Surviving Vacations with a Toddler

Many people hold near and dear memories of family vacations from when they were but little children-- but do parents look back on traveling with a 3 to 5 year old with the same nostalgic longing? Probably not. Despite the fact that traveling with a toddler can be difficult, it is not impossible to have a wonderful vacation with your little one in tow.

Travel with Kids : Patience is Key

Parents know that patience is more than a virtue when raising children-- it's a necessity. When it comes to family vacations, having patience is the only way to not only endure but enjoy the experience and appreciate the time that you have with your family. Traveling with toddlers can prove to be exceptionally difficult, but if you follow these pointers you may actually enjoy your next family trip.

• Keep toddlers busy with plenty of distractions to last the trip. Coloring books, puzzles, and other portable games will keep your kids active and distracted during those long car or plane trips.
• Set the ground rules. By establishing your expectations about their behavior before leaving your kids will know what you expect of them-- and what is unacceptable.
• Get the kids involved. Sharing vacation plans with your kids will allow you to incorporate their ideas into your trip, making it more enjoyable for everyone. By considering the feedback of your children you can plan a vacation that is appropriate and exciting for the whole family. Remember, just because you might think an attraction is a "must-see" from an adult perspective, doesn't mean that your little one is going to subscribe to subscribe to the belief.
• Be prepared. Toddlers can get cranky if they are hungry or bored, so bring snacks and small activities for them while you are traveling.
• Always know where the nearest restroom is. Parents know that this is rule number one if your toddler is potty trained, but new surroundings can make this necessity a bit difficult. Many attractions have maps that show bathrooms and, if a map is not available, asking the first employee you see can be a lifesaver.
• Play the referee. Parents with multiple kids may feel this is already a part of their job description, but by keeping kids separated while traveling in a car or a plane you can avoid many arguments and keep the peace-- both for your family and other passengers.

By keeping spirits up, maintaining a high level of patience, and ensuring that vacation activities are well-planned, you can enjoy your next family getaway. Parents all over the world understand that traveling with young children can be exhausting, but with the proper attitude every day can be a new adventure with your kids!