IVPeacefest

When traveling with small children, try to keep your child’s likes and dislikes in mind when selecting a destination. Some children will happily visit “boring old places,” but many will not.  Most children, however, might be more willing to sit through the boring spots if they understand that they’ll get to go to “someplace cool” afterwards.

Remember to think through the destinations, too.  While an amusement park—with the rides, costumes, food and fun—might sound great, children might disagree when they’re too small to actually ride the rides.  How much fun is it to sit in a stroller while the older kids ride the roller coaster, or to wave to Mommy from Daddy’s arms on the shore as her paddle boat passes by?
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Eating out when traveling with children can be an experience. Sometimes good, sometimes bad, but always interesting.

If you plan carefully, your family can have a pleasant dining experience without ruining the wait staff’s day.

First, try to plan restaurant visits during less busy times. Waiting in long lines for a table, slow service and harried wait staff do not make for a pleasant meal for anyone. Small children get bored easily and a bored, hungry child is an unhappy child.

Let your children snack before leaving for the restaurant. In this case, it’s not going to ruin the child’s appetite to snack before hand. A small snack will tide the child over while they wait to order, and wait for their meal.

Look for kid friendly places to eat. Many mid-priced restaurants are family friendly. They offer kid menus, crayons and table games, and designated “kids eat free” periods through out the day. And let’s face it, eating out with the whole family can be expensive, so free is always good.
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Staying in a hotel with your children can be enough to frazzle any parent. Close quarters with not much to do and neighbors on the other side of the wall can be a recipe for disaster. Especially if the kids get loud and restless.

But, it doesn’t have to be all bad. You and your kids can make the best out of hotel travel with a few simple ideas.

Before you leave home, call several hotels in your destination area and shop for the best price. Many hotels offer “kids stay free” weekends. Some have even adopted the policy for all but their busiest times. Also, if your children are older, check into the availability of adjoining rooms. The kids will be close by, but mom and dad can get some privacy as well.

Not all hotels offer cribs, so be sure to ask when you call.
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