Let’s Get Ready with Cedar Valley Publishing

As a new mom with fond memories of road trips with my family when I was younger, here are a few of my favorite tips I share with families I work with as a travel planner and family travel expert:

1. Get the children involved in planning the trip - especially if you have teenagers! This way they are less likely to complain, will take pride in knowing they helped choose the itinerary, and will know a bit more about trip destinations.  Make it fun!
2. For families with infants and toddlers, consider using a baby supply service such as Baby’s Away.  These companies can arrange for baby items such as cribs, strollers and supplies to be delivered to your vacation destination so you’ll have less stuff to lug around.
3. When staying in a hotel or rental home, bring baby-proofing items like outlet plugs and a portable gate. This will help with curious toddlers. Also, a few hotels offer these items for their guests, so ask when you call for a reservation.
4. When road-tripping, pack a small bag of essentials to keep in the front seat. Keeping certain items handy will prevent you from having to stop and dig through the tightly packed trunk.
5. Before the trip, come up with a family plan of what to do in case someone gets lost. For example, each person should carry emergency contact numbers, including children.  Also set a specific location to meet and stay put should the group be separated.
6. Have the children engage in creative games such as License Plate Bingo or Count the Cows.   Not only does this keep young minds entertained, it is fun for the whole family!
7. Create a toy box or back pack for each child.  Have the child participate in choosing what items to pack in his or her bag.  Or purchase one such as Little Learning Hands Company’s wonderful “Are We There Yet?” Busy Bag.
8. Highlight the road trip on a road map or the destination on a World map.   Have the children give periodic updates as to where they think you all are.
9. If a portable DVD is part of the family road trip, make sure to bring headphones as well!
10. Pack the car the night before and start the trip out very early in the morning so the children will sleep for the first few hours.  They will awake around breakfast time and mom and dad will have had several hours of quiet time!

Most importantly the time we spend with our families away from all the stresses make memories of a lifetime.  Enjoy this summer, have fun and explore!  Happy Travels!

Jenny Reed is a first time mom and owner of www.OurCruisePlanner.com, a full-service travel agency with no service fees.  She loves all things travel and specializes in family travel, Disney and Alaska travel.  Follow her on Twitter too @TheTravelExpert.

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