We know, “getting there is half the fun,” but to a stressed out, maxed out mother, that isn’t always the case. But there are tricks to making the trip not only tolerable, but also fun, whether you’re traveling by car or plane!
Grainne Kelly, founder of
BubbleBum and child travel expert, has some tips from easing the concerns of traveling with children. Follow her advice, and you never know, it might be the highlight of your year.
Kelly’s suggestions for traveling in general, no matter which method you go, include:
- Prepare activities. Getting there really can be half the fun if you’re prepared, so plan ahead with some engaging activities for the road so you can help keep boredom at bay. You must have some activities prepared in advance! Fun games include “I Spy”, the “alphabet game” and “hangman.”
- Box of tricks. Start by building your own “box of tricks” which is simply a collection of items needed for the activities and games that your family enjoys. Use a small box that will fit easily under the seat, or even just a canvas bag.
- Have lots of snacks.
When traveling by car, Kelly’s specific suggestions include:
- Planning for stops. Don’t be fooled into thinking your kids can drive as long as you can. They will get hungry, need to stop for the bathroom and will be just plain bored. Plan for stopping at a park for lunch or find gas stations with gift shops.
- Be happy. Prepare yourself mentally as well. It might not always seem like a picnic, but your attitude will set the tone for the rest of your passengers. Realize that your vacation begins in your driveway, not at your final destination. The minute you all get into the car is when the adventure with your family starts.
When traveling by plane, Kelly’s specific suggestions include:
- Letting kids carry their own bags so that you aren’t shouldering the entire load.
- Checking strollers and booster seats at the gate so they are there for you when you exit the plane.
- Moving sidewalks are safer than escalators and can provide hours of entertainment (just make sure your child is old enough to handle a moving sidewalk as well).
- Buckle escape artists in to a stroller or toddler harness.
- Bring your BubbleBum onboard. Your child will feel more comfortable and will sit better in a seat that is made for them.
- To eliminate ear pain, have child suck on a bottle, pacifier or gum during take-off and landing
These tips and more can be re-printed with permission, credit and link to BubbleBum. You can find the complete tips at
www.bubblebum.us.
For permission requests, please contact
francoise@hollywoodconnectionspr.com
While you’re there, check out the new BubbleBum App. This brilliant travel app contains a range of fun games to play on the go to keep the kids entertained as you coast along highways. There’s also a handy travel checklist feature to make sure you’ve packed everything you need for your journey.
Don’t forget to learn more about BubbleBum itself. This portable, lightweight, brightly colored, inflatable booster seat for kids ages 3-11 easily deflates and folds flat so that kids or parents can carry it in backpacks or handbags, making it perfect for vacations, rental cars, taxis, buses, school trips or carpooling.
Perfectly designed for both parents and children, BubbleBum is proud to join the exclusive winners circle selected by the PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) Media Awards and the JPMA Awards. BubbleBum was also recently announced as the IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) “Best Bet” in their booster seat evaluation report, where they’ve branded BubbleBum as one of the best for safety.
BubbleBum was founded by Safekids USA Certified CPST Grainne Kelly from Northern Ireland. Kelly believes that every child deserves to be protected and safe while parents should be able to do just that with convenience and ease. ‘Like’ BubbleBum on Facebook at BubbleBum UK Ltd and follow them on Twitter
@BubbleBumUSA. Learn more at
www.bubblebum.us.