When I was a kid, my parents had a big blue station wagon. It had bench seats in the front and the back. The backseat could fold down, but it wasn’t one of those that had a rear seat that faced out the back window. I always thought those were cool and was envious of anyone who had one. But I digress. On long road trips, which there were many, my parents would pull down the back seat and my brother and I would lay out blankets and pillows and nap back there or play with our toys. It was a traveling playpen for four and six-year-olds. Sometimes I would lay down on the front bench seat with my head in my mom’s lap WHILE SHE WAS DRIVING. Honestly, my brother and I are lucky to be alive.  

I loved family trips, but I didn’t like road trips. Most of us are prone to motion sickness, sleeping in a car is uncomfortable, and hours upon hours of time with your own thoughts can be punishing. An eight-year-old doesn’t have enough life experience to draw upon and an interstate highway lends little inspiration. As for a teenager, to be in their head for hours on end is almost trauma-inducing. Believe me, I have the scars to prove it.  Ask my therapist.

When our kids were born my husband waxed poetic about family road trips. He longed for the nostalgia of it (clearly, he doesn’t remember pain). I warned him, but then decided to give in just to see if I was wrong. On our first road trip with a small child, it didn’t take long for reality to set in. Traveling with kids is hard. For everyone.

As we embark on another summer of family travel our team wanted to impart some wisdom that will hopefully make your trips less painful. Not just “the getting there” but the being there as well.

Laura: When my kids were young, I would be sure to have small sketch pads with us to encourage them to draw what they were seeing. The pictures often revealed their perspective on whatever we were seeing and provided great memories. I have wonderful sketches that my girls did when they were four and 11 from an England Trip – the Globe Theatre, people on the tube, and a cool building at King’s College in Cambridge.

Kathy: When we went on road trips, the three boys each had a busy box filled with art supplies, games, etc, that they only got to see/use when we were on road trips. I always restocked them with new stuff before each trip. They couldn’t wait to get in the car to see what was in the boxes! We also did a lot of books on tape when I drove cross-country with them, which they loved, but which almost put me to sleep while I was driving (pro tip: make sure it’s something everyone can enjoy!).

Lisa: With an active toddler we always plan our road trips to include the best parks. We scout out the best playgrounds and parks on the route. Just when our daughter is starting to get fidgety, we have a great place for her to get the wiggles out and get tired.  Then it’s back in the car for the next leg of our adventure.

Amy: My pro tip for air travel with infants is to be sure and pack an extra set of clothes for everyone. I won’t forget our first flight with our oldest. He did great but just as we were landing, he threw up all over my husband! We could clean up Will, but Dan had to travel the rest of the way with baby spit up all down his shirt. We didn’t make that mistake again!  

Kelley: Growing up we played games in the car like the alphabet game and 20 questions. My parents always had their music on the radio, which I love because now I have that nostalgia whenever I hear those songs. We carried on these traditions with our kids. Books on tape, clean comics like Jim Gaffigan, music from our own selection and those of our parents, plus we added totes of treasures. Each of my three kids packed their own small bag with books, tiny princess/animal dolls, their lovey, an Etch a Sketch, small notebook and writing supplies. Oh, and 20 questions, naturally.  

Julia:  Do what you can to set your kids and yourself up for success by working with kids in advance about what they can expect and answering all their questions. Traveling can be stressful so start by using books or videos to show them visually what a plane, train, bus or boat looks like. Talk about what you will do and what it might feel like. Plan with them what they can take in the backpack and give them the responsibility. That gives them agency over part of the trip which alleviates any feelings of anxiety. Most importantly, though, is to give everybody grace, including yourself!  Family vacations are supposed to be fun after all!

When I asked my team to share their tips it really sent us down memory lane. Fondly – or perhaps not so fondly – remembering family vacations taken with our parents and with our children. It was a bit bittersweet, but lovely just the same. We all hope you have a wonderful summer with your families and are here to help make your trips as pain free as possible!

SEE ALSO:  Introducing Stone Soup Summer Camp – Bringing a Dose of Camp to Old Town