10 Survival Tips For Traveling With Grandchildren
Many of us have traveled with our own kids and their children to celebrate special occasions or family reunions. However, when I vacation with one child at a time—without their parents along—we all seem to behave differently. The young ones don't whine or have temper tantrums when they know our guidelines, and a special bonding takes place between the generations. I've discovered these jaunts add a special meaning to my relationships with my five grandchildren, aged two-and-a-half to eight. (And did I mention that they're all brilliant and gorgeous?)
It's different from when we were young, when grandparents often lived within the same house or nearby. Today, traveling together often fills the gaps caused by divorces and relocated jobs causing generations to live far apart. In addition, as many of us retire at younger ages, we have the energy and means for travel.
Since I became a grandmother who loves traveling with her family, however, I've found that grandparents' needs are different. "Grands" are usually less energetic than parents, with different physical requirements — forget about white—water rafting for most of us and think afternoon naps.
Although most experts recommend starting trips when the youngsters are eight or nine, I began when my oldest granddaughter was three. However, you should know the children and how they will do without their parents before you go.
Here are some tips:
- Start with short trips to nearby museums or zoos, along with a restaurant
lunch.
- Remember that youngsters need some time with their peers or places
to let off steam.
- Know whether the child is a free agent or likes the supervision of
a structured day camp program offered on most cruise ships and at major
resorts.
- When visiting theme parks, it's worth the extra cost to stay
on-property for in-room naps or to give the children a chance to swim
in the hotel pool.
- If you have to stand in long lines under the hot sun without any respite,
both generations might get cranky.
- Besides hand-carrying medicines, bring along written permission to
act in case of medical emergencies.
- Particularly when parents are divorced and one parent has custody,
grandparents should carry a letter authorizing travel with the child.
- A cell phone for emergencies will give you security.
- Don't forget comfort items such as a favorite stuffed doll or
blanket, books and games, or a small nightlight if the child usually
sleeps with one.
- Consider having the child participate in the planning, keep a journal,
and take photographs. My four-year-old grandson wore his kid-proof camera
around his neck constantly when we went to Club Med Sandpiper; the counselors
gave him an award for future photographer of the year.
- To avoid homesickness, I've found that allowing a grandchild to call home often sometimes ends in a meltdown. Better to have the youngster write postcards home and schedule only one call for a long trip to assure your grandchild that parents are still there.
These trip tips work. My grandkids, who call me Mimi, vie for the next vacation—even the two-and-a-half-year-old keeps asking, "When is Mimi going to take ME on a trip?".