There’s nothing that forms more vivid childhood memories than the time spent with parents and other siblings on a family vacation. That said, it’s important to note that traveling with a family is very different from traveling as a couple or solo. No matter how traveled you are, traveling with kids is a totally different experience. In this article, we have compiled the top 20 travel tips for a family vacation to help make things easier for you:
- Ask the locals for recommendations. The web and the guide books are great, but the very best recommendations usually come from the people who really reside there.
- Play it safe and make reservations ahead of time so as to avoid unnecessary frustrations.
- Protect yourself and your family by getting proper travel insurance; it is always best to have travel insurance, especially when traveling with young kids.
- Bring along a first aid kit of the medications you might need for you and your kids.
- Choose your destination wisely; should choose a destination which your entire family can enjoy.
- Research your destination and discuss the ideas for your travel with your family, including what to you’ll do during the free time. Make sure everyone has something exciting to look forward to on the family vacation. You should also make sure your family is familiar with all the family activities and attractions which are available in the area you will be visiting.
- Bring with you some treats or/and presents to reward your kids for good behavior during your family vacation. The treats or presents can also be used to keep your kids occupied in transit, especially during long lines and delays.
- Pack the bare minimum and consider buying other things when you arrive to your destination. When packing, roll the clothes and stuff your socks inside shoes. You can also consider wearing the heaviest clothes when traveling to lighten your load.
- Always be prepared when traveling with a baby. You should be well prepared with enough bottles, diapers, snacks, extra clothes, and such other things.
- Take advantage of any travel deals available. There are many hotels and resorts which offer discounts for spring break travel. You can research the resorts and hotels near the area you will be traveling, and compare the prices.
- Consider traveling on the less popular days. Since the airline costs are usually higher and the traffic is heaver on weekends, you can opt to travel mid-week if you possible.
- Keep your children on a routine. Try to keep the same habits and rituals as you do at home. For instance, when it comes to bedtime, you can put the children in their usual pajamas, sing them a song, or read them a book.
- Make sure your family has relaxation days during your vacation.
- Allow your kids to bring a few home comforts like their favorite stuffed toy, some reading books, or an iPod.
- Capture your memories by bringing with you a camera. You should also consider giving your kids a journal and a kid’s digital camera which they can use to capture the memories.
- Take a waterproof camera and get some photos underwater in the pool or in the ocean.
- Consider bringing your own food. Always bring your own snacks on the flights, buses and the road trips whenever practical. Long flights and road trips can leave your children feeling hungry and cranky, and having your own food can really come in handy.
- Bring some plastic bags in case your kid(s) gets sick. Gallon size plastic bags are the best and can serve numerous purposes.
- Plan for a slower pace than you otherwise would if you were alone. Do not over schedule and be realistic about what you can do and see with children in tow.
- Anything can happen during a family vacation,therefore, you need to stay positive, flexible and relaxed. Sometimes the best family vacation memories are made from decisions which are made spontaneously when some other plans fail.
