Indie Places

Going on holiday with young children can be stressful, especially if your children start to misbehave.  However, there are several things you can keep in mind when planning your trip and during your trip that can make this stress disappear. Before you book your transportation or your lodging, check on the prices for young children.  Some allow those under five to travel or stay for free.  Others have a reduced rate.  You’ll want to take this into account when figuring your budget and when making your reservations.  Be certain to always mention your children and their age when asking about rates. When you pack for your children, you may think giving them their own little pieces of luggage will make them feel more grown up.  However, it may cost you a bit more.  You may have to pay for each of these checked bags, no matter what their size.  If you’re on a budget, consider packing your children’s clothing with your own if possible.  Sometimes, you can use one larger bag instead of two smaller ones and actually pay less. Once you arrive at your destination, you should make certain that you’ve got some activities planned that your children will enjoy.  This doesn’t mean you have to go to theme parks, but it does mean you should sit aside some things that your kids want to do.  This might include going to a children’s museum, visiting a zoo, or going to a shopping centre.  To decide on these activities, talk to your kids when planning your trip.  You never know—they may really enjoy going to a concert or play with you, but they might not.  They may really not want to spend the day at the zoo, however, so you should get their opinion before deciding on what to do.

A big part of any holiday is, of course, the actual travel. If you are cooped up in a car, train or aeroplane, there are many things you can do to while away the hours.

1. Bring a book. Chances are there are a lot of books, magazines or articles you have been meaning to read. Here’s your chance. Visit your library or bookstore to find titles you don’t have.

2. Work a puzzle. Sudoku, crossword puzzles and word-find puzzles were just made for long trips.

3. Use a handheld videogame. Find out what your kids have discovered long ago: The virtual world of electronic games is a great way to pass the time. (Be sure to keep the sound down to avoid annoying your companions.)

4. Get caught up on paperwork. Chances are there are some forms or other work you have been meaning to get to. Here is the perfect opportunity.

5. Watch the scenery. Whether travelling by car, bus, train or aeroplane, you have a unique opportunity to see a new part of the world. Consider how the terrain is different or the same as your home town.

6. People watch. People are endlessly fascinating. Discreetly watch the human parade. Imagine what makes them tick.

7. Strike up a conversation. Your travel companions or that stranger who is your seat mate may have some fascinating insights or stories to share. (Be ready to take no for an answer if they do not seem to feel like talking.)

8. Sleep. If you can sleep in a moving vehicle, take this chance to get some shut-eye.

9. Write a letter. Few people write an old-fashioned pen-to-paper letter anymore. Renew ties with an old friend. He or she will likely be touched that you thought of him or her.

10. Write a diary or a story. Use your people watching and sightseeing to imagine a whole new world. Your trip can spark a whole world of creativity.

Enjoy your trip. Half the fun is getting there.