Ferry:
There are many reasons to travel by ferries, and here are some tips to help you and your family navigate this awesome adventure when thinking of ferry vacations.
Ferries have no baggage restrictions (apart from the size of your car) so you can pack as much as you like. It is recommended that you pack a simple ferry bagf to carry around with you and the kids during your ferry vacation. During the ferry trip, you won’t be able to access your car. Pre-pack a travel ferry bag. If you have a baby, pack a simple baby necessities bag like you usually do. In a ferry bag or backpack, pack toothbrushes and toothpaste, some spare clothing, sunscreen, motion sickness pills, a small towel, a few of the kids fav toys to keep them busy, and of course, any important travel documents that you may need and some cash. Lastly, bring your own food, drinks and snacks, to save on money during the ferry ride too.
When booking your ferry vacation, ask about packages and any discounts or coupons being offered. This is worth checking out. In addition, if your journey will last more than a few hours, then it is recommended that you book a day cabin, esp with young kids in tow. Most cabins offer a restroom too to further accommodate you and the children. Ask about any restrictions; it’s important to be aware of what you can and can’t do before you book and embark. You can go down to your car as soon as the ferry has docked at the end of the trip. If you have young children, make sure to head down as early as possible
Arrive as early as possible, and let the kids burn off some extra energy by running around on land while you wait. While onboard, visit the lounge. Some ferry companies will sell access to these areas for a very sensible price – you will then have a quiet area to relax, have a snack or a drink while the children discover the ship or enjoy the play and games area without being restricted to just a seat. PS: Free WiFi is available on board most ships too. Also, movies and entertainments are available and accessible for the whole family.
Train:
Hop aboard the Amtrak train or take a day trip onboard a vintage historical train ride with the family on a train vacation idea. Imagine high mountain peaks, state and national parks, and rolling prairies as you bustle on by on a train. Envision seeing historic landmarks and sites, and it is easy to see what a train ride is the right destination for families. The beauty of a vacation by rail is it begins the moment you step aboard the train. Settle into a comfortable onboard seating and leave the driving to someone else as you travel through natural beauty. Enjoy a hot meal in the dining car or the café, read a book, or listen to music as the train crosses the countryside.
Riding Amtrak or a vintage historical train for the first time? Welcome aboard. We offer some awesome tips for travelers to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as possible. Create a pre-departure checklist to make your trip as hassle-free as possible if going on a longer journey. If your kids are riding as unaccompanied minors, review the train’s safety procedures in advance. Check on the baggage policies and services. Know that seating accommodations vary greatly depending on your route and the kind of train in use and the type of journey you are doing. Ask the workers about the local culture and heritage during the train ride. Bring things to do like books and magazines, fav toys for the children and an light emergency kit for injuries as well as motion sickness pills too. Know the layout of the train and its policies and rules too and stick to them. Lastly, sit back and enjoy the train ride.
Plane:
When traveling by plane, here are some tips to make your air travel more smoother and easier with your family. Know the difference between direct and nonstop flights, and always opt for the latter. Unlike nonstops, direct flights can touch down at other airports on the way to their ultimate destinations, and this can cause some delays. Make sure you buy your ticket under the exact name that appears on your ID. It may seem obvious but plan on arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before your flight to plan for the hecticness of any airport. Also, make sure your family eats a good meal before arriving at the airport to fend off the “I’m hungry” lines from the kids. Also bring a few light snacks with you too just in case. Select your seats immediately upon booking, esp is you have kids or special needs. Bring a car seat for your young baby or child. When on board the plane, blocking the aisle during boarding while you dig for gum, a book, or a snack can delay the entire plane. It is recommended that you pack small must-haves in a resealable gallon-size bag that you can toss onto the seat while you put away everything else. Stow your bag near your seat.
Know your airport’s code. It’s easy for luggage-destination tags to get mixed up at a curbside check-in. Learn the three-letter airport code for your destination and make sure your skycap labels the bag properly. Know the rule of “3-1-1” concerning liquids in carry-on luggage: containers of 3 oz. or less should be contained in a 1-quart clear zip-top plastic bag, with a single plastic bag per passenger. Pack liquids in carry-on baggage in an easily accessible location to make it easy to remove them for inspection. Be prepared to remove your laptop from its bag for screening if you have one too. When packing for air travel, less is more. Coordinate your travel wardrobe with mix-and-match pieces in neutral colors that can be dressed up or down. Be prepared to rinse out clothing or do a load of laundry during longer trips. Wear your heaviest shoes and overcoat onto the plane where possible. Place packed shoes in a plastic bag near the bottom of the bag that you plan to carry by hand or near the wheels of a rolling bag. Roll clothing rather than fold it to avoid packing creases. Do not overpack, which tends to smash clothing, or underpack, which allows clothing to shift inside the bag. Lastly, sit back and enjoy the plane travel on the way to your vacation with the family.
