Whether you are traveling by car, train, or airplane, you will have to plan on keeping your little ones happy!

 How do I do that?

Snacks

Bring along favorite snacks and drinks.  Use containers that have snug tops so you don’t have to worry about spillage.  Don’t forget about the adults on your trip.  Take some protein bars, nuts, and dried fruits (if you are used to eating those foods).  Try to keep with your typical diet while traveling.  If you aren’t used to eating fast food, chips, and raisins, you probably shouldn’t eat them while traveling just because they are more convenient.  Your stomach will probably thank you for keeping status quo! Keep hydrated and bring along your children’s favorite cups!

Cuddles/Self Soothing

Sometimes kids want to bring a plethora of blankets, stuffed animals and pillows.  You may have room for them during a car ride, but with any other mode of transportation, you will need to limit the load.  Have your child choose (or you choose for them) their favorite cuddle buddy (stuffed animal or blanket).  If your child uses other toys or items as comfort, bring those things along.  It may not be convenient, but may be necessary for calming at some point on your travels.  Other self soothing items could be teethers, tactile/sensory items, movies, and books.  Don’t forget about pacifiers, drinks and gum for airplane travel so you can allow for air pressure to equalize.

Entertainment

Here’s where you really need to make some hard decisions.  What stays and what goes?  Which toys, books, and movies can’t your children live without?  Even though we want our children to have a variety of items to play with, it just may not be feasible during a trip.  Choose the things that you know your child will be interested in.  You may want a few things that are new, but make sure that they don’t take up too much room or are too expensive just in case it ends up not being a winning activity.

Books

Usborne Books

Click on the link above to view and purchase some of my favorite books!  Check out the books with flaps, peek inside, busy books, tactile (That’s not my . . .), and even a book with bandages  (All Better).

Magnetic Play Scene Books

These books include several magnetic play pieces, so they would not be appropriate for very young children and those who are mouthing toys.  I have the Wild Animal set and my kiddos love it!  We work on lots of language while playing: imitation, following directions, labeling, and social engagement.

Paint with Water

These fun kits are reusable!  As soon as they dry, you can “paint” again.  You may want to get two so that you can keep painting while the other one is drying.  The wonderful thing is that there is really no mess.  You fill the pen with water and then paint away.  These would also be great to keep in your bag for running errands and any time you may have to wait!

Sensory/Exploration

Make an Activity Wallet or Sensory Wallet

Click the link above to learn how to make a custom activity or sensory wallet to be used for travel fun or for simply running errands.

Toys that have pieces that move or a sensory element

Crafting Supplies

Keep it simple with crayons, paper, coloring books, and stickers

For older children, consider simple bracelet making or small legos

Happy Traveling!

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