10 Tips for Families Looking to Travel with Their Kids This Summer

RISMEDIA, Nearly one third of adult leisure travelers are parents and grandparents, taking an average 4.5 trips each year (U.S. Travel Association). With summer around the corner, moms and dads are ready to tap into their vacation days and make some good old-fashioned family time. TOTSY—the private sale site exclusively dedicated to delivering deals on coveted must-haves for parents, babies and children—is partnering with Deb Geigis Berry, a family adventure experts, to make sure this summer’s trip is one to remember.

Travel and entertainment top the charts as one of mom’s highest priorities for her summer budget (2011 Mom Shopping Trends Report). But a family vacation is easier said than done as traveling with infants is no trip to the park.

Nearly nine out of 10 moms purchase products to make traveling with children easier (2011 Mom Shopping Trends Report). Despite this, many still struggle with preventing those difficult and often embarrassing ‘kick, scream and cry’ moments that always happens at the wrong place and time.

The following tips allow parents to make the best of their vacation while their children are still young.

1. Young kids love being with mom and dad, so while on vacation, making a trip to local beach or state park can be just as fun as a pricey excursion to a crowded amusement part. Just shake things up with a few new travel toys.

2. Search for freebies. Many towns offer a free concert or outdoor movie, and libraries often host events—from juggling seminars to costumed parades. Once you arrive at your destination, head to the local library and scan the bulletin for upcoming events.

3. Don’t take ‘family friendly’ to heart. Call venues to see if they have cribs, high-chairs and booster seats. Also bring quiet, colorful toys, like spinners that attach to tables or table trays with a suction cup.

4. Press all buttons before they press yours—make sure the sound/effects and melodies of toys won’t drive you crazy over a long car ride.

5. Don’t bring your child’s favorite toys. Losing an adored blanket or stuffed animal will put a damper on the trip. Try picking up a few filler toys just for the trip.

6. Only one thing is worse than a back seat driver: a back seat crier. Use car compartments to stock items that comfort and distract, like a small pillow or a fun play mat.

7. Divert meltdowns with smart phone apps that entertain babies in a pinch, like animal pictures with sounds and flashcards with shapes and colors. Don’t forget to use a durable case and neck strap!

8. Save money and eat healthy with picnics stocked with bread, cheese, vegetables and fruit from local farmers’ markets. In case the ground or table is damp, keep a waterproof blanket in the car.

9. Keep moving. Babies and young children enjoy motion. Try cycling with a baby in a trailer, hiking with a baby in a carrier, or riding on a historic merry go round.

10. Try an animal adventure. Take a bird walk, visit a fish hatchery or cruise an animal park. Go to your state’s tourism department website to learn about animal adventures near you.

For more information, please visit http://www.totsy.com.