Long Road Trips With Kids Via Commute: Tips From Parents

One of the best parts about being a parent is getting to travel and enjoy new sights with your children. No matter if you’ve already visited a place before, seeing and enjoying it through your kids is an entirely different experience.

However, traveling with kids also entails a different level of planning and preparation than when traveling with your friends or partner. And one mom posed this question on Smart Parenting Village, Smart Parenting’s 100,000-strong Facebook group composed of parents. She asked:

“Hello SPV fam!

“We’re planning to travel to Baguio this month and first time namin ito gagawin with our 2 kids. Commute lang po kami. Hingi lang po ng tips sa mga nagcocommute and nagtatravel na may batang kasama.”

And of course, the SPV fam delivered. Here are a few tips from other parents on how to ensure a stress-free travel with your kids:

Book everything in advance

“Nag-book kami ng bus liner and transient house 2 months in advance.”

“Book in advance sa website ni [bus company] so you can choose the seats na magkakatabi kayo.”

“Nag-book via [bus company], I have a toddler, tulog siya/kami sa byahe. Mag-book kayo ng around 1am or 3am then morning nasa [place] na.”

It’s better to be prepared especially when you have kids in tow so it’s best to book all roundtrip travel–whether it's via land, plane, or sea, and accommodations beforehand. Doing so will allow you to pick your rooms and seats, making it easier to prepare the stuff you need and to keep track of your kids. This will also allow you to choose the time of your travel–several moms recommend traveling at night or early morning so that kids will be asleep and easier to handle. But this means that you have to consider getting comfortable seats as well.

Have an itinerary

Maximize your stay by having a list to do or places to visit, this will minimize any double-guessing or time wasted looking for places to eat or activities to do. As one mom said, “mas OK na may itinerary na kayo ng mga pupuntahan like mga kakainan at papasyalan.”

Bring necessary medications, including over-the-counter medications for nausea

“Painumin kids ng [anti-nausea medication for travel] bago mag-byahe and magdala plastic bag.”

Remember to bring your family’s medications whenever you travel. You can also consult your pediatrician first before your travel on the proper medications and dosage to bring, especially if you’re worried that your child might get nauseous during the trip. You can also bring a couple of plastic bags that you can use for any emergency.

Aside from anti-nausea medicines, other medications you can consider bringing are medicines for fever, headache, diarrhea, allergies, and vitamins. And don’t forget to bring masks for the family.

Bring snacks and a wide variety of activities

“Bring toys nila sa byahe kahit a few pieces para hindi mainip. Bring snacks and water.”

Kids can sometimes ask for snacks at the most random of times and places, so it’s best to have some on hand during your travel. Pack your kids’ favorite snacks or a variety of it in a lunch box that they easily open and hold. Try to stick with non-messy (no sauces) and non-fragrant options. And don’t forget to bring enough water.

Aside from snacks, it’s also recommended to bring their favorite toys or if possible, even new ones. New toys that they can get excited about and spend hours exploring and enjoying will keep them busy for a few hours (or OK, minutes) during the trip. While old toys, such as their favorite stuffed toy, can give them comfort if they want to sleep on the bus or even prevent homesickness in the next few days you’re staying in a different place.

Prepare for any mess

Kids have a tendency to get messy wherever they are, so it’s best to prepare to tackle any unnecessary messes especially during your transits. Try to pack a bag that contains an extra set of clothes for each family member, plus everything you might need to clean up, such as baby wipes, extra diapers, alcohol, tissue or small towels, and extra plastic bags. Keep this bag within easy reach during the whole trip.

Bring lots of patience

“Baon din ng madaming patience.”

Try your best to be patient every step of the way. Remember, kids sometimes have their own schedules, so don’t stress yourself out over small messes, missed (or delayed) schedules, or even missed activities on your itinerary. The important thing is to enjoy the trip with your family and build core memories with your kids.