Traveling with Kids on Thanksgiving
Traveling over the Thanksgiving weekend is a trying time for adults, and can be much more so if kids go along. Parents should consider some tips that offer various ways to make the journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible for all members of the traveling family.It’s no longer over the river and through the trees to grandmother’s house we go. Thanksgiving travel may require getting to your destination by air. This has always been an ordeal for families, but now with crowded schedules, long lines and enhanced security, it can become a nightmare.1. Into the air: If you’ll be flying with kids, do everything possible to make them comforable. Get started with plenty of spare time, and be and methodical in getting to the airport, parking, getting through security and to the waiting room. Be aware of all the security regulations. Games, snacks and nap time for the kids can make it all a bit easier.2. Ride the bus: If your Thanksgiving destination is within two or three hours of home, consider a bus ride. Some cities have very efficient and a low-priced corridor bus trips that take you from downtown to downtown terminals. For example, check ou Philadelphia-New York City, Boston-New York City, San Diego-San Francisco and others.There are no long airport schedule waits, heavy security, baggage check and everything else uncomfortable flying has become. On the bus, the kids are not strapped to seats and there’s more than blue sky and cloud scenery outside the windows.3. Hit the road: If you and the kids go by car, you have the freedom stop for potty breaks and meals along the way. You can also load the car with snacks, water, games and stash the baggage in the trunk. If there are two adults, you can share driving chores. If your Thanksgiving road trip is for over 200 miles, you can overnight in a motel, allowing for rest and change of clothes.4. Take the train: This type of traditional Thanksgiving journey is similar to riding a bus, and it gets you from downtown to downtown. Additionally, on the rails, you and the kids have more room to walk around, eat in the dining car and generally enjoy the scenery.5. Timing is everything: If possible, no matter how you travel for the Thanksgiving weekend, try to make it on days or nights when there’s the least rush and crowds. When making your plans, check on late-night flights, or if driving, late-night driving schedules. With the Thanksgiving weekend set for Thursday throuogh Sunday, consider traveling each way on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday. You’ll meet fewer crowds, and maybe save some ticket costs. Your kids will be thankful, and so will your wallet.Thanksgiving travel with kids is always a challenge, but it can be made less stressful by careful planning and plain old common sense.
