Traveling with Tots: 20 Tips to Keep the Kiddos happy and Parents free from stress!
I love helping families navigate the joys and challenges of traveling with kids. From planning the perfect itinerary to ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish, I've learned a few tricks along the way to make family travel easier and more enjoyable for everyone involved. Here are some tips from a travel advisor to help you make the most of your next adventure with your little ones:
Have a plan: Start your family travel journey by planning. As fun as spontaneity is when traveling, it doesn't work as well with kids who prefer a schedule! Work with your travel advisor to research destinations, book family-friendly accommodations, and create a customized itinerary that caters to your family's interests and needs.
Pack Strategically: Packing efficiently is key when traveling with kids. Packing cubes and labeled bags will be your best friends! I love packing each day in a cube to make it easier when you are getting dressed each day.
Involve the Kids: Get your kids excited about the trip by involving them in the planning process. Let them help choose activities or attractions to visit at your destination, and encourage them to share their input and ideas.
Be Flexible: Flexibility is essential when traveling with kids. Your travel advisor can help you create a flexible itinerary that allows for spontaneity and adjustments as needed. Embrace the unexpected and be prepared to go with the flow.
Provide Entertainment: Long flights or car rides can be challenging for kids, so be sure to bring along plenty of entertainment options. Age-appropriate games, books, and activities help and I love putting small items in brown bags, and then pulling one out every hour of the journey!
Take Breaks: Schedule regular breaks during your travels to give kids a chance to stretch their legs and burn off some energy. Your travel advisor can suggest family-friendly rest stops or attractions along your route where kids can run around and play.
Stock Up on Snacks: Hunger can lead to cranky kids, so be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand during your travels.
Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude throughout your travels, even when things don't go as planned.
Create Lasting Memories: Focus on creating lasting memories with your family. I can help you plan special experiences and activities that will create unforgettable moments for you and your kids to cherish for years to come.
Plan a Scavenger Hunt: Add an extra element of fun to your trip by planning out a scavenger hunt at your destination. Your travel advisor can help you create a list of items or landmarks to find, and you can challenge your kids to spot them throughout your travels. It's a creative way to explore your destination while keeping kids engaged and entertained.
Create a Travel Journal: Encourage your kids to document their travel experiences by creating a travel journal. Provide them with a notebook or scrapbook where they can write about their adventures, draw pictures, and collect mementos like ticket stubs or postcards. It's a great way to preserve memories and encourage creativity.
Have a Photo Challenge: Turn sightseeing into a fun activity by having a photo challenge. Give each child a disposable camera or let them use their smartphone to capture specific sights or moments during your trip. You can create a list of photo prompts, such as "take a picture with a local landmark" or "capture a funny street performer." At the end of the trip, you can review the photos together and reminisce about your favorite moments.
Try Local Foods: Expand your kids' culinary horizons by trying local foods wherever you go. Research popular dishes or specialties at your destination and make it a fun challenge to sample as many new foods as possible. You can even turn it into a game by rating each dish and keeping track of your favorites.
Bring Along Travel Games: Pack a variety of travel-friendly games to keep kids entertained during downtime. Classics like travel-sized board games, card games, or magnetic puzzles are perfect for keeping kids occupied during long waits or delays. You can also create your own games, like "I Spy" or "20 Questions," using items or landmarks you encounter during your travels.
Attend Local Events or Festivals: Check out local events or festivals happening at your destination and plan to attend with your family. Whether it's a cultural celebration, street fair, or live music event, immersing yourselves in the local culture can be a fun and memorable experience for kids. Your travel advisor can help you find information about upcoming events and activities in the area.
Take a Nature Walk: Explore the great outdoors and connect with nature by going on a family nature walk or hike. Research family-friendly trails or parks in your destination where you can enjoy scenic views, spot wildlife, and let kids burn off some energy. Bring along a nature guidebook or app to help identify plants and animals along the way.
Learn a Local Craft or Skill: Get hands-on and learn a new craft or skill unique to your destination. Whether it's pottery-making, weaving, or traditional dance lessons, participating in a local workshop or class can be a fun and educational experience for kids. Your travel advisor can help you find opportunities to learn and engage with local artisans or experts.
Create a Travel Playlist: Compile a playlist of songs that evoke the spirit of your destination and listen to it together as you travel. Encourage kids to pick their favorite songs or artists related to your destination, and play the playlist during car rides or while exploring. It's a simple way to set the mood and create lasting memories associated with your trip.
Plan a Movie Night: Wind down after a day of exploring by having a family movie night in your hotel room or rental. Bring along a selection of family-friendly movies or documentaries related to your destination, and enjoy some downtime together while watching and discussing your favorite films. It's a cozy and relaxing way to bond as a family during your travels.
Create a Travel Bingo Game: Design a custom bingo card featuring items or landmarks commonly found at your destination. Challenge your kids to spot these items during your travels and mark them off on their bingo card. The first one to get a bingo wins a special prize or treat. It's a fun way to keep kids engaged and observant during your trip.
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