WAYS TO FAMILY VACATION
STAY SANE
ON A
Travel this summer with less stress!
by Michele Ranard, M.Ed.
Most of us have taken a family summer trip only to return home in dire need of a vacation! The stress of fuel costs, highway construction, delayed flights, and airport security can be insane. But summer vacation is a perfect time to escape it all and recon- nect with loved ones.
Eileen Ogintz, creator of the travel site
TakingTheKids.com, says “The chance to share something new together—something you’d never see or do at home—is what makes those indelible family vacation memories that last forever.”
Plan Wisely
1. Get the fam psyched! Kids love to be included in the trip planning. It is easy to find small tasks such as searching online for things to do in the towns you’ll be visiting (see list of web- sites on pages 10-11) or even choosing the DVDs and books they’ll take along.
2. Outline what kids can expect. To keep them feeling secure,
and especially if they’re flying for the first time, explain the details. Talk about how the airport may be crowded and the way security checks work. If your younger child has never flown, consider sharing a picture book like Airport by Byron Barton.
3. Pack smarter. Ogintz’s travel site has great tips for smart packing:
• Reach for a scarf instead of an additional outfit. • Lay out everything you’d like to take then choose half of those pieces.
• Pack only shirts matching more than one thing. • Consider going completely “carry on” to avoid fees. • Use space bags, “Pack-it Cubes,” or Ziploc plastic bags. • Don’t pack clothes they hate. • Pack a change of clothes in a carry-on for in-flight acci- dents.
• Remember laundry can be done in a hotel sink.
In the Air
4. Fly smarter. Ogintz says be sure to read the fine print on your airline’s website before heading out the door since they all have different fees and rules. Don’t forget to pack crayons and little games to entertain them as well as a DVD player if you have one. If you’ll be traveling with a car seat, bring it on the plane so your child will be both safe and comfortable.
5. Remain sane on the plane. Realistic tips from Paula Shel-
8 Summer 2010
west virginia Family Magazine
1-304-472-4528
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