8 Ways To Avoid Sticky Summer Travel Situations With Your Kids

It’s hard to believe that summer is just about here, which means planning the perfect beach and outdoor vacations have already begun. But then again, vacations are far from perfect when our lovely, opinionated and free-spirited children are joining us.

I have to admit (and I'm not proud to say this) that one of the only ways I can relax while traveling with my toddler is having a gadget nearby. The last time I was on a plane sitting next to a sweet 85-year-old woman, she shockingly said "My child would have never sat so quietly on a plane for this long!" And I explained that the reason is that there were no smartphones or iPads with downloadable cartoons back then, but I don’t think she heard me. So I played along and let her believe my child was amazing and gifted. And it felt good.

Summertime travels can get especially heated as temperatures rise. Family travel expert behind Triplepassport, Kathleen Porter Kristiansen adds, “Summer travel can be especially stressful because expectations are so high and routines are thrown off. With kids out of school, the sun setting later and many people wanting to have 'the best summer ever,' it can put unnecessary pressure on summer travel plans.”

Sure, there are many tips to help create smoother summer adventures, what works for one family might not for another. Mom Suzanne Brown suggests families bring balloons for any travel delays because they take up no room and are "loads of entertainment." She says, “They take up no room in your bag and kids love blowing them up, playing with them and are loads of entertainment.”

Mom Grace Alexander says that’s a no-no, “Especially not in our current climate. I was on a layover in Tennessee and some kid had a balloon and it popped and there was screaming and people legitimately lying on the ground in fetal positions.”

In any case, here are some tried-and-true tips from experts and moms about how to make your summer adventures a more positive experience:

Time is Everything

Joshin Raghubar, founder of Explore Sideways, says, "When it comes to summer travel with family, time is your most valuable asset. If you've traveled 10-plus hours and only have a few days to explore, don't try to do it all on your own via google, especially when you have kids. You'll most likely end up in touristy areas, waiting in long lines or even worse: a big red bus with 85 other tourists doing the same thing." Instead, Raghubar suggests you pay a little extra and find a local agency who can create experiences that save you time.

Go Screen-Free

Kristiansen recommends that you have screen-free days (for parents, too!) It’s just fun to travel with maps and a guidebook for a day and get everyone looking up and off their phones.

Think Less Do More

Writer and integral coach Lieve De Lint says, "Instead of trying to see the top 20 best sites in Paris, focus on strolling the streets and picnicking in a park. Less is more. Pack lightly. Wear a carrier. Over plan meals and under plan the schedule."

Trip Points

Writer Liz Boltz Ranfeld says, "We have 'trip points' on long trips. This has worked for my kids since they were 3 and 7. They get a little chart with things they can do to earn points to redeem prizes along the way. For example, they can earn five points for doing something nice for their sibling or a parent. Ten points for going a whole leg of the trip without asking, 'Are we there yet?' They can redeem their points for spending money, the chance to pick the music in the car, ice cream with dinner, etc. The big one helps the little one, and they have so much fun with it! Plus it helps with their math skills and keeps them busy for at least some of the road trip!"

Don't Push It

Mom Dawn Allcot says, "One thing I would say is to quit before everyone is exhausted. It’s okay if you leave the theme park two or three or even four hours before closing. Don’t stay until everyone is exhausted and cranky to 'get your money’s worth.' Your money is better spent if everyone gets to go back to the hotel happy, pre-meltdown and not overtired. That goes for the big kids (and the moms and dads!) too."

Get Finances Straight

Christie Holmes from www.GlobalCommUnityTravel.com says, "Plan well ahead, sometimes 9 to 12 months in advance to get the best rates and availability. Airline companies will run flash sales months in advance. Taking advantage of these sales will expand your budget for hotels and tours. Also, be clear about budgets especially when traveling as an extended family with different budgets. Work with a tour company or travel agent and ask to pre-pay for as much of your trip as possible. This will allow everyone to relax and be on vacation with no worries about compounding expenses."

Take Time Outs

Karen Lynch, author of "Good Cop, Bad Daughter-Memoirs of an Unlikely Police Officer" says, "Give each other a break. Schedule time for each parent to have a couple of hours alone. Also, family fights usually happen on the third day. Don’t be surprised at the third-day meltdown and laugh if you can — this is particular to Disney and other intense 'vacations.'”

Take it Real Easy

Diksha Basu, author of The Windfall says, "Relax your standards. Donut holes are a perfectly acceptable breakfast sometimes. I had two under 2 until my older one turned 2 just a few weeks ago, and we have already traveled to New Zealand, UK and India with them. Mom Angela Anagnost-Repke adds, "Choose one thing to be more strict with. That was a sleep schedule for my family. Everything else I threw to the wayside."

Summer vacations are coming soon and we’re getting excited. No matter what happens, may you enjoy your family vacations together under the sun and create amazing memories — even if you need those gadgets to get you through some of the bumps along the way.

Other News In Parenting:

• The Best Summer Outings For The Whole Family
• Traveling With A Toddler: Pro Tips And Avoidable Fails
• Surviving Tantrums: How To Handle Your Toddler's Next Outburst