It is officially summertime, and that means soaking up the sun, lots of outdoor time, and summer travels. If you have a toddler, a long journey can seem daunting. Whether you’re traveling by plane or by car, some pre-departure preparation will help you feel more confident once your journey has begun.

Preparation is Key

Think about what activities your child likes to do, and pack some travel-friendly versions of them to pull out when they’re getting restless. Some popular ones are small coloring packs, easy-to-play games, and lots of snacks. Lots and lots of snacks. Load some age-appropriate games and download children’s programs on an iPad for some quiet time. Don’t forget decibel-limiting headphones; the other passengers don’t want to hear Cocomelon for the umpteenth time!

Practice Before You Go

If it’s your child’s first time on an airplane, let them know what to expect, before you get to the airport. Create fake tickets, and help them “board”, even if it’s just onto your couch!  For road-trippers, let your little one know where you’re going, and what they’ll have access to during the trip.

Get the Beans Out

We all get restless when we’re stuck on a plane or car, and your toddler is no different! Help them get any wiggles out ahead of time by getting them to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. Explore the lengths of an airport or have them run around the backyard before you go to manage some of the pre-travel excitement.

Roll With the Punches

Traveling with a toddler is no joke, and the more you can embrace going with the flow, the better. Properly preparing will have you ahead of the game, but we all know that toddlers like to march to the beat of their own drum. Remember to have fun, and make memories along the way.