www.fuelcostcalculator.com can help you figure out how much you’ll spend on gas and visit www.carcare.org for a free guide) Here’s how to make the road trip part of the adventure and not an endurance contest:
- Motor vehicle crashes remain the leading killer of kids, in part because nearly a third of children are in the wrong restraints for their ages and size and seats and an astounding four out of five safety seats are used incorrectly. Make sure those between 40-80 pounds are in booster seats. They reduce the risk of serious injury 59 percent.
- Encourage the kids to help you do a web search for cool places to stop along the way. Visit the tourism websites for the areas you’ll be passing through and see what special festivals might be going on this summer.
- Toss a couple of baseball mitts, balls, Frisbees, soccer or footballs in the trunk so the gang can run off some energy whenever you stop.
- Plan to stop every couple of hours.
- Plan on picnics along the way. Not only will it be cheaper, but you’ll all eat healthier and the kids won’t be forced to sit still in a restaurant after hours in the car. Let the kids help plan the food
- Laminate a map so the younger kids in the gang can follow your route and help navigate on your next road trip; Buy them inexpensive headlamps so they can play or read after dark.
- Have a grab bag filled with inexpensive wrapped surprises that you can pass out when the going gets rough. Favorite treats help too. M&Ms anybody?
- Alternate electronic games like the new Car-Go Fun DVD Game from Mattel that’s got six different SpongeBob or Dora the Explorer games and for older kids, Scene It? To Go! Jr and TV DVD Games (under $20 www.mattelgamefinder.com) and old-fashioned ones like “I Spy.” For long road trips, bring along a book on tape (like Harry Potter or one from Judy Blume) that the family can listen to together. Ask your local librarian for suggestions.
- Make the kids take off their headphones from time to time and use the car time to talk to one another!
2. AIRPORT SMARTS -- USA Today reports that airline delays increased sharply last year. With the Air Transport Association reporting that record numbers of people will fly this summer—approximately 21.4 million passengers on U.S. airlines--expect delays and long security lines. Here’s how to cope when flying with the kids:
- Book flights early in the day and whenever possible, non-stops.
- When possible, check in on line
- Allow plenty of extra time. You don’t want to miss the flight because the security line was too long.
- Before heading to the airport with a young child, explain how she’ll have to let security agents “take a picture” of her blankie or favorite stuffed animal. Be prepared to entertain your child on the security line. While the airlines permit babies younger than 2 years old to sit in a parent’s lap, it’s much safer to buy a seat and safely buckle the baby into an approved car safety seat. The FAA recommends their use because children are far safer in turbulence not to mention more comfortable in a familiar seat. At the same time, explain that she has to “help” the pilot and flight attendants by buckling up in her seat when asked. Reward her for her cooperation.
- Check the Transportation Security Administration Web site (http://www.tsa.gov) to see the latest rules for carry-on bags and check your airline’s website before going to the airport. 4INFO has got a new service that enables you instantly get the estimated security wait times at any U.S. airport via their mobile phone. www.4INFO.NET
- Pack the equivalent of a school lunch for each member of the family. You cannot count on there being food on board. Buy water or fill bottles once you get through security.
- Bring a portable DVD player or laptop so the kids can watch a movie or play games while waiting at the gate or on board. Surprise them with a new game. Don’t forget extra batteries!
- Bring something for kids to suck on when the plane descends to avoid ear pain.
By: Eileen Ogintz
