Make Travel with Kids Fun, Easy This July 4th Weekend

WILTON, Conn., June 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- If you and your family are among the 39 million Americans expected to travel more than 50 miles from home this 4th of July holiday weekend, your biggest challenge will be to make the trip fun for the youngsters and less stressful for you.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110629/NY27832 )

The three-day weekend kicks off the busy summer travel season, and summer vacations are an annual rite of passage for many families. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), 39 million of us will travel an average of 573 miles by car, plane, train or boat before heading back to work next Tuesday.

"When taking your young children to that special place for an experience you've always wanted to share with them or somewhere they've been bugging you to go, a few minutes of thought and preparation can keep your dream vacation from turning into a meltdown," says family travel expert Kim Orlando, founder of TravelingMom.com, an online magazine for moms who travel.

She recommends these top tips to help ease stress for on-the-go parents and kids alike this weekend:

• Be a parent first and a traveler second. A hug, smile and TLC go a long way.
• Plan your journey. Map out your routes ahead of time and take them with you.
• Take favorite toys. Expand playtime and make rest stops frequent and fun.
• Eat healthy. Pack nutritious snacks and an extra bottle of water. Avoid sugary snacks & drinks.
• Take the essentials. You'll need lots of tissues, wet wipes and a bag for trash.
• Take familiar objects. Pack a pillow, doll, blankie, stuffed animal and/or a special photo.

And when it comes to packing a child's clothing and all that other essential gear needed for the journey and the destination, parents and kids alike can get a little extra help this summer from a cool new suitcase that's also a ride-on and pull-along toy.

The carry-on-sized suitcase called Trunki was designed especially for kids ages 3 to 6.  It's made in the USA by Melissa & Doug, a Wilton, CT-based designer of innovative toys and children's products.  

“Trunki helps make travel fun because it entertains the child on the trip,” said Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of Melissa & Doug. “Whether it’s for a weekend at Grandma’s, a trip across town or a journey around the world, Trunki is designed to make family travel easier and less stressful.”

Lightweight and sturdy and available at specialty retailers for a suggested list price of $39.99, Trunki can serve as luggage, riding toy and travel companion. It sports a pull-along strap, carry handles, secure catches and integrated wheels. It also works as a kid-friendly storage bin at the destination, and back home after vacation.

About Melissa & Doug, LLC

Started more than 23 years ago, Melissa & Doug is a designer of innovative children's toys and products.  The company's philosophy has remained the same over the years: to offer products with tremendous value, quality and design, and to make each and every customer a happy and permanent member of the Melissa & Doug family. With more than 1,000 timeless creations for children of all ages, Melissa & Doug offers something for everyone.  Melissa & Doug, LLC is based in Wilton, CT.  Visit us online at MelissaAndDoug.com.

For more information:  
Maxine Kozler phone: 203-762-4500 email [email protected] or
Juliette Harris 818-321-2317 email [email protected]

SOURCE Melissa & Doug, LLC