Family trips can be exciting but overwhelming, especially if you’re traveling with toddlers or children. The excitement part is very real, though: family travel makes up 30% of global outbound tourism trips.
However, sometimes, the thought of facing an airport or any other crowded place with your kids can be a source of worry and anxiety.
With these rules, things will be a little easier for you and the children, who are not used to all these new places and noises.
Rule 1: Plan Ahead But Don’t Set Strict Rules
Going on a trip with kids requires extra preparation in almost every aspect, from lodgings to transportation. It’s not the same to travel solo or with a partner as to travel with kids. But it can be very rewarding: 81% of parents said they are likely to travel with their children in the next year, and lots of families will set some money aside to repeat the experience every year.
You can start by writing down your itinerary and doing some research about the locations you want to visit to make sure they’re all safe and suitable for children. Try to keep the schedule as realistic as possible.
With children, rest assured: there will be detours and other little accidents, nothing you haven’t seen before, but remember that they tend to be spontaneous. This is where flexibility becomes very important: make the most of every surprise on the trip. Make them into opportunities, teaching experiences, and enjoying yourself and your family.
Rule 2: Pack With A Strategic Mind
Less is more, and this holds true for family vacations. If you pack trying to bring everything to the trip, you’ll fail. Make sure to focus on what’s essential, everything else you can probably buy at your destination or make do without it.
Here are some suggestions:
- To keep things organized, you can get packing cubes and separate clothes from other items like shoes or toys.
- Layers will help you protect your kids from the sun or the cold without you having to pack a lot of extra items.
- Try to pack only the best footwear, and keep the choices versatile.
Rule 3: Don’t Forget About Entertainment!
Kids don’t do well with sitting still for many hours, and if your destination is far away, they will get fussy. To prevent this, you need to work extra hard at keeping them entertained: bring books, games, a phone with kid-friendly apps, snacks, and whatever they like.
These games can entertain kids for hours! But aside from that, you can make sure to:
- If you’re on a plane, let them roam a little bit as long as they don’t bother other adults.
- Pack healthy snacks and medicine in case they get sick.
Make sure to create a comfortable environment for them to express themselves and play together in peace.
Rule 4: Keep Their Safety In Mind All The Time
Parents tend to worry about their kids’ safety when on family trips. Let’s cover the basics.
Make sure that they have their seatbelts on at all times, that their car seats are properly installed, and carry a first aid kit and some medications in case they feel unwell.
If you’re bringing a tablet for them to play with, you have to consider their online safety as well. Get VPN protection to keep their information safe from hackers, install good antivirus software, and make sure all the apps are safe for kids.
As for psychological safety, make sure to listen to them and comfort them when they need it. They rely on you to learn how to process negative experiences and emotions!
Rule 5: Give Them Breaks To Let Out Some Steam
Kids have a lot of energy, and parents… not so much. That’s why it can feel exhausting from time to time. To avoid losing your patience, it would be a great idea to schedule some breaks for them: let them out of the car, grab a snack, stretch their legs, go to the bathroom, and even stop for a little while if they’re too anxious.
Some of my most cherished memories from childhood are simply in gas stations, where we stopped for food and a break.
Here are some other suggestions:
- If you’re going to stop, try to do it in nice picnic spots or charming cafes so that they can safely explore their surroundings.
- Play family games and chat with them when on breaks, try to bond as much as possible, and prepare them for the next leg of the trip.
Rule 6: Keep A Similar Routine To Your Home One
Children need routine, but it doesn’t mean they always want to adapt to it.
Stick to regular meals and sleep times as much as you can. They’re already in an unfamiliar place; they need the comfort of a routine… and you need it, too! This way, all of you will be able to relax.
You can also keep up with a bedtime story or a little game you play and give them their stuffed animals and blankets when they request it. They need some of these things to feel safe in a new space.
To sum up
Make sure to keep your kids safe and loved throughout the trip. They need you as an authority figure, yes, but they also need you to give them space and time to play and be kids.
Embrace all the detours and turn them into new and exciting experiences!
