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Planes, trains and automobiles: If you plan to travel with children this summer, getting from here to there can be parental torture. DVD players and video games are nice but some vacations require thinking outside the electric black box.
If you’re traveling by car, consider a few solutions for cranky backseat passengers (many of these methods can be used with other modes of travel as well).
The ‘Picking Bag’
Take a “Picking Bag” to reward good behavior. Stop at your local Tedi or Kik and stock up on cheap toys and treats. Age does not matter for this good behavior motivator. Whether it’s a $5 iTunes card or a Blow Pop, the mystery of the “Picking Bag” can lure even the crankiest child or teen. Fill it up depending on the length of your trip and be generous in your rewards. From seatbelts to trash duty, the “Picking Bag” will keep everybody guessing in a good way.
Family songs
Pull out a playlist of family songs. Have each member contribute a dozen of their personal favorite songs then use the opportunity to pull the ear buds out of your child’s ears and engage them in some family memories. This is also a great opportunity to introduce your kids to Neil Diamond.
Spending money
Give each of your children some euro change to spend at gas stations and villages along the way. When they misbehave, take a coin. For exemplary behavior, pay it back. That way, they have a monetary motivator to be kind and obedient.
Travel trivia
Print off a list of age appropriate trivia questions for your brood. Whether your family is young or old, simple games like these can redirect clashing siblings and help build family unity. Pick the right treat and your children will be falling over themselves for the grand prize.
Car sick children
Sometimes, winding European roads lead to carsick passengers. Remember to ask your pediatrician about Dramamine for children who get sick or have trouble sleeping in the car.
Get out of the car, onto a train
If you’d like to use the trains this summer, don’t be daunted by the vast amount of tracks running through Germany. Take some time to get familiar with the German train website, www.bahn.de. It’s a nice change of pace from a cramped car.
One of the easiest ways to travel as a group this summer is with the DB Bahn’s “Lander-Tickets.” Starting at €26 in Rheinland-Pfalz, this ticket allows a group of up to five people unlimited travel for a single day. This ticket is available for all states and varies a little in price. Check www.bahn.de/angebot/regio/laender_tickets for details. You can choose the day and choose the region. It is valid on all local trains. This is a great option for families wishing to focus on one area, like the Rhine River. There are cheap weekend group tickets for up to six travelers available as well. See your local train station or visit the website for more information.
Take to the skies
Sometimes the best deals are airborne. Even if you’re not heading back to the states for a summer visit, low-cost airlines offer cheap flights for the entire family.
Flying with kids can be an anxiety riddled ride if you aren’t prepared for the bumps. Remember to stock up on treats to help with air pressure. Suckers or gum at take off and landing can help with popping in the ears.
If you’re flying locally, beverages aren’t allowed through security so stock up on drinks before boarding. They are not complimentary (or cheap) but there’s nothing worse than thirsty kids or babies.
If you’re concerned about noisy children bothering others in-flight or not finding seats together as a family, head to the back of the plane. The white noise will cover most of your family noises and most passengers prefer to sit toward the front anyway.
However you choose to travel this summer, just remember that kids will be kids. There’s nothing better than good behavior. Taking the time to plan ahead can help everyone relax a little more and enjoy the ride.
