Summer Travel Tips

PJ Library is sending a bonus with the July PJ Library book--summer Travel Tags! Inspired by a traditional Jewish prayer (The Traveller’s Prayer), family members can express their own wishes for the family trip and attach them to a backpack, a suitcase – or even a bicycle or tricycle handle, if your trip is around the neighbourhood.

We look forward to seeing your family's completed travel wishes. Share photos of your Travel Tags on Facebook

Close up of PJ Library Summer Travel Tag

After you fill out your Travel Tags, what's next? Here are videos, websites, books, and songs to help you enjoy your summer travels and learn more about travel-related Jewish traditions.

WATCH

Learn the Traveller's Prayer as well as information about the hamsa, the symbol on your PJ Library Travel Tag.

The Traveller's Prayer

For centuries Jews have recited the Traveller’s Prayer to express their hopes as they embark on a trip. Enjoy this rendition of the Traveller’s Prayer as composed and performed by Israeli musician Shai Tsabari, accompanied by baglama (a Turkish string instrument) and percussion.

Click here to listen to Ashkenazi and Sephardic readings of the Traveller’s Prayer on MyJewishLearning.com.

Learn the Traveller's Prayer and other blessings for every day parenting situations here.

The Hamsa

Your PJ Library Travel Tag features a traditional hamsa--a Middle Eastern hand-shaped symbol. What’s the deal with the hamsa? Watch this 50-second video.

You can also make your own hamsa or view beautiful hamsas online at the Israel Museum.

PLAN

Taking a trip this summer? Here are helpful tips for travelling as a family:

Bring Distractions

Don't have time to make an activity box like the one above? Grab a few small games from the pound shop, window clings for travelling on a plane or train, and pipe cleaners--yes, pipe cleaners--to make toys, shapes, and mini construction zones. If you do screen time, a few videos and stories to kill time. You can also play on the spot waiting games like these:

If you're feeling a little overwhelmed planning summer travel, be sure to check out kveller.com's Schlepping the Kids Somewhere? Best Tips for Travelling with Kids.

Stand Out

Decorating a PJ Library Summer Travel Tag

Many backpacks and suitcases look alike so be sure to make your bags stand out. In addition to using your special PJ Library Travel Tag, you can also attach brightly colored ribbons to the handles of your bags or let the kids "monogram" their luggage with puffy paint and iron-on patches. Whether you plan to check your bags or not, make sure that your own luggage is easy to spot.

Call Ahead

Boy on plane

Travelling by train or plane? There may be special accomodations or restrictions on car seats or lap sitting. After booking your tickets, give the company's service line a call to find out whether there's anything you need to keep in mind, especially concerning pushchairs or car seats.

Bring Snacks

Little boy eating snacks

Make each kid their own snack station with reusable lunch bags. Granola bars, veggie sticks, and dried fruit are all healthy options that travel well. You can also try out this popular Israeli favourite.

10 Tips For Surviving Road Trips With Kids via kveller.com
Travelling With Kids? Here's the One Item You Need to Bring
The Best Parenting Advice I’ve Ever Received? “Always Take The Trip” via Scary Mommy
Travelling With Children: How to Set the Pace via The New York Times

Staying close to home this summer? Go on an epic Imagination Vacation!