Are We There Yet?

Kids are like sponges. They soak up whatever energy and attitude you have; if you're happy, they're happy; if you're angry, then they can also be little terrors. That's why the first rule to travelling with kids is to maintain a calm and positive attitude. This usually translates into a calm and positive trip for the whole family.

Ensuring that your kids are comfortable on the long journey from home to your destination should be at the top of your priority list when planning a trip. Make sure that they use the washroom before leaving and while you should keep them hydrated, don't give them too much to drink, as there's nothing kids love more than a washroom break every five minutes. Pack healthy snacks, like fresh fruits, cheese, or yogurt, which won't leave them groggy or agitated like sugary and chemically processed foods.

Use books and toys as rewards to ensure good behavior throughout the whole journey. Bring along coloring and activity books, story books, and even hand-held games to keep kids preoccupied throughout the journey, but save their very best, most coveted play item as a reward for good behavior.

It's also a good idea to plan your trip around their regular naps or sleep patterns. If you travel late at night or just before they usually take a nap, they'll not only sleep through most of the trip, they'll also save their energy for the fun stuff you have planned. Not to mention, you won't have to hear the barrage of vacation questions that youngsters love to ask over and over again; the most famous among them, "Are we there yet?"

Improving the travel experience one trip at a time!