Sometimes, traveling with kids can feel like it’s not even a vacation at all. As an autism parent, I feel this in my core! Over the years, I have learned a few tricks to minimize stress while away from home to insure a more fun and relaxing family vacation for everyone.
Let’s get into the tips!
Carefully plan your packing list ahead of time. Before a trip, I always make a note on my phone and plan out outfits and a list of things I will need for each day and activity. I make sure to include my travel must-haves and any odds and ends I think we might need, like a plastic bag for wet clothes. I suggest you google a few packing lists and make your own list from those , then actually check it off to avoid missing anything. Also, since you’re traveling with children who are often prone to messes and losing things, bring a few extras of your necessities - outfits, pacifiers, blankets, etc.
Make a special trip box/bag. I have done this using square collapsible cloth bins from the dollar tree, but reusable shopping bags also work. Fill the bag/box with different activities, toys and snacks for your kids to enjoy on the trip. Most of these items can be purchased over time prior to your trip from affordable places like Big Lots, Target Dollar Spot or Dollar Tree. Some examples of toys and activities you can include are slime, stickers, coloring books, fun pens, scented/glitter crayons, road trip games and sticker activity sets. You could also include a small blanket or reusable water bottle.
Snacks - Mix up your kid’s snack options with special treats and tried and true favorites. I like to include trail mix, granola bars, and peanut butter crackers along with sweeter treats. When packing a cooler, I like to pack apple sauce, yogurt, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches or fruit and veggies with dipping sauces. You can buy pre-portioned servings or set up your kiddo’s goodies in a bento box for a fun presentation.
Timing is everything. It’s really fun to present a whole bag of fun goodies to your child, but the key is to hand them one item at a time or else they will get overwhelmed with the choices and become bored much more quickly. I also would suggest not giving them snacks until they express they or hungry or else those will all be eaten in the first hour.
Pack the electronics and headphones. Our children have tablets, Nintendo switches and we also have a DVD player. They are entertained for hours with their electronics. This should not be your only option, but I can’t imagine our kids not having their electronics.
Get and stay really organized. This is crucial for everyone. Organize your vehicle and bags. Know where the extra change of clothes, pacifiers, tissues and chargers are located. Put things back in their designated spots. Make a packing list and check it twice. The less stressed out you are, the less stressed out your kids will be.
Get them their own gear. The littles will be much more interested in visiting historical sights and hiking until their feet are sore if they have a cool backpack, binoculars or their own kid camera. It’s all about keeping them engaged and having fun so you can too.
Play Games. Along the lines of keeping your kids engaged, consider playing games such as a scavenger hunt or license plate game.
Set clear rules and expectations. Let your children know ahead of time what the plan is, how long you will be at a destination, how long the travel time will be and what activity is next. Let them know the rules and what you expect from them as well as what they can expect from the day.
Give them something to look forward to and earn. While traveling, you really what your kids to behave so everyone has fun. So, you may have to bribe them. So many times I have traveled with parents who let their kids do what they wanted right as soon as we got to a destination. This often resulted in the adults not getting to do what they planned. My best example of this is at the springs or anywhere with swimming or a playground. I always do what I want to do first, which is usually hiking and taking photos. If the kids are good, we can play after. After swimming and running around, kids are less likely and motivated to participate in other activities that aren’t their favorite.
Let the kids choose some activities. Kids are just like any one else. They don’t like to be told what to do and like to feel that they are included. To cut down on some rebellious feedback, let the kids make some choices on your trip. Giving them ‘this or that’ options might be the best way to do this. You can let them choose the order of some things such a rides at a park or what they want to eat for breakfast.
Avoid long stretches of car rides. Aim to schedule in regular breaks if you plan to be traveling for long stretches of time. Look for parks or rest stops with interesting amenities like small museums, to get your kids out of the car for regular fun breaks
Aim to travel at night or around nap time. I’m sure as a parent, you already do this. If you’re kids can sleep in the car, it will be easier on everyone. I try to leave for trips early in the morning so the kids can fall right back to sleep in the car or in the evening. If your child still naps, make sure they can still do so and keep them on their regular schedule. Don’t schedule a walking tour at noon if they normally nap at noon. You will be setting everyone up for a miserable time.
Plan for downtime and don’t overbook your kids. Plan in their naps, time for them to run around and stretch their legs, but also time for them to relax and unwind during an otherwise busy travel day.
Accept that sh!t happens. I found this gem on my camera roll while looking for photos of the kids to add to this post and I knew I had to include it. For context, Marco somehow kneed himself in the face and knocked his loose tooth out on the way to the flea market half an hour away from our home. Things like this are bound to happen when traveling, especially with children. Therefore, I stress being organized and prepared to avoid scrambling and added stress in moments of chaos. Being prepared and having the mindset that I can handle whatever life throws at me helps me roll with the less savory parts of life, parenting and travel. Whatever happens, hopefully you will be able to look back on it and laugh.