photo credit: markhillary_
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If a relaxing vacation for two isn’t in your future because you have one or more children in tow, don’t worry – it can still be fun for everyone! The key is to manage your child’s time well so that he or she doesn’t get bored, over-exerted or upset by the change in routine.

Traveling with children can be easier the older they get, but the challenges change. With babies, they’re asleep most of the time. Toddlers are more active and don’t quite comprehend time well, so you’ll constantly hear, “Are we there yet?” from your little one. Older children can usually behave better because they understand how long the trip takes, but they tend to voice their opinions more, which can be a downer.

If you’re the parent of a toddler and you’re traveling on vacation, there are a few things you can do to lessen the frustration you and your child feel in order to make it a memorable experience.

First, be sure to dress your toddler comfortable for the trip. Remember that if you’re in an airplane, your child might get too cold. You want their outfit to be roomy and comfortable enough to fall asleep in, if necessary.  Also, if they are in diapers, keep in mind putting something on that will be easy to change them in.

Next, pack a few treats for your child to nibble on throughout the traveling time span. You can’t always stop every five minutes, and you may not be able to find what your child wants or needs, so pack a small cooler with juice boxes, water and healthy snacks to tide them over.  For those emergencies-have some special treats handy to dole out at that crucial moment when a good distraction is needed!

Activities are a must for parents traveling with children. Bring items to play with where it won’t stain the car’s upholstery. Also bring action figures or dolls. Many parents have TVs in the car and stock up on DVDs for their children to watch during the trip.  If they have a video game like a leapster they are great for traveling!  If your child likes to draw you can bring an etch a sketch or a small notebook with a small bag of crayons.  Stickers are always a hit too!  Keep all the goodies hidden so you can bring out new ones as they get restless.   These three tactics will ensure your child spends less time complaining and more time commenting about how fun the trip is!