I’ve always had a knack for adventure. Of course, Lena wouldn’t mind staying at home. Traveling with my kids, especially for the first time, was a daunting and stressful task. Before kids I envisioned, they would enjoy the jet-set life and be my travel buddies. Every family is unique and adapts to traveling differently. Whether it’s your first trip or you’re a seasoned world traveler, these tips will help guarantee you and your kids have a seamless journey.

Before You Go

First, and most importantly, make sure your vehicle is fit to travel. Check the spare tire, cables and fluids. Sometimes I get the van serviced before departure to ensure everything is working properly. I also fill up on fuel the night before departure.

Identification

Get ready to travel by making sure you have all of the proper identification for your travel. I give the girls a notecard that lists your home address and cellphone number, as well as the location and phone number of the hotel you plan to stay at.

Important documents

I take photos of medical documents and save them on my phone. In the event of a medical emergency, these documents are useful for the doctor. Please keep in mind I’ve only solo traveled stateside with the kids.

Hitting the Road

Whether I travel by car, plane or train, one way to calm my kids is to tire them out before leaving. Typically, I let them run around while I pack the van or I take them on a long walk before leaving — it will help them sleep through the trek. And be sure to bring their favorite blanket, and a stuffed animal. A sense of familiarity can help relax the kids.

Car travel

Before our long road trips, I give the kids time to become familiar with spending time in the van. I show Hen and Lena where I am putting the snacks, books and activities. I equip the baby with a pacifier (or 2). I try to create a positive association between car rides and fun. You can invest in a travel potty to combat those potty emergencies that always seem to occur at the most inconvenient time. I use the Potette Plus Portable Potty-Toilet and I am glad that I purchased it 6 years ago.

I enlist the girls to fold paper towels and I place them in a baggie. Having a stash of paper towels have come in handy. Many fast-food restaurants forget (or give only a couple) napkins.

This should go without saying but never leave the kids alone in a parked vehicle. Even with the windows cracked, the inside of a car can reach 104 degrees in just 10 minutes on an 85-degree day. If I can’t find a gas station or rest stop, I will stop at a hotel.

Lodging

Temporary Lodging Facilities (TLFs) are generally for families and usually have at least two bedrooms plus a full kitchen. Do your research before you go, and make sure you’re selecting a kid-friendly hotel before booking. Staying Space-A: Lodging is available to Active Duty, Retirees, DoD civilians, and their sponsored guests. Air Force Inns are offered to Active Duty, retirees, NAF or DoD civilian employees, and sponsored guests. Coast Guard Recreational Lodging facilities are open to all authorized patrons. At the Langley Inn Space-A guest are authorized to stay 3 days at a time. After 3 you can only stay if they have space available. In some places you can reserve up to 30 days in advance, but many of the military lodging facilities I’ve used didn’t accept Space-A reservations more than a few days or a week before arrival. Call and verify the policy before making your arrangements.

In addition to observing special amenities and programs, be aware of fees that may be associated with additional occupants in tow.

I like to request a room by an exit on the ground floor to conveniently transport luggage into the hotel. Remember that some hotels do not provide pack and plays, we have one specifically for travel purchased here. Even if your kids sleep through the night, an unfamiliar setting could leave them anxious and susceptible to having a poor night sleep. I always bring a sound machine, just in case. Better safe than staying awake all night.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be traveling with 3 kids. Save travels friends! Be sure to tag me on Instagram (@sincerely.schwartz), to continue the conversation and to share your travels with the rest of our community!

“Stop being afraid of what could go wrong, and focus on what could go right”

– Anonymous