School is out so that means it’s time to travel as a family. No matter how big or small your family is, any time you had children to the mix, it adds to the packing joys. And the traveling angst. So here are a few ideas that help our family as we’re on the go.

Tivoli, Italy 2018

• If you are stopping on the way, pack one bag with everything you’ll need for that night. That way you don’t have to unpack the entire car. This has really streamlined our travel — especially with all the kiddos in tow. Shove pajamas, toothbrushes, a change of clothes for each child (and parents) in a smaller bag and keep it accessible. Then when you roll into the hotel in the late hours, you only have one bag to grab along with the sleeping kids.
  

  Germany 2012

  • Also, if you are traveling via plane, give each child a size appropriate backpack that includes toys, snacks, and a change of clothes. This will stave off the hungry whines, boredom, and that accidental spill that can derail a trip. It’s also a good idea to throw in a sweatshirt in case they are cold. An empty water bottle they can fill at water fountains on the gate side of security is also a great idea to save money and keep them hydrated. 
• Plan activities for the car ride. Our family is a big fan of listening to audio cds. That means for car trips, we’ll often hit the library before we leave and load up on audio books. We’ve listened to Madeline L’Engle read the Wrinkle in Time. Laughed at the antics of Ally Carter’s Gallagher Girls and Heist Society. And Eric and the kids could listen to Adventures in Odyssey over and over. All of these are great ways to help the miles roll away. We’ve avoided videos because I’d rather have the kids read or use their imaginations with the help of an audio book.
  • I can’t say they don’t watch movies on personal devices, though. That does happen depending on the length of the trip.
• Have a flight coming up? Those can be especially challenging for the younger kids. This is a great time to pull out new books and toys. A friend introduced us to wikki sticks — a lifesaver for long flights. These wax sticks can be used over and over and provide lots of creative activities. We also love to travel with books, stuffed animals, and a few cars or little people. Those are small toys that can help with imaginative play.
• Once you’re there, plan activities for all ages. Sometimes that means we can’t do something I’d love because it’s not right for the 18 month old. Other times we plan something the 11 year old loves. But make sure the activities are a mix. And be aware that little kids won’t enjoy museums unless they’re hands-on, so maybe save the art lectures until they are older.
  • However, we have found when traveling to castles in Berlin or the Vatican Museums in Rome that the audio tours are worth their weight in gold. Even the younger kids will be entertained and they stay engaged. What they pick up might surprise you. This is one area my husband is great at spending a bit of money. His philosophy is that we might not get back there (true with some of our visits), so don’t be a penny wise and pound foolish.