Curious Parents Parenting Resources

Summer Fun

Road Trips: A Parental Survival Guide

The Travel Industry Association reports that almost 75 percent of domestic travel is in a personal vehicle, which means we can likely expect that a lot of families will be hitting the road in the family car for their next vacation.

Family road trips create treasured memories and beautiful scrapbooks, but if not properly planned, parents can return home feeling anything but refreshed and renewed.

To kick back, relax and be spontaneous would seem the ultimate vacation, but when you add driving long distances and children to the equation, planning makes perfect. First and foremost, experts on traveling with children advise involving the kids in planning. Children who are engaged in making decisions about activities and even packing their bags are much more likely to be happy campers throughout the trip.

The Travel Industry Association found that popular activities on trips with children include shopping, attending a social/family event, engaging in an outdoor activity, going to the beach, and going to a theme/amusement park. No matter what the trip agenda, from toddlers to teens, the Association report indicates it is a good idea to have each child select one activity per day. It suggests younger children can look at brochures and pictures. Older children can research activities, events and hotel amenities online via hotel Web sites, like www.StayHGI.com. 

Not only can planning enhance everyone’s enjoyment during a family vacation—but it can also be a learning experience for children.

Before You Hit the Road

1. Some important advance work helps ensure a good trip.

2. Leave an itinerary with grandparents or neighbors.

3. Research your planned destination with hotel Web sites.

4. Cancel mail and newspaper deliveries.

5. Pack the car the night before—it always takes longer than you think.

Survival Checklist: 10 Must Haves for the Road

1. A “car” bag packed by each child with books, games and toys to pass the time during a long ride.

2. A few surprises, like a Frisbee or jump rope to pull out at rest stops to help everyone stave off restlessness.

3. Cold beverages and healthy snacks (kids generally get hungry before Dad’s ready to stop).

4. Wipes and hand sanitizer for sticky little fingers.

5. Maps for each child so they can answer “Are we there yet?”

6. Chargers or extra batteries and headphones to ensure the music and games don’t stop before the car does.

7. First-aid kit, including prescriptions; pain, allergy and stomach medicines; Band-Aids and anti-bacterial cream.

8. Jackets, a new bottle of sunscreen, insect repellent and hats.

9. A trash bag in arm’s reach so everything isn’t handed up to Mom for disposal.

10. Small pillows and blankets for the comfort of those lulled to sleep by motion.

Getting a Good Night’s Sleep on the Road

It’s no wonder parents worry about getting a good night’s sleep on vacation. The National Sleep Foundation’s 2004 Sleep America Poll reported that two thirds of parents think they get fewer hours of sleep than they need. Worry no more...many hotel beds have come a long way, and research shows that most guests really do sleep well. A national sleep survey commissioned by Hilton Garden Inn found 93 percent of respondents said they actually get a decent night’s sleep on the road. Here are a few tips for catching some z’s away from home:

1. Bring ear plugs to minimize sleep stealing distractions on the road.

2. Limit caffeine and sugar consumption a few hours before bed.

3. Ask about the beds, as well as cots and cribs if needed, when selecting your hotel. You’ll be surprised how much a hotel can tell you about their beds and pillows. For example, many Hilton Garden Inn hotels have Garden Sleep System™ beds with mattresses consisting of air chambers that contour to your body shape and weight.

4. Don’t let travel get meals off schedule and drink plenty of water.

Tips for Traveling With Teens

1. Because teens get burnt out from too many days on the road, spending more days in one destination helps them get the most out of a trip.

2. A great activity for parents and teens is golf. Golf is an excellent way to bond with the kids, and the Hilton Garden Inn offers a complimentary round of golf for two people with any Thursday through Sunday night stay between June and October.

3. Consider an adjoining room for older teens, since their sleep schedules are generally very different from the rest of the family. Plus they’ll appreciate the privacy.

Getting Back to Basics

Don’t forget, most kids look forward to time away from home with their parents. But ask questions about what the hotel offers.

1. Internet access (wireless if needed)—is it complimentary?

2. On site swimming pool—indoor or outdoor?

3. Is breakfast included—continental breakfast or cooked to order? Great for getting out the door quickly in the morning.

4. Workout facilities—Many hotels offer complimentary fitness facilities to help you keep up with exercise routines.