I have written many times about how important preparation is for toddlers, preschoolers, and actually any child who is traveling. Talking about the airport, airplanes, airport security, etc. BEFORE the day of travel is essential.
Take the kids to the airport ahead of time on a dry run if geographically possible. This allows them to experience the sights, sounds, and overall feel of an airport before the actual travel day. In my seminars, I compare this preparation to going to a job interview. If you know where to go and what the environment is like beforehand, it is less stressful. Same applies to kids – in fact, it helps them to not only be more prepared, but allows them to experience the fascinating world of airports without the “day of travel stress”.
For those who don’t live close to an airport, I recommend eliminating a lot of travel day stress and driving to the airport location a day early. Starting vacation the night before the actual trip can do wonders for the family stress level. Instead of a mad morning rush and worrying about traffic and parking the car, or relying on someone else to drive you to the airport, look into staying at one of the many Park and Stay Hotels.
Keeping stress levels low at the beginning of your trip and introducing your child to the unfamiliar surroundings of the airport ahead of time will help to start your trip off right. Enjoy the airport with your family…don’t dread it!
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