Family Travel Centre

Archive for the ‘Family Travel’ Category

If you’ve ever spent a long time in a vehicle with children then you’ve probably had to come up with some quick, creative ideas on how to keep them occupied. I have spent countless hours playing travel games with children. Here are a few of the family travel games that I have found perfect for passing the time.

Travel Scavenger Hunt

Make a list of things you might see as you’re travelling (this will vary depending on your location). Some good examples would be… an airplane flying overhead, a lamb, a cyclist, an ambulance, a yield sign, litter, a train, etc. Make a list for everyone or play the game as a group. If children are playing individually, the first person to call out an item gets to check it off their list. If the item appears another time at a different location on your route another child may call it and check it off of their list. Whoever gets all of their items first or whoever has the most items when you reach your destination wins.

Travel Bingo

Make up some blank bingo cars and purchase some automobile, street sign, animal or any combination of applicable stickers to put in the blank spaces. Just be sure that any stickers you buy are of items you might see in your travels. Have the children choose and place one sticker in each square (kids love stickers, so even that part is fun). As you’re driving children call out and check off any items on their card that they see along the road. The first one to get a full diagonal, horizontal, or vertical line checked off wins. In a pinch, children can draw their own bingo card on a piece of paper and either write in or draw items they might see on their trip.

Category Cards

Buy a package of blank index cards and either write one category name or draw one category picture on each card. You should make up at least sixteen cards. Categories should reflect things you might see on your travels. Be creative with your ideas and the possibilities are limitless. Some good examples would be… street signs, emergency vehicles, transportation, animals, restaurants, sports, etc. When the cards are complete, shuffle them and turn them upside down. When traveling, the first player must draw a card and find something that fits the category picked. When an item is found the next card is picked up and an applicable item is found. All players take turns until all cards are used up. Cards can then be reshuffled and the game can continue, however, if a ‘car’ was found for the vehicle category on the first round, a different vehicle (eg. truck, train) must be found on the next round. Play for fun or set a time limit for each item and score a point only for items found in the given time.

Licence Plate Spell

Have each child choose a different 5 letter word. When driving each player must find the first letter of their word on a licence plate. When the first letter has been found, they must find the second letter of their word on a different licence plate. This continues till someone completes their word. Then, players choose new words and start again. The player who completes the most words first by the end of the trip wins.

Are you trying to plan a summer vacation with your family but finding it hard? Are you ready to throw in the towel? Family holidays are a time for your family to forget about work and school and enjoy time together. There are a number of reasons why families decide to skip a summer holiday.

Many families decide not to go because of cost. True, many families save for years to go on a dream vacation but a holiday doesn’t have to break the bank. Think of other options that are either close to home or save on expenses. A trip to a nearby amusement park can be a fun and exciting time for the whole family. If you combine it with an overnight stay at a hotel with a pool then it will really feel like you’re away from home and on vacation.

Also consider a camping trip; it gives the family a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and enjoy quiet time and fresh air. If sleeping bags and tents are not your idea of a good time then consider the inexpensive rustic family accommodations that many parks provide. Even a quick overnight trip to the great outdoors can give your family the relaxation they need.

You don’t have to travel very far to have an enjoyable time with the family. Think about playing tourist in your own city and take a day to enjoy museums and parks. Again, consider staying overnight in a hotel; it will give the kids a chance to play at the pool while you relax and have some quiet time away from home.

Scheduling can be a headache and is another reason why families decide to forgo a summer vacation. If both you and your spouse are working it can be hard to match up schedules so try to plan as far in advance as possible. If it just isn’t possible then consider splitting up; one parent can take the kids on a short trip and then the other parent. It’s not ideal since the entire family won’t be together but it’s better than not taking a vacation at all.

The benefits of taking a family holiday definitely outweighs the cost and hassles. With today’s demanding schedules, both parents and children feel the pressure of school and work and a break from it will relax and refresh. A family outing can also provide for quality time as a family; it may be one of the few opportunities to be together.

Taking a summer vacation as a family will be a fun and rewarding experience. It requires planning and preparation but will be well worth the cost and effort.