Travelling with Kids
Remember what it was like to be a kid? You were so excited about where you were going - you couldn't wait to get there! To a child, that leisurely drive or extended road trip can be boring, confining and unbearably long. So be creative and make the trip fun for the little ones - and yourself!

Tips & Suggestions from CAA

• vacations
• car pools
• safety tips
• travel games for kids

Vacations
Steps to make your vacation fun for everyone:

• Involve children in the vacation planning. Let them look at your CAA maps and TourBooks and watch videos about your vacation destination.
• Let children pick which favourite games, toys and comfort objects (like teddy bears and security blankets) will accompany them on their trip.
• Find out what amenities your hotel provides (irons, blow dryers, cribs) as this can help reduce luggage.
• Let children help pack their own suitcases and travel backpacks or carry-on bags.
• Take the phone number of your pediatrician and a first aid kit, as well as cleaning products such as wet wipes and paper towels.
• Keep your children occupied on the way to your destination. Have plenty of nutritious snacks on hand, such as raisins, sandwiches, bagels and water bottles.
• Pull out a different toy or audiotape periodically so kids won't get bored with everything midway through your journey.
• Allow children to select some stops along the way that interest them. If on a road trip, plan plenty of rest stops. If you're flying, don't rely on airlines to hand out toys or games. Have some on hand for layovers, too.
• Give children a quick tour of the area surrounding the hotel upon arrival, and teach them to call the registration desk in case they get lost. Make paper ID bracelets for younger children with their name and your family's lodging information printed on the underside.
• Plan a new activity each day - bored children are unhappy children.
• Plan a time for naps or lazing about each day - children are also unhappy when tired.

Tips

• Avoid difficulties in making reservations by booking your vacation well in advance.
• Rehearse with your children before you leave; pitch a tent in the backyard or pretend you're eating in a fancy restaurant; take a day trip to get your kids used to spending time away from home.
• Encourage your children to collect items for a scrapbook about their trip. Bring along a plastic/sealable container to keep mementos in.
• If you're travelling with a small child and plan to rent a car, make sure the rental company can provide a car seat. Otherwise, pack one along with your luggage.
• Your child's safety in vehicles requires some extra research - find out what the law says about car seats, taxicabs and third party drivers (rides from friends) before you go.

Car Pools

• Make sure you leave enough time for yourself to pick up the children and get to the required destination. There are inevitable delays and you don't want to have to rush.
• Make sure all of your seat belts are working and adjusted to fit snugly across each child's lap and shoulder area.
• Do not start the car until you have tested that the children's seatbelts are engaged and the doors are locked. To reinforce the kids know they aren't to open their seatbelt buckle when they want, don't allow the children to fasten or undo their own seatbelts. Instruct the children to stay seated with their belts on at all times and to sit back in their seats. Do not allow them to throw items in or out of the car or to stick their arms out of the windows. Voices should not be so loud that they distract the driver.
• If they're getting too noisy, rowdy or are not following directions, pull over and stop the car. Talk to them firmly, stating that their behaviour is distracting you and is not acceptable. If necessary, speak to their parents.
• For younger kids, have toys and picture books available to entertain them while you drive. Cassette tapes of stories work well.
• Know about any special medical needs or conditions that may require your assistance. Find out about allergies and medical problems that could suddenly worsen, such as diabetes, asthma or epilepsy. Have the phone number of the child's physician available, and find out what medical facility is preferred. Have a well-stocked first aid kit in your car.
• Know how to reach the parents or guardian in case of illness or injury.
• Limit foods in your car to non-sticky items. Also, avoid foods that place children at risk of choking, such as peanuts. Ask children to clean up their messes.
• When you drop off children, make sure they exit the car from the non-traffic side of the vehicle. Make sure there is a responsible adult waiting for the child upon drop off. Never leave a child alone on the doorstep. If the parent has agreed to let their child wait home alone, watch them enter the house before you leave.
• Meet the person who is driving your son or daughter's car pool. Make sure their vehicle is in good, working condition - check to see if the seat belts work. The driver should possess a valid driver's license, suitable for the class of vehicle driven. It's up to you to satisfy your concerns about their driving skills. If they display unsafe driving habits, don't risk your child's life.
• Make sure your child's school knows who the designated drivers are in your car pool.

Safety Tips

• Children under 12 are safer riding properly restrained in the back seat of vehicles.
• Never place a rear-facing infant restraint in a seating position where there is an air bag device
• Make it a habit to use car seats/seat belts at all times - lead by example.
• Teach children not to play with door locks, door handles, or cigarette lighters.
• Never leave children unattended in a vehicle.
• Keep all doors locked when the car is in motion.
• Before children get out, you should check first for potential hazards.