Planning a family trip can be harder than it seems, especially when you have to factor in the needs of a toddler or two. With all the planning that goes into every vacation, one must take into account the little things – and as a result, there’s more for you to do. This article lists five things you should know before heading out on your next trip with the whole family.
Tips For Traveling With Kids
Make a plan
Plan your trip together and come up with a rough itinerary, so everyone knows what to expect. This will help keep everyone on track and prevent any unnecessary conflict. Keep in mind that you need to be open to suggestions while planning the trip. For instance, while you might pitch in the idea of visiting Los Angeles and staying at Aventura, you should not completely discard your wife’s suggestion of making a trip to San Diego and staying at Paradise Point–acclaimed as a reputed san diego resort. In other words, you need to be open to others’ opinions. Otherwise, you might end up planning a forced vacation that nobody in your family would want to be a part Once you are done finalizing the destination and accommodation, make a list of what you need and when you need it before the trip. This will help reduce arguments over who gets to use the bathroom first or who has to wait for their turn at the pool. If there is one thing that can ruin a vacation, it’s feeling like everything is happening in spurts and no one knows what’s coming next. Set ground rules early on about how things are going to run and stick to them. This will help everyone feel comfortable and organized.
Pack lightly
Make sure to pack as lightly as possible so you can move around more easily and get the most out of your travels.
Bring snacks and drinks
Ensure everyone has plenty of snacks and drinks to keep them going during long car rides or flights.
Bring blankets and pillows
Include blankets and pillows in your packing list, as they can be really helpful when traveling in cold climates or on overnight trains/planes.
Bring an emergency kit
Include a basic emergency kit with items such as a flashlight, first-aid kit, money/credit cards, passports, etc., just in case something goes wrong while you’re away from home.
What Is The Worst Thing About Travelling With Kids?
The Stress of Planning
There is nothing worse than planning a trip with kids in tow. It is so stressful trying to figure out what everyone will need and want to do while on vacation. Then, once everything is booked and ready to go, there is always the fear of something going wrong or not being able to enjoy the trip because the kids are constantly needing attention.
The Lack of Sleep
It seems like every time you turn around, there’s another kid waking up and crying. Then, you have to try to soothe them back to sleep while also trying to keep the rest of the family calm. It’s exhausting and can really put a damper on your trip.
The Constant Noise
There’s nothing quite like the sound of children screaming at the top of their lungs while on a long car ride. It’s the worst thing about traveling with kids. The constant noise can be deafening and it can be very difficult to get them to stop. It’s even worse when they’re fighting with each other and you can’t do anything to stop it. The only thing you can do is try to block it out and hope that the journey is over soon.
The Endless Snacks
It’s like every five minutes they’re asking for something to eat. And of course, you want to keep them happy and well-fed on your trip, but it can get really costly and annoying having to constantly stop for snacks. If you’re on a long road trip, it can also add a lot of extra time to your travel time. So, if you can, try to pack a few extra snacks and drinks for the trip to help keep your kiddos happy and full.
The Melted crayons
The worst thing about traveling with kids is the melted crayons. They never seem to stay in the box, and they always end up making a big mess. The worst part is trying to clean up the mess afterward.
Ways To Combat A Family Holiday Meltdown
Be Flexible
If something unexpected comes up, don’t be afraid to change your plans. If one of your kids is having a tough time, maybe trying out another activity will do the trick. Just be sure that everyone is on the same page before making any changes – no one wants their vacation ruined by confusion!
Set boundaries
Make sure everyone knows when and where they are allowed to be active, what they are and are not allowed to bring along, and how they will be punished if they violate these rules. This will help avoid conflicts before they happen.
Provide Structure
Create a holiday schedule that everyone understands and sticks to. This will help alleviate the feeling of being overwhelmed and give everyone some sense of control.
Keep communication open
When things start to go wrong, be on the lookout for warning signs (e.g., increased hostility, arguing over small details) and take appropriate action (e.g., setting limits, grounding children). Being proactive will help prevent meltdowns from becoming full-blown catastrophes.
It can be a bit of a challenge trying to get everything packed and ready for your family’s vacation, but with a little preparation, it can be much easier. And most importantly, enjoy and have fun with your family!
