Make traveling with kids fun

Traveling with children, doesn't have to be hectic. With a little planning it could be alot of fun. The best place to start of course is the beginning. Let the kids get a look at where you are going. Show them on a map, online or even guidebooks. This can get the excitement started right away. Show them the different routes/roads you will be traveling on, and what sites you may stop at on the way.

Another thing the children can be included in, is helping you pick out the Hotel. When I am searching for a Hotel, the first thing I like to make sure is, do they have a indoor pool. So that rain or shine there is always the pool, for the kid's to enjoy. Next I always ask about the hotel's amenities, does it include breakfast, how far from attractions etc.

After that, it's time to pack the suitcase's. I always let Savannah pack her own suitcase's. One for clothes, and one for toys. Of course I double check it. Because if she had it her way, she would pack her whole room of toys.

I also like to pack a small cooler, and fill it with some snacks and sip drinks. This will come in handy when they are hungry and thirsty, and your not ready to stop yet. And always make sure to add wet wipes and or paper towels.

Keeping the children occupied is the biggest task. We play visual games like I spy, count the different license plates and other games. If traveling for a few hours, you may want to even pack some travel games, these are available at most retailers. The best entertainment is TV, if your vehicle is not equipped with one, you can by a cheap video player. Some other fun things, is to plain some times for getting out and stretching, choosing places along the way with some points of interests, or that have a great scenic view for picture taking.

After arriving at the hotel and checking in, it's always fun to take a tour of the hotel. Find out the floor plan of the hotel, like where's the pool, the restaurant and so on. At this time also it is a good idea to take pictures of the children and leave them at the desk with their information and you contact numbers. You can even create id bracelets for the younger one's. It wouldn't even hurt to document what the child is wearing for each day, or take a daily picture.

Lastly plan your daily activities and include the children, this will make them feel they played a big part in making your family trip a memorable one.