The Babble List: 25 Family Travel Tips
Stress-proof your next vacation!
by Annie Bacon
May 18, 2009
Blackout! Place your child's bed on the floor near the window and use the curtains to make a canopy over it, allowing you to keep the light on after putting him or her in bed. Or drape extra blankets over his Pack n Play or tent. Leave enough air, but
make it dark enough that he won't wake up the second you turn on the TV or the sun comes through the blinds.
For older kids, keep muffins or croissants in a bag for early breakfast. Snacks and picnic food, such as fresh vegetables and cold cuts, are easily found at the grocery store, and instant noodles can be cooked with water
straight out of the coffeemaker (rinse it once or twice before use!).
Bring a kitchen knife in your "cargo-hold" luggage; it will allow you to peel apples, cut cucumbers and open sealed plastic containers.
Although refrigerators are rare, you can sometime use the mini-bar to keep milk and leftovers from wasting. Be careful not to touch anything: some of them are equipped with sensors that charge your room as soon as something moves. Ice in the sink can also keep food from spoiling. The best option for milk is to buy ultra-high temperature processed (UHT) milk in juice-box format, which can be kept at room temperature.
Practice going to a restaurant near your home so that you can have a bit of experience in an easy and well-known setting before your vacation. It's a good opportunity to teach your kids patience and manners.
Bring with you...
- Diapers and wipes
- Re-sealable plastic bags
- A change of clothes for the kids
- Plastic bibs
- Something to nibble on in case service is slow
- Something to occupy your sure-to-get-bored children
- Portable hook-on chair
To avoid feeding your children French fries at every meal, think outside the kid's menu. Look at appetizers, soups and side-orders to build a healthy meal. Also, some restaurants allow substitutions; ask to replace the fries with roasted or mashed potatoes.
About the Author
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Annie Bacon is a freelance game designer living in Montreal. She's also the author of the french youth novel series Terra Incognita and akidstory.com personalized books. |
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