Travel tips for beating motion sickness

58% of children are affected by motion sickness because children have an increased sensitivity to the brain?s response to motion.

Safety, consideration, and preparation are important in any vacation, but even more so with children. ?The bottom line for traveling with children is to be as considerate of the child as you want them to be considerate of you,? said Windy VanCuren, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. ?Only when everyone compromises will it be a real holiday vacation for everyone.?

TIPS FOR TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN:

• Educate children about where the family is going and what they will be doing when they get there. Encourage them to ask questions, and give them a sense of responsibility by letting them pack a small suitcase or bag with their favorite games.
• Be sure everyone in the car is buckled up at all times.
• Don?t travel too long in one stretch. Children need frequent stops.
• Give children space in the car. Because children have short attention spans, don?t try to restrict them over a long period of time. Plan routes around things they?ll like and be willing to see.
• Make plane rides more comfortable for children and infants by giving them something to suck or chew on. It will help relieve discomfort caused by changes in air pressure.
• Dress appropriately and comfortably, especially with good walking shoes. Be prepared for weather changes with sweaters or rain jackets.
• Carry plenty of snacks and drinks - especially those that are nutritious and familiar - and a variety of toys.
• Play games to keep children busy. Name state capitals, flowers or mottoes from license plates, or hold a spelling bee.

MOTION SICKNESS:

• Make frequent stops for children when they feel queasy.
• Give children a light snack prior to traveling, as hunger and fatigue only aggravate motion sickness.
• Have children focus on things outside of the vehicle.
• Limit motion within the car.
• Distract children from the motion by talking, singing, or listening to the radio.
• Keep the vehicle well-ventilated. Fresh air will help.

AAA Mid-Atlantic serves nearly 835,000 members in the Commonwealth of Virginia and a total of 3.6 million members in Washington, DC; Maryland; Virginia; Delaware; Pennsylvania; and New Jersey combined. It provides a wide range of automotive, personal insurance, travel, and financial services through its 50-plus retail branches, regional operations centers, and the Internet. For more information on AAA Mid-Atlantic, please visit our web site at www.aaamidatlantic.com.