Vacations With Children: How To Stay Sane

Simply the thought of having to make a long car ride with a child is enough to give you gray hairs. Plane tickets can put a big dent on your travel budget, so a car trip often proves to be a cheaper option. Since the economy isn’t in the best state, many people are doing their best to save money. However, this shouldn’t keep you from a much needed vacation. Canada and Mexico are only a car trip away, making a whole different sort of world very accessible for you and your family to explore. Ever since the passport card came out, families have been able to travel for much cheaper.

I remember when I was younger and stuck in a car driving somewhere, my favorite activities were coloring books and craft sets. I had these big pieces of felt that were in tons of fun shapes. They had holes in them along the edges, and, with a shoe lace or a thick string, it made the best little girl sewing kit. I also had a huge baggie of markers and crayons along with an assortment of coloring books, and I would spend hours coloring pictures for everyone in the car. My little brother adored the big building blocks, and since they are easily disassembled as they are assembled, they kept him busy the whole way.

On road trips, my mom would bring along “worksheets” that had easy puzzles and games on them. She would give me one to complete, and when I finished, I’d hand it back to her to “grade.” I would get so unbelievably excited when she would hand one back with an A plus on it, and it honestly instilled in me a love of learning. When I got a little older, she would give me books with easy addition and reading in them, and this way I learned some easy lessons in a very fun way. So really, these trips are awesome learning opportunities for your children.

With the huge strides technology has been making, new electronic toys for kids like the Leapfrog Leapster are great way for kids to enjoy educational video games that will keep them entertained for hours. Also, on a little less advanced side, you can record your child’s favorite storybook on tape. Get a tape recorder and record yourself reading the book; you could even change the names to include your child in the story! Also, don’t forget to include noises that indicate where to turn the page.

Getting a passport card is so easy. You can either go to your local passport agency or even apply online. Because they are less expensive than passports, your family can explore so many places around the United States without having to worry about your budget. These cards allow you to travel by land or sea to many places nearby, allowing for a fun adventure without the exorbitant costs.

If you are thinking of taking a vacation, you don’t need to waste any time worrying about what to do with the kids. Whether you want to take a Mexican siesta or explore some beautiful Canadian landscapes, get your pass port card by visiting your local American passport office, or simply going online. Some of my best memories come from traveling with my family, and you can give these memories to your very own children with an awesome family road trip.