Although cheap travel, whether cheap airplane tickets, discount hotel rooms, or cheap vacation packages are known to keep parents happy, kids tend to be more content while traveling when they are busy.
The following are items that Travel & Leisure recommends to keep young children occupied while traveling:
Travel Kiddy Kids Travel Journal sold by Travelkiddy for $10 is great for ages 5 and over. Kids can create their own unique souvenirs of their trips. Older children can personally keep track of their travel via this customizable journal. Pages are included for maps, favorite places, daily activities, and special events.
Me vs. You: Head-to-Head Brain Races sold by Klutz for $10.99 appeals to age 8 and over. This comes with two connected activity pads that enable two kids to race each other in completing challenges. Included are word search games, jumbles, scavenger hunts, puzzles, and speed mazes.
Colorforms 60th Anniversary Edition is sold by Colorforms for $39.99 and is positioned for kids age 3 and over. Included is a spiral book with 350 brightly colored Colorforms pieces. The pieces attach to any glossy surface and come in many different shapes and figures.
One Step Ahead Kids Travel Easel and Art Desk is sold by Onestepahead for $39.95 and is for ages 2 and over. This portable pop up art desk forms a two sided easel with whiteboard and chalkboard surfaces. The carry case can hold art supplies and doubles as a durable travel desk.
Melissa and Dougs Trunki is sold by Fatbraintoys for $34.95 and is ideal for ages 2 to 5. Colorful Trunki suitcases come with wheels and kids can ride them if so inclined. They make great carry-on bags and can store up to 75 lbs of games, snacks, stuffed animals and whatever else might occupy your children.
Contigo AUTOSEAL Kids Trekker Cup is sold by GoContigo for $6.99 and appeals to ages 3 to 12. This cups unique shape makes it spill resistant and easy for kids to hold.
Kidz Gear Volume Limit Headphones is sold by Apple for $29.95 and is for ages 2 and over. These headphones are designed specifically for kids with a special volume control so kids never accidentally turn the volume up too high. Included are a remote and a mic.
Wean Green Lunch Cubes are sold by WeanGreen for $17.99 and designed for ages 4 and older. The colorful tempered glass food container comes with a snap lid to keep food in place vs. all over the back seat of a car. www.cheapfares.com