Travel and Children Tips

If your child is traveling alone, you should write all the numbers that would be helpful for the child on a note, or in a little date book for when she/he arrives at the final destination.Any kids who you are travelling with (especially in the car) should wear them just in case. Goodnites can fit kids anywhere from 3 to 16 years old too.

When traveling with children by air, if at all possible book at non-peak times (late at night, midday and Monday to Wednesday). When travelling with small children, take along a package of outlet covers. Most hotel rooms neglect to provide these little shock savers, and there are often outlets placed tantalizingly at child height. When travelling with children, be sure to pack a change of clothes for yourself. While traveling, particularly with small, wandering children, one worry seems to enter all our minds; "What happens if I loose my child?" The serving trays also work wonderfully for puzzles, board games, and play dough.

When traveling in the car or on an airplane, a great entertainer reusable stickers. Your children can stick and restick them on the windows of the car or airplane. Take lots of children's stories and music on tapes, plenty of cheap toys, and new books.

Small children will delight in unwrapping them to see what's inside. When taking long road trips with younger children (6 and younger) have them wear diapers or pull-ups (or for older kids, goodnites) while riding in the car. When travelling with children, especially if one parent only may accompany the child(ren) out of the country - make sure that you have a signed and notarized letter from both parents stating that permission is given to the accompanying parent (or temporary guardian) to take the child out of the country. Travel agents or the airline should have these forms available.

When traveling with children with medical concerns. Make sure they have their own identification, whether it be a medical necklace or an identification card. When travelling with children, write down the name, address and telephone number of the place you are staying at on a piece of paper, and "I'm lost, please call my parents" or something of the sort, and make sure your child carries it in his/her pocket/wallet. Tell the child that whenever he or she gets lost, he/she should hand the piece of paper to a woman (make sure your child hands it to a woman, much safer than a man usually!) so someone can help them. I've found children don't remember hotel or street names, while a piece of paper makes sure they get it right.