Ever
tire of hearing, "How much
longer?", "I'm bored!" and "I'm hungry!"? Family travel
can be
easy, convenient, and fun—and that means fun for both you and the
kids. Following are guidelines to help your next family trip
be exciting and memorable
A successful family vacation is
all about what you do once you arrive. And with a little advance planning,
you can arrange a variety of activities that will please all members of the
family—from high-energy little ones to restless teens
2.
Convenience is Key
Upfront planning is key to a more enjoyable
family trip to reduce unwanted surprises and hassles. Staying in lodging?
Consider sharing a
multi-room suite or connecting rooms; get bunk beds and fun, character-themed
rooms for the little ones. Going the outdoor route? Any age can
enjoy the fruits of outdoor pursuits with minimal hassle and expense that
include swimming, canoeing, and fishing. .
3.
Stay Closer
to Home
Stay closer to home and visit national
or state parks, where the
setting’s natural splendor can be explored on family friendly
adventures such as rafting, horseback riding, tours of ancient
ruins, Jeep excursions, and bike rides. Explore your
options—and expand the whole family's horizons.
4.
Go
All-Inclusive
Parents without a lot of vacation prep time can turn to the
all-inclusive resort, where lodging, meals, entertainment, and
activities are all included in the price. Just think: no daily
packing or shifting of venues—just a gorgeous destination with
multi-sports gear at your disposal, a variety of restaurants,
and even a kids’ club for making new friends. But be
forewarned: “How much longer?” will most assuredly be replaced
by “Do we have to leave?”
5. Book through a Family
Adventure Vacation Provider
Escorted tours take parents and kids around the globe and the
companies promise a quality vacation with no time wasted on
hassles or anything mediocre. Someone has already done the
groundwork, identified the best experiences,
and booked you in, so all your time is spent on enjoyment.
Most companies offer a discount for kids, typically 10% to 20%, but check
for deeper discounts especially during off season.
-
Band-Aids
-
Antiseptic hand gel
-
Small tissue packs
-
Sun screen
-
Dr.'s phone numbers
-
Tylenol - children's &
adults
-
Small plug in nightlight - to
help find the bathroom in the middle of the night
-
Crayons
-
Mechanical pencils
-
Highlighter - good for word search games
-
Paper
-
Deck of cards
-
Zip lock bags (collecting shells, storing food, wet clothes)
7. Other helpful items for a road trip
-
Frisbee -
great for some quick exercise when making a stop
-
plastic boxes
- one for each child, to hold their supplies - the lid makes
a great desk or place to hold food.
-
clean water
- several bottles of water work best for drinking, a quick
wash up, cleaning a scrape and so on.
-
lightweight
blanket - small child's blanket for cuddling with
at nap time.
-
paper towels
- for quick clean ups.
-
snacks -
saltines, goldfish crackers - any kind of lightly salted dry
cracker.
-
compass -
fun for the kids if they want to help navigate.
-
trash bags
- for storing laundry, wet items or just for trash.
TRAVEL FOOD
-
dry crackers - small snack
pack size
-
individual size water
bottles (a permanent marker will help to keep these
separate)
-
individual cereal boxes
-
snack bars
-
juice boxes/bags
-
jar of peanut butter and
loaf of bread (for car travel and don't forget a plastic knife)
8. Packing Advice
One to two
weeks before the trip make a note of what will be needed on
the trip. As you gather these items, store them in grocery
bag or box.
Provide all family members
with their own case for toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, shampoo
and soap. Trial size baby bath works well in place of bars of
soap.
Make a list of like items
that each family member will be responsible for packing. Have
them check off the items as they pack. (ex. 5 pairs socks, swim
suit, jacket ...)
Allow each child to bring a
small bag or games, toys, stuffed animals or other personal
items to make them feel comfortable.
Practice the 5 "P's" to have
the best time traveling with young kids:
-
Prepare. Take lots
of snacks, drinks, amusements, on long plane
rides-- and, really, everywhere you go.
-
Pace. Don't try to
do too much! For young kids, schedule one major activity
each morning, or
afternoon. If all goes well, you can perhaps slip in a
second activity. Don't mention the second activity until
you're certain, though to avoid disappointment!
-
Pacing also means
allowing extra time in the day for some down time, and some
wild time: kids need rest periods, and they also need to run
around and let off some steam.
-
Pre-empt: offer
snacks and drinks before kids get too hungry or
thirsty. Take a break before they are overtired.
More Travel
Tips & Links:
Our Sponsors
