Traveling with kids can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. With some planning, you can enjoy family trips full of adventures and memories.
Before your trip, make hotel and transportation reservations to ensure a smooth experience. Even just booking your flight can help alleviate some of the stress.
Choose a Destination That’s Family-Friendly
When traveling with kids, you want to ensure your chosen destination is family-friendly. Whether planning a road trip or a cruise, you must provide safe and fun for your children’s travel experience.
While the specific strategies you can use to help your children have a great time on the road will vary by age, some tips are universal:
Start by choosing a destination and avail of Viator coupons that will give your family the most options for things to do while you’re there. Check out goals close to amusement parks, children’s museums, water parks, or beaches.
You also want to find hotels that offer kid-friendly amenities, like family suites and kids’ programs. Some hotels even have a pool or area that caters specifically to kids.
For example, the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale offers a “Kids in the Kitchen” program that your kids will love. And Smugglers Notch in Vermont has a massive inflatable pool that is a favorite among families.
Don’t Overdo It
While you may have the time of your life traveling with kids, doing just what is necessary is essential. Their energy levels fluctuate, so make sure you’re planning a balanced schedule with some downtime in between activities.
If you’re taking a long journey, make frequent stops to avoid motion sickness, which can cause nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. You can prevent it with simple tips, such as using a headrest or looking outside the vehicle rather than inside, which helps reduce movement.
One of the best things you can do to make your trip more memorable for your kids is to get them involved in the planning and preparation. Whether watching travel and food shows, reading a book, or trying out new cuisine, getting your children excited about the trip ahead will help them feel more prepared for the big event.
Another great way to entertain your kids on vacation is by giving them suitable toys. Interactive and educational toys will pique their interest and make your trip more enjoyable.
Don’t Overpack
Avoiding overpacking is essential whether traveling alone or in a group with your kids. You want to be able to handle all of the necessary items to deal with once you’re on the road, and this will only add stress to your trip.
Packing lightly can be difficult when traveling with a baby or toddler, but it’s worthwhile in the long run. You’ll have fewer things to worry about and be more focused on your experiences together.
When your kids are young, it’s essential to make them vested in the packing process so they understand what goes where and how much they’ll have to carry on the trip. This will help them be more responsible and able to handle situations that could go wrong.
Traveling with babies or toddlers can also be challenging, so you must be flexible and open to changes in your itinerary as needed. This will keep everyone happy and minimize stress. You might have to cut something out or add downtime during your travels.
Be Flexible
If you’ve ever traveled with young kids, you know that flexibility is essential to travel. It might mean adjusting your plans after your youngest child whines and won’t take a walk, or it might involve letting a toddler stay up until the wee hours of the morning and then making sure you’re all well-rested before your flight home.
If your itinerary includes many significant events and attractions, remember that younger children are more likely to get grumpy or tired as the day progresses. Instead, consider taking a few more minor activities or family-friendly tours to keep your little ones occupied and happy throughout the day.
A great way to keep your toddlers engaged is by using a tour guide. The correct principles can turn a routine visit into a family experience that will make you and your kids fall in love with a city or destination. Plus, they can help you plan the best tours and experiences, significantly impacting your kids’ experience.
Make It Fun
Traveling with kids can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be. Many family-friendly tours are ideal for traveling with children.
Make traveling fun for your kids by making it a memorable experience. Use make-believe, imaginative play, and storytelling to create an experience they will remember.
Whether you’re exploring a new city by bus or train or taking a multigenerational cruise, try to make your trip different from what they’re used to. For example, if you visit the Sistine Chapel in Rome after hours, your kids can learn to make chocolate instead of just viewing the masterpieces from afar.
You can also incorporate outdoor activities into your trip. Go hiking, kayaking down a river, or running around a city park to keep the kids busy and active.
A great way to make traveling with kids more fun is to bring a toy pack or a travel bag with various toys and activities that your kids will enjoy. This can help them stay busy and entertained on the road and keep them from becoming bored or restless on long car rides.
