The Foolproof Guide To Traveling With Kids

FOOLPROOF GUIDE TO TRAVELING WITH KIDS PLANNING DID YOU KNOW? 31% 23% utilized past asked friends experiences This is how and family America's vacationers planned their trip in 2012: 22% 5% other means social networking * 10% 9% traveler provider destination websites websites TIPS Get the kids involved and excited about your trip by looking at maps, travel websites, geography and browsing things to do in the area. Check out kid-friendly websites and local children's museums, as well as regional and local festivals and events. Make reliable reservations for accommodations before you leave home. You want a reliable place to "land" and get sorted before you BOOK. begin exploring and looking for other places to stay. Look for hotels with pools, even if you are near the ocean. An indoor pool is a plus, as ocean currents and weather are unpredictable. PACKING DID YOU KNOW? In 2009, 18.7% of all sporting goods were purchased for children under 14 years old. TIPS Bring all your special kid-sized gear (if you have it). Tourism outfitters won't always carry toddler-sized wetsuits or ski pants. The right gear with the right fit makes all the difference, no matter what size you are. Give your kids some say in what clothes and personal items they bring along, and let them carry some of their own items in their own backpack. Pack little ones' bags when they are napping. Either put the bags in the car immediately or stash them somewhere the child can't access them. GETTING THERE DID YOU KNOW? 79% of vacationers traveled by car in 2012. TIPS Hit the road super early (or late at night, depending on your situation) so kids can sleep through at least the beginning of the trip. Make sure your car chargers work, and keep your cell phone handy for emergencies. Your kids should be taught how to use your phone to call for help. Always heed the necessary safety precautions for road trips, especially in the heat: plenty of water for everyone (including your vehicle), first aid kit, hats and sunblock. Make sure to bring walking shoes in case you ever need to trek back to civilization. BEING THERE DID YOU KNOW? WT F S About 25% of vacationers took 3 or more weekend getaways in 2012. TIPS Always have an easily accessible meeting spot in case someone gets lost; give kids a card from the hotel you are staying in (or write down the address and phone number) so they can get back "home" if they ever need to. Encourage kids to keep a travel journal. It can begin before you even leave, with a list of what they want to see and do, and can include postcards with their notes on the back, local maps, ticket stubs of events, and drawings of what they ate and did. Ferris Wheel Bear TICKET Be sure to schedule "chill days" where kids and parents can just lounge or prepare for the next outing. Sources THE • http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-kit/travel-facts-and-statistics • http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/cats/arts recreation travel/ recreation and leisure activities.html • http://www.ustravel.org/news/press-kit/travel-facts-and-statistics • http://www.moneycrashers.com/summer-travel-statistics/ HUFFINGTON POST Infographic designed by Santosh Kushwaha 1DDDDD C¶¢¢¢¢¢ C¶¢¢¢¶¢ DDDDDDD DDDDDDDD