Planes, Trains and Automobiles: Family-Friendly Travel Tips
Families often don't have time for lengthy conversations so take advantage of those moments when you are waiting by interacting with one another. This can be a wonderful bonding experience.
Family-Friendly Travel by Train
Traveling by train can be a bit more exciting for children. Unlike plane rides, there is more room and you can get up more often. You are also able to enjoy a fantastic view, which can keep the family entertained for a longer time.
It's a good idea to read up on the history of the towns, cities or states that you will be traveling through as you ride the train. Then, you can share these interesting facts and tidbits with your children. Traveling by train becomes a wonderful and enjoyable educational experience.
As with traveling by plane, you also want to create a travel bag to keep your children entertained should they become bored.
Family-Friendly Travel by Automobile
This is the most popular mode of transportation when families travel. But it is also the mode of transportation where you are in closer quarters, so it takes a little more planning and creativity to make traveling this way family-friendly.
It's a good idea to make sure that the car you are traveling in is suitable for the distance you are going. Traveling for a day in a minivan is easy; beyond a couple of days and you may start cramped. You may need to choose a more comfortable mode of transportation for longer hauls, such as a traveling van or RV.
If that is not possible then be sure to stop at least every 4 to 6 hours. Typically, the younger your children, the more frequently you will need to stop. This may include needing to stop and stay the night at a hotel. Planning your route ahead of time is the first step to family-friendly travel in an automobile.