Family vacations and long commutes can be a great opportunity for bonding if you’re traveling with kids. You can create lasting memories in both exciting adventures and daily routines. While traveling and commuting can be fun, sometimes it can be a bit stressful too. There are many ways to minimize the stress of traveling with kids and have an easier experience for everyone. Technology and devices can help keep your kids entertained.
How to keep kids entertained on long trips
Many of us remember the times of playing games like I Spy, scavenger hunts, and 20 questions on road trips. While those games can be a lot of fun, today, travel games may mean having a device or two on hand. For those devices, you likely need connectivity as well. Mobile devices enable you to:
- Download and stream your kids’ favorite shows and movies
- Play their favorite apps and games
- Text or talk to friends and family members
- Study or learn about the places they’re going to visit
These may not be a surprise to parents and caregivers, but in the frenzy of packing or getting ready to get on the road, it’s easy to forget a device at home. Plan ahead to make sure you have all of your devices, power cords, cables, and batteries or power packs for their digital entertainment.
Another great benefit of having devices on hand to entertain your kids is that it also gives you a backup in case of emergencies. To power your devices, there are wireless phone plans to keep you connected to the internet.
Choosing the best family data plan and staying connected
You’ve remembered your kids’ devices; now you have to make sure their devices have connectivity. A wireless family phone plan is an ideal choice. The best plan to support multiple devices includes mobile security to protect your privacy and your data.
The types of additional connectivity you’ll need depend on where you’re going, how you’re getting there, and your destination. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to stay connected.
- In-car Wi-Fi. If your family has long commutes or likes to take road trips, see if your car is compatible with in-car Wi-Fi. Our solution enables each of your passengers to stream, browse, share, and more.
- Boosted wireless performance. Kids who love gaming may need enhanced wireless connectivity. Add improved real-time responsiveness, reliable video chat, and smoother gameplay with AT&T TurboSM to your existing wireless plan.
- Mobile hotspot or wireless broadband. Stay connected on the go by using the hotspot on your mobile device to connect other devices to the internet. You can also purchase a separate standalone mobile hotspot to connect your devices.
These options are perfect for commuting and traveling within the U.S. Do you have a plan for when you take your kids outside of the States?
International travel with kids
If you’re traveling outside of the U.S., there are several ways to make sure you have connectivity. You can get an eSim or a local SIM card for where you’re traveling. However, one of the easiest options is to use an international data plan.
If you’re an AT&T Wireless customer, you can add International Day Pass for $12 per day for a single line and $6 for each additional line used on the same calendar day. If your trip includes a cruise, you’ll pay $20 a day to cover you for land and sea.
[Read: What is AT&T International Day Pass?]
You can call within the country you’re in, as well as in any of the 210+ International Day Pass destinations and back to the U.S. Calls to destinations not included in International Day Pass will be billed at International Long Distance rates. Per-minute pay-per-use rates apply unless an International Long Distance package is added to the device placing the call. Visit att.com/internationalcalling to review rates and options.
Learn your connectivity options before you go. Once you have one of our great plans, make sure that you have the perfect gadgets and accessories. We have an array of family-friendly options for kids of all ages.
Must-have travel gadgets and accessories for families
Have you considered how tech plays into your family vacation? The right technology can make family travel more memorable, fun, and stress-free.
- Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver during long road trips or while navigating busy airports. They’re also important for keeping mobile device audio quiet for other travelers.
- amiGO Jr. Tab™ is a kid-friendly mobile tablet. It comes with a sturdy case and built-in parental controls to monitor activity, along with plenty of fun, educational activities for kids.
- amiGO Jr. Watch™ is designed specifically for children, allowing them to count their steps, video call, and switch between fun backgrounds. Safety is at the forefront with parental monitoring, location tracking, and the ability to approve contact lists.
- Portable power banks are a must to have on hand so your devices always have power. Just don’t forget to charge them up before you leave.
Side note: Want to stay hands-free while capturing moments with your kids? Ray-Ban Meta glasses enable you to snap photos, shoot videos, ask Meta AI questions, and even make calls hands-free while you stay in the moment. You can add these to your wireless plan as well. So, remember your tablets, wearables, and accessories.
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. With a bit of planning, the right devices, and connectivity in the places you go, you can create great memories. Browse our phones, devices, and wireless plans to learn more about your options.
