How can travelling with kids add to your creative family beach vacation?

Travelling with Kids can be delightful or disaster. Here are some tips to getting your creative family beach vacation off to a wonderful start.

Create Anticipation
Create a sense of anticipation with your kids by developing a countdown calendar, kind of like a rocket ship blast off: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, etc. Staple 10 sheets of paper together with the specific number figuring predominantly on the page. Glue on the page a photo or drawing of your destination, and an interesting fact, such as "The ??? Island is the largest exporter of coconuts in the world". Each day, your child will learn that the vacation is one day closer, and they will see and learn some new fact about the destination as well.

What to Bring...
Decide what type of clothing to bring, but allow the kids to pick out their favorites, and bring their favorite toy. In a carry-on bag, pack some of the kids favorite snacks, tissues, books, paper, markers, crayons and pencils.

At the Airport
If you are travelling by air, make sure that you arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Be sure to have a plan on where you should meet in case you happen to get separated. Inform your children of the security check process so that they will know what to expect, and will not be frightened by the process.

Seat Selection
If you are flying coach, the best seats to have are the first row in the economy class section. First off, there is plenty of leg room, and after a long flight you are among the first out the door once you land. Second choice is to sit kids between adults, and away from the aisle. Providing kids with a window view can provide for hours of entertainment.

Car Accessories
If you will be renting a car at your destination, check before hand to see if they have child's seats available, if you require them. If not provided, you might have to bring them with you, which is a last resort due to the baggage restrictions on most airlines.

Be Happy :)
Most important of all, keep a cheerful, positive attitude. Travelling with kids can be challenging at times, and children pick up on their environment. No matter what happens, if you are having a good time, they will have a good time. Make this a creative family beach vacation that they will remember and cherish forever.

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