On your way to the Family for Christmas?
So you’re going on that roadtrip to be with the family here on Amelia Island over Christmas or you’re maain land bound to see the family and the kids are already squealing¬† like little piggies in anticipation. Well no matter what mode of transportation you are planning to use, it’s going to be a challenge as you’re one of 63 million roadtrips this season according to the Department of Transportation
If you have kids, some planning can mean the difference between a joy to remember and a “head-against-the-steering-wheel” experience.
Made for the road. One thing my husband’s dad did was pack up the car the night before and then real early in the morning, they carried the kids, often still in their pajamas, from their beds to their car seats. (Never forget the travel pillows on long road trips). If he or any of his 4 brothers woke at all, they’ll usually fell asleep again immediately and snoozed on through to the first gas-station stop, which enabled him to get some serious mileage before breakfast.
Give kids their own space. Consider renting a larger vehicle before departing for a long trip. When you weigh the cost against saving the hard winter mileage on your own car vs.the added advantage of extra space during a long trip…you may find renting is in your favor. Not to mention you don’t have to clean out the car, crumbs, wrappers, etc…
Keep the music eclectic. Unless you are really tired of hearing kid songs, it’s best to compromise at least for part of the trip and find music everyone enjoys listening to.
Know when to stop. One time-tested rule is to never drive non-stop past 4 p.m. unless it’s a one day trip of course. Give your kids a chance to burn off their pent-up energy sometime during the day.
If you have to fly, accept that it’s going to be a nightmare and prepare accordingly.
Besides the fact that flying is a scary experience for many kids, today’s airport security hassles are just not going to contribute to a pleasant experience. With that in mind parents can make it easier with a little preparation:
Absolutely fly direct. Book nonstop flights whenever possible, even if you have to drive a couple of hours to an airport that offers direct connections; and when you must stop, try not to change planes. The money saved to hop around from plane to plane just isn’t worth it in tedious overly secured holiday airports.
Pack food and toys. Let’s face it, kids are picky. This is especially true when given only one option on an airplane. Pack a few of your kids’ favorite snacks to make up for lack of options. Allow each child their own marked pack of toys and books. Make them responsible for keeping track of their own travel pack.
Go ahead, SPLURGE! When you’re checking in, book a skycap to meet you at the arrival gate if you’ll be landing at night. That way, you can take care of your sleepy ones without lugging all your baggage.
If you’re traveling abroad, have some foreign cash before you leave. This will enable you to be ready for anything upon landing. Be aware that some banks require a couple of days advanced notice for foreign exchange. No bank on Amelia Island keeps foreign cash, not even Euros.
ID your kids and your luggage. In a crowded and chaotic airport, it’s more than possible to lose sight of a child. Write your name or stash a business card inside each child’s travel pack or jacket. Teach children to approach a police officer or uniformed airline employee and show the card, just in case you do get separated.
What to put in your kid’s travel pack. The foremost principle of family travel: Be ready, willing and able to amuse the kids for an extended period of time. The playthings that come along for the ride make all the difference. These toys are surefire distractions, bound to occupy your kids during the unavoidable hours of “Are we there yet?”
1. Crayons and/or colored pencils. Crayons don’t need sharpening, but colored pencils are less likely to break. Bring both. Re-sealable plastic freezer bags make splendid carrying cases. Don’t forget a folder of white or colored paper. Print off coloring book pages previous to departure.
2. Get them a Magna-Doodle. Even toddlers love this magnetic drawing toy. How many times can a three-year-old trace her hand before she gets bored? About 200,000.
3. Stuffed animals. Indispensable. Which brings up a vital point: Leave the child’s favorite one at home. If it’s left in a hotel room, your trip home is doomed. Suggest other “comfort” toys that may not be as special.
4. Books on tape/CD. Buy your kids a headphone set that plays tapes or cd’s. Many children’s books include a tape or cd so your child can follow along. “Read” the story while hearing the author on headphones.
5. If you have a DVD player in your vehicle, by all means use it. It’ll make the time go much faster.
And if all else fails you can always sing 12 days of Christmas over and over or even make it 30 days if you’re good at being creative.
Here are the words for starters:
The Twelve Days of Christmas
Chords Used: D – G РA РE
On the first day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
A partridge in a pear tree.
On the second day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the third day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
On the fourth day of Christmas,
my true love sent to me
Four calling birds
Three French hens,
Two turtle doves,
And a partridge in a pear tree.
…Five golden rings…
…Six geese a-laying…
…Seven swans a-swimming…
…Eight maids a-milking…
…Nine ladies dancing…
…Ten lords a-leaping…
…Eleven pipers piping…
…Twelve drummers drumming…
and lastly, should you visit us here on Amelia Island, here is a tip for your trip back home.
