Traveling with kids' clubs can be an experience! For your child, it can be exciting or stressful, especially if you're traveling to an important competition or game.
For you it can be exciting and stressful at the same time. It can be rushed or relaxed, expensive or not so, pleasant or miserable. How you prepare helps set the tone for the trip.
Lodging
Will you be spending the night (or several nights) away from home? Find a hotel and make reservations in advance. Often the event coordinators will have arranged special rates for event participants. Be sure to ask the coach if he has a list and ask the hotel when you call.- Plan to arrive the day before the event if it starts early in the morning. You don't want your child competing tired, right after a long drive.
- Know what amenities they have, such as a refrigerator in the room, laundry facilities on site, restaurants on site, or free breakfast and plan accordingly.
- Know how far from your room to the event. And know the directions!
Driving
For most travel, you'll probably be driving. Even if you're flying to another city, you'll may have a rental car when you get there.- Check your vehicle a day or two in advance: headlights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights; fluids levels; condition of your windshield wipers -- replace if necessary. Clean your windows. Fill your gas tank.
- Get directions ahead of time. Several online services allow you to print maps and step-by-step directions that include an estimated travel time.
- Allow yourself extra time. You'll need to stop and stretch, use a bathroom or get some food if the trip is more than a couple of hours. You may get delayed in construction areas or traffic.
- Bring along appropriate activities for any children (and adults) in the car. Counting punch buggies only goes so far, then they'll need a book, music, dvd or game.
- Have a few small bills and some quarters readily available for tolls.
- Do not talk on the cell phone on unfamiliar streets. Pull over.
Packing
If your child's coach gives you a list of "must haves" and "don't bring", follow it! Make sure you and your child have everything you're supposed to have and nothing you're not supposed to have.If you don't have a list from your coach, think basics. Travel is hard enough without extra stuff to tote along.
- Everything your child needs for the competition such as uniform, equipment, hair bands, etc packed in it's own bag.
- Toiletries.
- Full change of clothes for each day away, plus one.
- Bathing suit if there will be a pool where you're headed.
- Your child may need a security item or 2 -- stuffed animal, doll, blanket or pillow.
- Camera and/or video camera with extra batteries or cable to recharge -- you don't want to miss these moments.
- Medications.
- Enough money and/or a credit card for expenses.
And one more thing to take along
A posistive attitude. When you leave your house, look forward to the trip. Beyond watching the yellow line go by, past the anxiety of a competition or the discomfort of not-your-own bed, a trip with your child is a special time together. Steal a little time to have a conversation you wouldn't get to have at home. Laugh together. See some sites or try a new restaurant.You may even find yourself in a location perfect for a short vacation. Take an extra day or two if your budget and time allows. It will definitely slow the pace of an otherwise world wind trip.
Traveling with a kids' club or team can be a lot of things, not the least of which is crazy. Pack, drive, run to and from activity, grab a bite to eat, sleep, more activity, head home. But it can also be a lot of fun. Whether your child and his team does well or not, it's an experience they'll remember for a long time. Make it a good time and they'll remember it happily.