Traveling with Children - Little People on a Big Journey

But in order not to be dependent on public transport in Tyrol or South Tyrol and not to have to carry luggage, many travelers rely on the car.

We have a few tips on how to handle the next vacation trip with children in the car well.

Right away: The times when children could be registered in their parents' passports are over. Today, every child needs their own passport. And that's from 0 years old. However, the little ones don't have to get their fingers dirty - no fingerprints are taken for children's passports.

Children have a strong urge to move. That's why you should plan several sufficiently long breaks so that the kids can get some fresh air, go to the bathroom, and get some exercise. Automobile clubs recommend taking a break about every two hours. This is beneficial because many highway rest areas have a playground where the little ones can let off steam until they get tired.

If possible, you should avoid traveling at peak times or on popular travel days. This not only saves your nerves but also allows for a faster journey, which will also be good for your child.

It's also not a bad idea to plan the trip so that individual stages have interesting intermediate destinations - such as a zoo or an amusement park for children, a bathing lake for splashing fun, or a beautiful picnic area in the countryside.

Regarding child seats: Children under 1.50 meters must sit in a child seat. Those who exceed this height mark may feel a new freedom of sitting, but must use the normal seat belt. The driver is responsible for ensuring that the accompanying children are properly secured.

When buying, pay attention to the safety certificate and check before the trip whether the child seat is correctly installed. When fastening your child, there should be a maximum of one finger's width between the seat belt and the upper body.
In extreme outside heat, you should cover the child seat with a blanket so that it does not heat up unnecessarily before your child sits in it.

Also, remember to equip the rear windows with sunshades in the summer and that you should never leave children alone in the car when the sun is beating down. Even in a shaded parking lot under a tree, it cannot be assumed that the rays will not reach the car and heat it up like an oven due to the movement of the sun.

If boredom sets in during the journey, reading books is not always possible for every child. Signs of motion sickness quickly become apparent when the child becomes unnaturally pale. Always have a sick bag ready in case nausea strikes.

As an alternative to a book, audiobooks have become increasingly popular lately. This way, your child is distracted without having to concentrate on reading, which may lead to nausea.
Or you can go the classic route and keep the little ones busy with simple games that we still remember from our own childhood: counting cars by colors, license plates, or brands, counting cows, or the well-known "I spy with my little eye" game. Singing songs together can also push boredom away for a while.

If you want to travel with a baby, there is also an additional adjustment phase. Take it slow and only drive short distances at first. You can gradually increase the distance if you see that your child has no problems with it.

For babies, there are also special car seats that must be mounted against the direction of travel. In the event of a collision, the weight falls into the seat belt, which holds the seat, and not into the fragile body of the little person. However, always make sure that if the seat is installed on the passenger seat, the passenger airbag must be deactivated.

Always remember to take enough baby food with you, as the food on site is not always perfectly child-friendly. A favorite stuffed animal makes it easier to say goodbye to the familiar home, and if the child's own toilet seat is in the luggage, the child may find it easier to accept the unfamiliar toilet in the hotel or vacation rental.

While we're on the subject of luggage - always pack strollers, food and drinks, spare clothes, and changing supplies into the car last. In case of an emergency, these will be easier and quicker to access.

And last but not least: Not scientifically proven but often mentioned is the theory that engine noises calm children. Maybe you'll be lucky and your child won't wake up again until the engine stops at the hotel parking lot.