August is among the most popular times to head out on a vacation for those who can clinch some time off from work or other responsibilities. Whether you’re planning a relaxing week by the ocean or an adrenaline rush on the side of a mountain, Bébé Voyage is here to help you plan your end of summer family trip!

Be Prepared

Planning can be the most challenging part of a family trip. That being said, it may just be the most important. Having a solid game plan with detailed notes on where to stay, which restaurants to try and how to spend your time will make the actual vacation less stressful. This is especially true when traveling with kids! Here are a few things to consider when mapping out your itinerary:

• Which restaurants are family-friendly? This includes checking opening times for early eaters. Be sure to ask for kid menus or locate a grocery store where you can buy food for an easy meal.
• Where are the best rest stops? Remember: babies and small children need frequent breaks from sitting in a car seat.
• How much time are you willing to spend in the car? This will narrow down or expand your list of activities!
• Are there hotels that offer babysitting services or welcome children more than others?
• What is your child’s attention span and nap schedule? This will dictate part of your itinerary.
• Can you get discounts on tickets or passes if you purchase ahead of time or in a bundle?

Be sure to check out the Bébé Voyage city guides if you are headed to Chicago or California. They feature the best places to stay, eat, and play for families!

Be Safe

Traveling parents should also address the potential safety concerns that go with driving, flying, and just plain living in the pandemic era. We discussed how to safely travel during these unprecedented times on our blog earlier this summer. Our checklist of travel items includes:

• Hand soap sheets.
• Pediatrician contact information.
• SensorSafe by Cybex, a state-of-the-art car seat monitoring system fastened to the harness that alerts caregivers via smartphone notifications when their child is unbuckled, overheating, immobile for too long, or left alone.
• GPS Apps.

Additionally, you should always have:

• Up-to-date car insurance and a well-maintained car.
• Identification cards or passports.
• An emergency kit with water, blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, and tools to change a tire.
• First aid kit.
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hats.
• Raincoats, umbrellas.
• A properly installed car seat. Bébé Voyage recommends any of the seven models offered by Cybex. This brand puts its products through rigorous safety tests and subscribes to the highest safety standards to ensure that your child is secure during car rides. Numerous design and safety awards from a range of third-party assessors prove just how dependable these car seats are.

Be Aware

Here are a few final reminders to bear in mind as you plan that much-awaited family summer trip. Hopefully, these tips will help you fully enjoy the adventure ahead!

• Start off well-rested and never get behind the wheel if you’re tired.
• Do not let babies and young children eat or drink in the car; there is a significant risk of choking.
• Stop frequently to give everyone a chance to stretch and reset as keeping infants in a car seat for long periods of time can be damaging to their health.
• Cooldown your car before placing the car seat and baby inside.
• Use a sunblind instead of covering your child with a blanket; the latter can cause overheating.
• Never leave children alone in the car.

Safe travels and have fun, everyone!