How Stressful Can It Be to Travel With Kids?

By Plane

• When you're traveling via plane, most of your extra stress will come from the way your children are affecting others. Slowing down the security line, significantly increasing the noise level on the plane or adding to the challenges of making it through customs can all raise your blood pressure as you try to be considerate of others' time. Being on a plane can also pose problems because you're stuck in an enclosed area and can't take a break when your little one is bored. What's more, regulations concerning what you can and can't take on a plane, using car seats, traveling internationally and getting on and off the plane with kids in tow can all make flying stressful.

By Car

• If you're more of a road trip kind of family, you have a different type of stress to worry about. Sure, you can stop the car and let your kids stretch their legs when they're bored, but driving also takes substantially longer than flying, which can increase boredom -- and tantrums. Trying to navigate through a new area can also increase your stress level, especially if you're trying to concentrate amid a chorus of "Are we there yet?"

Prepping Yourself

• When traveling with kids, the more you can do beforehand, the lower your stress level will be. Packing carry-ons with the right items and arranging travel documents for easy access can help you breeze through security. Packing small toys, games and coloring supplies can help cure boredom while traveling and electronic entertainment like video games, portable DVD players or tablets can give you a moment's peace and help keep your kids occupied in the air or while driving.

  It's also a good idea to plan around mealtimes and naps, if possible. A hungry, tired child is a cranky child, so packing extra snacks or traveling when your little ones are rested can help you prep for less-stressed travel.

Reducing Stress

• If flying, call the airline ahead of time to ask about policies for traveling with children. Don't be afraid to take advantage of various services, like a family security line or family boarding can help lower stress levels. When driving, planning time for frequent stops can help relieve a tight schedule and keep all of your passengers happy. Above all, it's important to remember that traveling with kids will present extra stress and likely a few snags. On the bright side, you'll soon be at your destination and if nothing else, you'll have some good stories to tell about your "Traveling with Kids" adventure.