Family travel tips: Traveling with kids can be a bit of a logistical nightmare. But if you plan carefully and prepare for the unexpected, family vacations can be a great bonding experience.
A good way to start is by making lists. This helps you stay organized and ensures that all the essentials are packed.
1. Plan ahead
Travelling with a large family can seem like a major undertaking. But getting away with your loved ones, even if it’s for a few days or a week, is a great way to bond and create some fantastic memories.
Plan for a smooth getaway. Start by asking each member of the family what they want to do and see on the trip. This will help everyone stay excited about the trip and ensure that it’s a good fit for everyone.
Next, make lists for yourself and the kids to pack their bags, and any other items that are necessary for the trip, such as chargers and clothing. You can also start putting together an itinerary and making reservations for restaurants and attractions. Having everything ready to go is an excellent stress-reducing measure. Plus, it’ll ensure that you don’t forget anything important!
2. Don’t cram in too much
Trying to do too much is the quickest way to burn out your whole family. Kids especially get bored easily so you want to ensure that there’s variation in their day-to-day activities. For example, long road trips can be a nightmare if you pack too much stuff so plan ahead and only bring what’s essential. If you’re planning to visit a theme park and know that someone in your family doesn’t like to stand around in lines, then make sure to get there early! You’ll thank yourself for it. Also, remember that not everything will go according to plan; it’s part of the fun! You’ll have some incredible memories regardless.
Plus, those moments when things don’t quite go according to plan are the ones that make the best stories later!
3. Make it a family affair
The more a family vacation involves the entire group, the more fun everyone will have. Get the kids involved in researching activities at your destination and encourage them to behave like real tourists and not just spend all their time on their phones or watching TV.
With travel’s big rebound, many extended clans are packing their bags for long-delayed multigenerational trips. But unless you know how to handle family travel dramas, your trip may end up being more stressful than fun.
With the kids out of school, everyone is more relaxed and ready to enjoy themselves. They don’t have to worry about running around after work or doing homework and can spend a lot of time bonding as a family. Nothing forms more vivid childhood memories than the experiences that parents and siblings share together on a getaway. That’s why it’s important to plan the right vacation for each age group.
4. Get out of the school holidays
It’s always better to prepare for the worst and hope for the best when it comes to family vacations, especially when kids are involved. That means packing a small first aid kit with age-appropriate medication, electrolyte packets, syringes, a thermometer, and bandages.
Another tip is to err on the side of caution when it comes to screen time, especially during long flights and car rides. Encourage the whole family to put down their phones and tablets and focus on each other, or give kids a Family Travel Tips journal to write in during downtime.
Renting (very clean!) car seats and strollers is also a great idea to save on space and hassle, plus you can always check out local kid’s museums or botanical gardens to keep everyone occupied. Or, if you have a membership to a local museum at home, see if they have reciprocal benefits at your destination, which can save a lot of money on admission fees!
5. Go slightly off-season
Traveling with the family is all about creating life memories, and what better way to do that than to take a trip out of the ordinary? However, it’s important to think of every family member and their preferences when making your decisions, as this will make the whole experience a lot more enjoyable for everyone involved.
Taking your kids away on holiday is an excellent way to keep them interested in their surroundings, and it’s also a great opportunity for them to learn about the world outside of their own home. But it’s not always possible to jet off to your dream destination for each school holiday break, so you might need a few budget family travel tips. One way to save money is by travelling slightly off-season, when accommodation prices can be lower and the weather might not be as perfect. This could be a good option for those looking to find a cheap European getaway.
6. Get the kids involved in the planning
When kids are involved in the planning, they can get excited about the trip. It can be difficult to please everyone on a family vacation but when they are engaged, they’re less likely to become agitated and cranky.
Give each child a notebook to help shape the vacation (or use one notebook as a family). Encourage them to price out what accommodations they’d like to stay in and show how that fits into their overall budget. This is a great way to teach them about the importance of saving and prioritizing.
They can also help choose what attractions to visit based on their interests and what the destination has to offer. Whether it’s something as simple as trying local food or doing something unique to the location, such as a museum or theme park, incorporating their interest will help them look forward to what’s next. Additionally, it will stop them from feeling hurried or turned off by things that don’t interest them.
7. Don’t forget the passports for Family Travel Tips
It may seem obvious, but when it comes to family travel tips, this is a very important one. If you have kids, make sure they each have their passports and check if they’re valid before heading off.
It is also a good idea to pack an extra passport just in case you lose one on the way to your destination. Make sure the kids have their birth certificates, too, and bring a few copies of important documents like driving licenses.
Another useful tip is to take advantage of grocery delivery services at your destination – these will save you time and effort, especially if you’re travelling with kids. This will prevent the dreaded ‘hangry’ situation that can occur while travelling and will allow you to focus on having an incredible vacation. If you follow these handy family travel tips, there’s no reason why your next getaway can’t be fabulous! Enjoy the adventure!
8. Don’t leave too early or too late
While this may not always be possible (especially if you have young kids), try to give yourself some time off before your trip begins. This allows you to relax, prepare lists, and make sure you have everything you need. You’ll find that it makes the experience much more enjoyable.
Likewise, don’t book too many excursions or other activities in advance. It’s important to get everyone’s input on what they want to do during the trip. Which can help you avoid spending money on things that no one will enjoy.
As multigenerational family travel tips roar back in full force, many extended clans are packed into cars or planes together. If you’re not careful, this can lead to a lot of frustration. Avoid this by planning activities that will keep everyone happy and engaged, such as road trips with games or a stop at an aquarium. Small toys or snacks that they like can keep even the youngest children occupied.
9. Make it a quiet time for Family Travel Tips
If you’re feeling tense about family travel during this pandemic. Remember that vacations are a time to enjoy each other and bond with the people you love. So, don’t let things like your sister’s invasive questions or your brother’s sleepwalking tendencies get in the way of a carefree getaway.
If possible, try to prioritise what you want to see. If a museum has a long line or is likely to be overstimulating for your child. Go to it first so that you can leave before they reach their limit.
Also, consider bringing some small surprises for your kids (sticker books or word puzzles will delight them and keep them occupied). This will help to relieve stress when they are tired and cranky during the trip. And finally, make sure to pack a few personal items that will remind them of home. This will help to create a sense of comfort and ease the transition back to regular life at home.
