Planning a family trip is always fun and exciting but traveling with young children can be a bit of a challenge. I know because two years ago I went on vacation with my two daughters and wasn't fully prepared for the trip. I thought I was going to pull out my hair throughout the whole vacation. My family and I took a flight from Georgia to California to visit family and getting there was a nightmare with my kids. At that time they were 2 and 1 and they didn't enjoy the flight at all. They didn't really have anything to do so they were kicking and screaming the whole time! I received dirty looks from other passengers, flight attendants tried to calm them down with snacks which kept them quiet for a few minutes until their snacks were all eaten up and then back to whining and crying! I thought I was going to be kicked out off the plane! I told some of my friends about it and they recommended me to give them Benadryl so they could fall asleep during the trip. I do not want to drug my kids for them to act right! I know there is a better way then that!

This past year I went on a driving trip with my daughters from Georgia to Tennessee and it was a little better then my California trip. I was a bit more prepared with snacks and toys to keep my kids occupied. Once they became a bit antsy I pulled over and let them stretch out. After that the trip became more smoother. No need for me to use Benadryl!

So you may be wondering how to make your traveling trip more fun and enjoyable with your young children. Here are some great tips to use when traveling with your children.

Traveling by Plane, Train, or Car

1. Use a car seat. Some Planes offer kids ages 2 and younger to fly free if only they sit on the parents lap. I do not recommend this for long trips. Your child will not want to sit on your lap the whole time, they will want to always get up and move. So buying a seat for them and putting the car seat in the plane seat will be much better because your child is more familiar with their car seat and will be more comfortable. Also you will be more comfortable too not having a child in your lap the whole time. Remember to make sure child's car seat is with the airplane guidelines.
   
2. Buy some new toys. Kids enjoy playing with new toys. It is fun for them and will keep them entertain a lot longer then their older toys. You can also bring their older toys too just in case.
3. Bring drinks and snacks. Kids start to get hungry and thirsty on long trips so make sure you bring their favorite drinks and snacks. Now I know on planes you are not allowed to bring liquids from outside the airport on the plane, so buy drinks in the airport.
4. Bring a DVD player. Keep your child entertain by bringing their favorite movies or shows to watch. I recommend bringing a new movie they never watch before to keep them entertain longer. Remember to bring extra batteries just in case your DVD player dies. Also bring headphones so you do not disturb others if your going to be around other people.
   
5. Bring books. Bring your child's favorite book for your child to look at and also read to them. Also buy new books for them.
   
6. Bring their blanket. Kids feel more comfortable and safe when they have their blanket with them. It helps them to relax and sleep.
7. Travel at night. Traveling at night is more better then traveling during the day because your child will be more tired and most likely sleep through the whole trip which is more relaxing to you.
8. Bring a change of clothes. Make sure you have a change of clothes for your child close to you just in case of accidents. Some children become car sick or air sick.
9. Bring games. Play different type of games with your child like card games and puzzles.
10. Bring crayons, paper, and coloring books. Keep your child entertain by bringing stuff for them to color.
    

Being more prepared with your trip with your children will be more relaxing and will go a lot smoother for you. You and your child will both enjoy your trip and look forward to your next trip. So try these tips out and hope you enjoy your vacation!