Traveling with kids...when does it get easier?

[Anonymous]

I have two awesome DDs but they are a handful at 1 and almost 3. We just got back from a vacation at the beach that wasn't relaxing at all. Constant whining, kids didn't sleep well, the drive down there almost put us over the age, etc. When does traveling with kids become fun? Or at least more relaxing? I feel like my 3 year old is almost there and then I see her have a tantrum because she is overtired from being in the sun all day...when does it get better?!

[Anonymous]

I would say when the youngest is 3. We just went skiing with ours (11, 6, 3.5) and it was still trying, though. Kids get way tired out on vacation. You have to plan really well to get them fed good food and get good rests.

But my mantra is this -- there is no such thing as a vacation with kids. There are only trips with kids.

[Anonymous]

For us, it was when they were well and truly past the need for an afternoon nap. Not being stuck with either a schedule or an over tired kid made the difference for us. Perhaps coincidentally, that was also when they were old enough to enjoy more active trips (national parks, etc.) not just the beach.

[Anonymous]

Once they can read or play with a device, i would say from four onwards it is easy, from five onwards very easy.

[Anonymous]

When the youngest is 4 or 5.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When the youngest is 4 or 5.

I agree.

[Anonymous]

Firstly, I do not allow whining. I have a 3y old and almost 2 yr old. If you whine, you immediately get sent to your bedroom and can't come out until you're ready to speak without whining.

Secondly, kids like to MOVE. Sitting in a car for hours is horridly boring for a kid. I like to set my kids up for success/good behavior. I make sure I put food in them before a meltdown comes, I put them down for a nap/quiet time before they're overtired and cranky.

You can't keep them out in the hot sun all day. I've been traveling with them since the oldest was just born and they're both great at it, save for time changes.

[Anonymous]

At 2.75 for us. We make sure he's well rested and well fed. We bring his white noise machine from home on trips to help him sleep. Finding a hotel that has good reviews for being quiet is another tip. We also bring books and toys for the car and let him watch a lot of videos.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Firstly, I do not allow whining. I have a 3y old and almost 2 yr old. If you whine, you immediately get sent to your bedroom and can't come out until you're ready to speak without whining.

Secondly, kids like to MOVE. Sitting in a car for hours is horridly boring for a kid. I like to set my kids up for success/good behavior. I make sure I put food in them before a meltdown comes, I put them down for a nap/quiet time before they're overtired and cranky.

You can't keep them out in the hot sun all day. I've been traveling with them since the oldest was just born and they're both great at it, save for time changes.

You sound rigid. Lighten up.

[Anonymous]

Easily into the elementary school years in terms of the sleeping, eating, stamina changes of being away. Much depends on where you go, who you are with and how much "off-routine" you'll be. Granted some kids are more adaptable and travel well all along, but most don't do well with being out of their element until they are a bit older. Until they stop napping it is a real challenge!

[Anonymous]

it gets easier every year, OP. At least for the first 11 years! I can't speak about the years beyond that.

[Anonymous]

when the youngest is 3-4 it gets much easier. can't wait until they are all 5-6! then it might even be enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Firstly, I do not allow whining. I have a 3y old and almost 2 yr old. If you whine, you immediately get sent to your bedroom and can't come out until you're ready to speak without whining.

Secondly, kids like to MOVE. Sitting in a car for hours is horridly boring for a kid. I like to set my kids up for success/good behavior. I make sure I put food in them before a meltdown comes, I put them down for a nap/quiet time before they're overtired and cranky.

You can't keep them out in the hot sun all day. I've been traveling with them since the oldest was just born and they're both great at it, save for time changes.

You sound rigid. Lighten up.

Funny - the one thing I'm really rigid about didn't even come up here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Firstly, I do not allow whining. I have a 3y old and almost 2 yr old. If you whine, you immediately get sent to your bedroom and can't come out until you're ready to speak without whining.

Secondly, kids like to MOVE. Sitting in a car for hours is horridly boring for a kid. I like to set my kids up for success/good behavior. I make sure I put food in them before a meltdown comes, I put them down for a nap/quiet time before they're overtired and cranky.

You can't keep them out in the hot sun all day. I've been traveling with them since the oldest was just born and they're both great at it, save for time changes.

You sound rigid. Lighten up.

Funny - the one thing I'm really rigid about didn't even come up here.

NP here. I agree that you sound rigid. If there is something even more strict than what you've listed here, then your children may truly be chafing under your iron control. Be cautious. I've known a number of kids who grew up in such rigid households that kids were not allowed to be kids. They went to college and never looked back. One was around 40 when his father was dying and he didn't even want to go have a final visit with his father. Fortunately, his brother prevailed and he did get some closure from visiting his parents. This is pretty common.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Firstly, I do not allow whining. I have a 3y old and almost 2 yr old. If you whine, you immediately get sent to your bedroom and can't come out until you're ready to speak without whining.

Secondly, kids like to MOVE. Sitting in a car for hours is horridly boring for a kid. I like to set my kids up for success/good behavior. I make sure I put food in them before a meltdown comes, I put them down for a nap/quiet time before they're overtired and cranky.

You can't keep them out in the hot sun all day. I've been traveling with them since the oldest was just born and they're both great at it, save for time changes.

You sound rigid. Lighten up.

Funny - the one thing I'm really rigid about didn't even come up here.

NP here. I agree that you sound rigid. If there is something even more strict than what you've listed here, then your children may truly be chafing under your iron control. Be cautious. I've known a number of kids who grew up in such rigid households that kids were not allowed to be kids. They went to college and never looked back. One was around 40 when his father was dying and he didn't even want to go have a final visit with his father. Fortunately, his brother prevailed and he did get some closure from visiting his parents. This is pretty common.

Cool story, bro. I don't think there's anything wrong with being firm about not letting kids whine. Sending them to their rooms gives them time to calm down, take a break, etc. I don't care if they go to their room and play - I just want to stop a cycle that's about to start. Totally not worried about them not visiting me when I'm dying.