Car trips with kids often bring to mind tortuous memories of back seat fights, urgent potty stops and whines of “I’m hungry” and “are we there yet?”
The late, great humorist Erma Bombeck said the only way to travel with kids is tranquilized. I think she meant herself — not the kids!
Oh, but when it comes to grandkids — it’s altogether different. Traveling with grandkids is sort of like waking up Christmas morning to discover that you are a kid again and experiencing the joys of childhood all over.
Although I was a forerunner of traveling with grandkids within my circle of friends because I was an “early” grandma, I am not alone in the opinion that traveling with grandkids is a true delight. I have old friends and new friends who love traveling with their grandkids. Plus, stories appear all the time in AARP Magazine and other senior publications about the joys of traveling with grandkids.
It creates a special bond between the generations that holds you together always. It makes memories that can never be forgotten and photographs to fill volumes of scrapbooks.
Lake Highlands residents Bill and Becky Riggins love spending time with their grandkids.
“Traveling with our grandchildren enables us to experience things with a fresh outlook. Riding to the top of Pikes Peak and hearing all the ‘oohs and aahs’ from the backseat made it much more impressive. Hearing ‘hey Mum, look at that — wow!’ makes my heart warm! I love their young minds!” Becky Riggins said.
Vickery Place residents Candy and Richard Hearne also treasure time with the grandkids. Always on the go, Candy often takes trips with the kids. She believes that due to the advent of all the electronic devices — Kindle, iPad, cell phone games — traveling with grandchildren is in many ways much easier than traveling with our own children was.
“However, it's not as enjoyable due to the lack of interaction! It's a trade off... oh my!” Candy said.
Candy also reminds us that when a road trip will not fit the schedule, enjoy a “staycation.” Dallas is full of adventures and great learning experiences that the generations can enjoy together.
Grandparents frequently turn to travel to share a particular interest with their grandchildren. For instance, history buffs may choose a trip that brings the past to life.
I once took my grandson on Route 66 and we stayed only in hotels that were listed on the National Historical Registry like the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Ariz.
Those interested in family heritage may choose to show their homeland to the grandkids.
Outdoors lovers may go camping, white water rafting or visit National Parks. I am hardly an outdoorsman, but I did take fly fishing lessons at the Landry Center and rented a rustic cabin on the Rio Ruidosa in New Mexico so my grandson and I could fly fish.
Seniors often have time to take leisurely road trips to “off the beaten path” destinations— a luxury not always afforded to busy parents.
The trips do not have to be expensive or of long distance. I found that limiting travel in the car to no more than three hours a day worked out well when my grandchildren were very young.
There are many nearby places of interest that can be a great adventure and a great learning experience.
Although I had the pleasure of taking my granddaughter to her first Broadway play in New York, she also saw her first opera with me at a children’s playhouse during a road trip to Eureka Springs, Ark.
The former travel agent in me says, Plan ahead."
Do your homework by visiting websites and making phone calls. Ask friends who have traveled to a particular destination what they might share to make your trip more fun.
At parks like Sea World in San Antonio, always check out the “behind the scenes” programs. My grandkids and I enjoyed a one-on-one encounter with the penguins, but I booked it in advance.
At Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, besides exploring the cave and watching the phenomenal bat flight, kids can earn a junior ranger certificate.
I signed up for that in advance, too.
With the help of the Internet, it is easier now to plan a trip than it ever was before. You can Google what you are looking for, check ticket prices, and even view the menu at many popular restaurants.
School is nearly out; summer is on its way. Start planning now and make your own special memories with your grandkids.