Tips for Travelling with your Family
Family vacations should be full of quality time and most importantly, fun! Even though you may encounter long line ups, lost luggage or other bumps along the road, measures can be taken to ensure every member of the family has the most pleasant journey possible.
Kathy Buckworth, award winning writer, television personality and mother of four, knows how to enjoy smooth sailing during her family’s travels. “Wherever and however you travel with your family, always bring along games, arts and crafts to keep kids entertained and occupied,” she advises. “Also, keep in mind that different types of travel require different preparation methods.” Kathy shares her tips for various modes of transportation:
When boating or sailing:
- Start with short trips to determine the “sea legs” of the children.
- Bring (and use!) the essentials: sunblock, sunglasses, a hat, drinking water and an antinauseant.
- An antinauseant, such as Gravol, works best taken one hour before departure, especially for those prone to motion sickness.
- Motion sickness can also occur once you’re back on dry land – look for signs of nausea and take Gravol as a preventative.
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When flying:
- Read up on the rules regarding allowable carry-on items – specifically concerning liquids, gels and aerosols – when packing the basic onboard necessities.
- For younger children, pack a change of clothes as well – spills and accidents do happen.
- Pack some lollipops or chewing gum to make landings easier.
- Consider bringing an atlas or map to show older children the route you’re taking, or a book on your destination.
- If the flight is expected to be turbulent, consider giving them an antinauseant to keep their tummies settled, and which will also aid in relaxation and sleep. Gravol offers a quick dissolve, chewable tablet as a convenient and portable dosage.
When driving:
- Encourage them to enjoy the scenery or, in the case of kids, to play “I Spy” type games which will keep them focused visually outside the vehicle.
- Those who have a track record of queasiness on the road should be seated up front.
- Pack non-perishable snacks and juice boxes for quick treats or when going a long time in between meals.
If your trip includes action-filled days, especially those in an amusement park where the rides spin and fly and loop, ensure that nothing distracts the family fun by taking advantage of these tips:
- Test out the smaller roller coasters first. Don’t start on an empty, or an overly full stomach.
- Take breaks with attractions such as mini-golf, movies, water parks, etc. to break up the potential for motion sickness or dizziness.
- Plan your route to maximize the “must-see” rides first. Amusement parks require a lot of walking.
- If your child shows signs of motion sickness or nausea after a “wild ride”, consider giving them Gravol to settle things.
To help ensure everyone enjoys summer to the fullest, Gravol provides a range of formulations for relief of nausea, vomiting and dizziness for the whole family. Gravol Natural Source Ginger is an effective and clinically-proven natural source antinauseant, available in easy-to-swallow tablets and chewable lozenges. Traditional Gravol is also available in a chewable format – Gravol Quick Dissolve Chewable Tablets, a convenient format requiring no water.
Kathy Buckworth’s latest book, “The BlackBerry Diaries: Adventures in Modern Motherhood” is available at bookstores everywhere. Visit www.kathybuckworth.com
