Family Travel 101: 8 Tips for an Unforgettable Experience with your Loved Ones
Family travels can be tricky because many things could go wrong along the way. Fortunately, with the right tips, you can have the time of your life when travelling with your loved ones. Exploring the world is a meaningful experience, but it’s even more exciting when you don’t do it alone. Travelling as a family means spending quality time together and creating long-lasting memories. The new things you experience teach you to become more mindful, improving your well-being.
Most importantly, family travel creates stronger bonds, but the benefits are truly endless! And yet, taking your kids on your next trip can feel daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 8 excellent travel tips for a memorable family adventure.
Choose the destination wisely
The destination you choose can make or break your vacation, so make sure to put some thought into it. It’s essential to consider both your interests and your kids’ needs when deciding upon a location. Destinations generally have an amusement park or an attraction designed for family fun, so look for something that allows you to have a good time with your kids.
If you travel with a stroller, pick a destination with proper streets so you won’t have a hard time getting around. Direct flights are the best when travelling with little ones as you’ll arrive at the destination quickly. Also, consider choosing centrally located hotels to reduce the need for public transportation or taxis.
Remember to slow down
Solo travellers don’t plan for extra time, but this is imperative when travelling with kids, as things can take longer than expected, from the airport check-in to the boarding itself. Hence, make sure to arrive at the airport earlier so that even if something goes wrong, you’ll still be able to arrive at the destination.
The last thing you want is to miss your flight because you didn’t get your stroller through security on time! You should leave extra time during different parts of your trip, so lower your expectations regarding everything you want to do and the places you want to see in a day. Travelling with kids means accepting that it’s okay to do less while being grateful for sharing this experience.
Book everything in advance
When travelling alone, you may be okay with choosing a place to stay once you arrive at the destination. But things are a lot different when travelling with kids. After a long travel day, you’ll want to drop off the bags as soon as you get to the new place and allow the kids to rest and recharge. This is why it’s essential to pre-book your accommodations.
If you need more flexibility, a good idea is to book only the first two nights in advance and then choose another place for the rest of your vacation after you’ve settled. Booking ahead of time ensures you’ll have one less worry while trying to keep your kids happy and entertained during the trip.
Tell your kids what to expect
You should tell your kids about the trip plan sometime before the vacation. If many new things happen, kids can get uncomfortable pretty quickly. Thus, review the trip plans together, so they know what to expect. Tell them what will happen at the airport and during the flight itself and what to expect once you get to the destination.
Also, don’t forget to set expectations regarding their behaviour during the trip. They will be more excited about the vacation if they understand all these aspects.
Prioritise safety
Nothing is more important than safety when travelling as a family. You may still lose track of your kids even if you’re vigilant, but there’s something you can do about it. If your children usually wander off, use a small GPS tracker. By attaching it to your kids’ belts or shoes, you’ll get an alert if they go too far and, thus, figure out where they are. This can put your mind at ease, as you know you’ll be able to find your kids no matter what.
If you’re travelling by car, road safety is paramount. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition before going on a trip, and follow basic road safety rules, such as buckling up the seat belt and avoiding distractions. Negligent driving leads to road traffic accidents, so avoid scary scenarios by focusing on the road while you’re at the wheel.
Have snacks available
Once your kids get hungry, your family trip won’t be fun. Thus, don’t forget to bring snacks with you. You may have to wait sometime between meals for different reasons, like a delayed flight, a tour that takes longer than expected, or unexpected traffic when going to the hotel.
Moreover, kids are used to particular foods, but a new place offers a different culinary experience, which may not always delight everyone’s taste buds. Your kids may eat only two bites from the lunch they order and feel hungry again one hour later. Thus, having a stash of snacks in your bag is best to keep them happy.
Bring new books and toys
It’s easy to captivate kids’ attention! All you have to do is bring them something new, like toys they’ve never played with or interesting books they’ve not read. Things like these can make a significant difference.
Suppose you’re on a longer trip; you can purchase souvenirs at different shops and give them to your kids. That way, you ensure your kids don’t get bored, as there’s something they can be excited about until you arrive at the destination. You can load some books on electronic devices so that your kids have something to read in case they get bored with games and movies.
Just do it!
Travelling as a family can be complicated, but it can also be a wonderful experience. No matter how much you plan in advance, some things will go wrong, but you can have a great time despite that. The act of travelling will be life-changing for your kids, as they’ll gain a new perspective on the world by being exposed to a different culture.
You don’t have to wait for the perfect time to take your kids on an adventure. So, instead of stressing about the things you can’t control, pick a destination and explore the world with your loved ones!