Give the trip a Pirate’s Theme such as Pirates of the Road, after all you’re coming away from Fernandina Beach, a noted historic Pirate’s Nest and you should have a lot of loot on you.
Aaarrrrrrrrrr we there yet? Make the time pass quickly on your long car trip by  pretending to be a crew of pirates for the day.
The Interstate is your ocean!¬† To make it even more fun, surprise your crew with this traveling theme, and don’t tell them until just before you leave. Then pass out the pirate bandanas and “order” everyone aboard!
Pick a Pirate Persona The driver is the captain, obviously. Other passengers in the car are always referred to as “the crew”.¬†¬† Crew members are not allowed to call the driver “Mom” or “Dad”, but can only address them as “Captain” or “Captain Mom”, or whatever you order them to call you.¬† As captain, you can give orders that everyone MUST carry out.
Assign a First Mate, Navigator, or Lookout. Crew members can all choose pirate names if they wish.¬† Your vehicle is your ship. Be sure to name it too.¬† Then refer to it all day by it’s name. For example,¬† “Shiver me timbers! It’s time to refuel for The Black Pearl!”.
Speak like pirates Refer to your fellow crew members as “mates”, and be sure to get refills on your “rum” (whatever you happen to be drinking on board your ship).¬† Say stuff pirates would say, such as:
•    Avast! (Looky there!)
•    Ahoy! (hello)
•    Aye Aye!  (yes sir!)
•    Abandon Ship!  (everybody get out of the car for a pit stop)
•    Land Ho! (when you can see your destination)
•    Shiver Me Timbers! (when you are shocked or surprised)
•    All Aboard!! (time to get back in the car)
•    This sounds like mutiny! (when disagreements break out for not listening to the captain!)
•    Scallywag (a bad rotten no good person!)
•    Sea Rover (a pirate ship)
•    Sea Dog (experienced sailors)
•    Jolly Roger (pirate flag with skull and crossbones)
•    Land Lubber (a person not familiar with sailing)
•    Aaaaarrrrrr!!!  (whenever the mood hits. Say this after nearly everything)
For example, “Avast ye mates! It’s the Starbucks drive-through that the captain has been searching for. Thar she blows right off the starboard bow!”¬†¬†¬† and,¬†¬† “Yo ho ho, we need to stop and go…¬†¬†¬† …..to the bathroom.”
Sing Pirate Songs Have an old fashion car sing along, or download pirate themed songs onto your iPod before your trip and play them in the car.
Dress Like Pirates This is easy. Get some cheap pirate themed bandanas, or any old bandana will probably do. Wear them on your head or around your arm.  Make some eye patches with paper and crayons. Designs all kinds of jewelry or a hook with a roll of tinfoil (see my article on aluminum foil art for ideas).
Tell Pirate Jokes
‚Ä¢¬†¬† ¬†Why couldn’t the little kid see the pirate movie? (Because it was rated Arrrrr!)
‚Ä¢¬†¬† ¬†What is a one-legged pirate’s favorite place for breakfast? (IHOP)
•    What happened when the man shook hands with Captain Hook?  (He got the point!  Aaaaargh!)
•    How much does it cost for a pirate to pierce his ears? (A buck an ear!!!   Aaaarrrgh!)
‚Ä¢¬†¬† ¬†What’s a pirate’s favorite socks? (Arrrrgyle)
•    What has 12 arms, 12 legs and 12 eyes? (A dozen pirates.  Aaaarrrrrrr!)
‚Ä¢¬†¬† ¬†Make up your own. For example:¬† What is a pirate’s favorite fast food restaurant? (Aaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrby’s! )
Watch Pirate Movies If you’re going to watch movies on your portable DVD player, stick to the theme. Some great pirate movies for kids could include:
•    Pirates of the Caribbean (I, II, and III)
•    Peter Pan
•    Hook
•    Muppets Treasure Island
Play Games with a Pirate Twist Play lots of traditional car games, but keep the pirate theme. For example, if you’re playing Hangman, choose words that are meaningful to pirates such as “Davy Jones Locker” or “Dead Man’s Chest” or “Booty”.¬†¬† If you’re counting cows or doing a travel scavenger hunt, announce “Thar she blows!” whenever you see what you are looking for.¬† Draw pictures of pirates and ships. Draw treasure maps, and pirate flags to decorate the inside of the car.
Basically just use your imagination for every aspect of the journey.¬† Take no prisoners, follow the captain’s orders and you’ll be there in no time. Land ho!
Good luck.
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