Vacations are a great way to bond with your family but they can also be incredibly stressful. It can be especially daunting if you’re planning on traveling with kids. From packing to organizing entertainment, a lot of work goes into planning the perfect family vacation. However, with some thoughtful planning and helpful tips, you can enjoy a stress-free vacation with your little ones in tow.
First Steps
I think one of the best ways to eliminate travel stress and enjoy your trip (and your KIDS) while on vacation is to not have to worry about money when you travel. I do this by saving, and even eliminating, the cost of flights with my Families Fly Free membership. In addition to NOT paying for my tickets, I sometimes also get my hotel stay covered AND the Families Fly Free membership helps me know what free and paid attractions might be best for my kids and how to save on those, as well. This resource has been INVALUABLE in stress-free travel planning!
Packing Tips
It’s easy to overpack when you have kids in tow. When it comes to clothing, pack just enough and then do laundry as needed during your stay. I suggest looking for laundry facilities at your locations ahead of time. Make sure you include plenty of snacks and activities—things like coloring books or small toys will keep them entertained while waiting at airports or during long car rides. I also recommend keeping a stash of “travel toys” that only come out on trips so they are new and exciting and, therefore, extra entertaining. If you’re flying and bringing a stroller or car seat, check the airline’s guidelines before booking your flight.
How to Keep Them Entertained
Kids get bored quickly—and keeping them busy on vacation is key for helping kids AND parents have fun. Plan educational and enjoyable activities for them—such as visiting local museums or attending interesting classes related to the area you are visiting. Kids of all ages are also great explorers; letting them lead the way can allow them to learn about their surroundings while giving them a break from constantly thinking about where to go next! In addition to the “travel toy” tip above, bring lots of books and audiobooks along—these will come in handy when traveling between destinations or if they need something quiet while Mom or Dad relaxes after a long day of sightseeing. Ensure you use ClearVPN for macOS or iOS so they can watch their favorite shows wherever you travel.
Safety First
When traveling with children, safety should be a top priority. Before leaving home, make sure everyone has identified contact information – such as an emergency phone number – just in case something happens while away from home base. In addition, have each child carry a copy of their passport (even if they don’t need one) and any other essential documents such as health insurance cards or travel insurance details. Make copies of these documents and store them somewhere safe, like a hotel safe deposit box — this will come in handy if anything gets lost or stolen during the trip! Additionally, research the area before heading off to know what safety hazards may exist in certain areas where children should not venture alone (such as deserted beaches).
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful—with careful preparation and smart planning, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience that creates lifelong memories for every family member. Packing light but smartly, organizing activities that appeal to adults and kids alike, and staying safe by knowing potential dangers ahead of time – all those steps will help make your family vacation unforgettable! Plus, don’t forget that taking photos throughout your journey will create lasting memories that everyone can remember long after the trip!