Tips for Traveling with Kids ~ Plus the Ultimate Blue Ridge Georgia Itinerary

When we travel as a whole family, it’s a HUGE undertaking! Since we travel fairly often with our kiddos in tow, we want to lend you some pointers for traveling with a ton of kids. And since one of our favorite trips is one we’ve done by car and by air, we thought we’d also share some of our favorite things to do in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

The Secret: Being prepared makes a long trip so much easier!

On such a long trip, you may deal with plenty of tantrums, tears, accidents, and fights along with the fun. But if you’re well prepared, you’ll make it out in one piece!

Check out the links to all our must have family road trip essentials for land and air. We also have a downloadable image for our favorite Blue Ridge adventures – go ahead and save it for later!

Navigating Long Road Trips with Kids

Traveling with kids can be a fine art. It takes planning and skills and so much patience. But it can totally be worth it for the memories!

Here are a few quick tips for traveling with young kiddos on long road trips:

• If your child has a weak stomach, avoid screen time. Phones, iPads, and computers can cause motion sickness and lead to an unpleasant and messy ride.
• If your child does suffer from motion sickness, make sure the car is cold and that they are dressed lightly. Travel with a dry set of clothing as well as plastic bags and wipes.
• If your child is still napping, I highly suggest planning your trip so that you are traveling during the time of their nap. There is nothing more beautiful than the sounds of snoring during a long distance drive.
• The best way to keep your child engaged is to give them a new toy or activity book that promotes independent play. It doesn’t have to be expensive; the dollar store has great coloring books and activities.

Must Haves for Road Trip Traveling with Kids:

1. Lap Desk for Car
2. Window Stickers
3. Bluetooth Headphones
4. iPad Holder 
5. Janod Magnetic Books and Activities 
6. Portable Cell Phone/iPad Charger
7. Travel Games
8. Container for Kids’ Toys or Snacks 
9. Wikki Sticks
10. Water Wow!
11. License Plate Game
12. Paint by Sticker

Flying with Kids

It may be wise to avoid air travel with kids as it’s often difficult {or nearly impossible} to keep little ones from touching germy items and then touching their faces.

But if you must travel by plane, you can definitely prepare ahead of time by having plenty of hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes on hand and by making a plan for bathroom procedures.

• If possible, take only one child to to the facilities at a time to better monitor what they touch.
• Good hand hygiene is imperative – for both you and the kids! Sanitize before eating any snacks, even ones you brought from home.
• Strollers and infant car seats will help keep kiddos contained in the airport.
• And, if necessary, try to keep masks on as much and as long as possible.

A “plane present” is a great idea for keeping kids distracted! This trick has yet to fail me. Before you leave, pack your child their own carryon bag filled with independent, engaging toys like Play-Doh, LEGOs, magnetic squares, puzzles, and activity books (more ideas below).

Research shows children do best changing activities every 20 to 30 minutes. And NEW, engaging toys help distract for longer layovers and plan rides.

And when it comes down to it, iPads and phone apps can be a lifesaver. Now is NOT the time to try to avoid screen time. Entertainment and distraction are key to avoiding meltdowns and the desire to explore germy areas!

Compact nap mats or sleeping bags are also a great idea for long layovers in the airport.

Must Haves for Airplane Travel with Kids:

1. Tacklebox for Snacks
2. Melissa and Doug Reusable Stickers (for airplane window)
3. Topper Takes a Trip
4. On the Plane Activity Book
5. Wikki Stix
6. Dress Up Dolls
7. Pop It
8. Seek and Find 
9. Busy Board
10. Fun Foam

Blue Ridge Mountains – Things To Do with Kids

If you haven’t already experienced a Blue Ridge vacation, you should! Our families have been visiting this area for the last several years.

Each time we return, it becomes even more special.

There is something so incredibly quaint and peaceful about the small town. And since we’ve been going for years, we thought it would be a great time to tell you some of our favorite things to do in Blue Ridge.

Sometimes we take our trip in the summer, but with the changing of the leaves and the cooler weather, fall is truly a breathtaking time of year to travel to the mountains.

Growing up in South Florida, we didn’t get to experience that amazing change in seasons. And if you know us, we are always talking about “sweater weather” and how badly we want to see the leaves change colors.

But the mountains are beautiful any time of the year!

Top 12 Things To Do in Blue Ridge, Georgia

Escape To Blue Ridge always helps us experience incredible family trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains! With some great trips under our belts, we are excited to share information about some of the best activities and spots to hit up on your journey to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check out the downloadable itinerary below!

If you love a vacation with a small town feel and views to die for, this trip is one for you.

Final Thoughts on Your Next Vacation to Blue Ridge

We’ve had some great times with family in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia over the years! If you want a more detailed breakdown of our favorite things to do in the Blue Ridge Mountains, check it out HERE.

And then just jump in and take a trip to see for yourself exactly what we’ve been talking about. You most definitely will NOT regret it!

Happy vacation!