Summer is vacation season in New England and offers families a chance to step away from their daily routines and spend time together in new and exciting places. Family vacations are often the highlight of the season, creating lifelong memories and bringing families together in new and exciting places. Whether traveling by plane, car, or train, the trip itself can be just as memorable as the destination. With a little planning, parents can help make travel days less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone.
Vacations are often one of the highlights of the summer, giving families the chance to explore destinations like Cape Cod, Portland, Maine, or Newport, Rhode Island. But before the fun begins, the journey itself can present challenges for children.
"Travel can be exciting, but it is also a lot for children to take in," said Marcy Shyllon, Director of Boys Town New England. "Changes in routine, long waits, new places, and stressed adults can all affect how kids respond. When parents prepare ahead of time and stay calm, children are more likely to feel supported."
Why Travel Can Feel Overwhelming
Children rely on routine to help them feel comfortable and secure. Traveling often means early mornings, long periods of waiting, unfamiliar environments, and schedules that look very different from everyday life.
Even exciting trips can leave children feeling tired, overstimulated, or frustrated. Taking time to prepare them for what they'll experience can make those transitions easier and help reduce anxiety before it starts.
Pack With Comfort in Mind
Packing for children involves more than making sure they have enough clothes. Bringing familiar items can help provide a sense of comfort throughout the trip.
Parents may want to include:
- Favorite snacks and water
- Comfortable clothing
- A jacket or sweatshirt for cool airplanes or restaurants
- Headphones to reduce noise
- Books, coloring supplies, or other familiar activities
- A favorite stuffed animal, blanket, or small toy
Small comforts can go a long way during long travel days.
Five Ways to Reduce Travel Stress This Summer
1. Prepare Children for the Day
Talk through the travel plan before leaving
home. Let children know what to expect at the airport, during a road trip, or
when arriving at a hotel. Knowing what's ahead can help them feel more
prepared.
2. Pack for Long Travel Days
Snacks, drinks, activities, and comfort items
can help children stay occupied and comfortable during delays or long stretches
of travel.
3. Leave Extra Time
Building extra time into your schedule helps
reduce stress when traffic, security lines, or delays don't go as planned.
4. Recognize Positive Behavior
When children wait patiently, follow
directions, or adjust to changes, acknowledge their efforts. Positive
reinforcement encourages those behaviors throughout the trip.
5. Stay Calm When Plans Change
Unexpected situations are part of travel.
Remaining patient during delays or schedule changes helps children learn how to
respond when things don't go as expected.
A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way
No family vacation goes exactly as planned. Delays happen, routines change, and unexpected situations are part of traveling.
Preparing children ahead of time, packing thoughtfully, and allowing extra flexibility can help families spend less time managing stress and more time enjoying their vacation together.