Have you ever gone on a family vacation? When you were younger you may have memories of going on a vacation with your parents and siblings, following them as they go through airport checks and local maps. Now that you have a family of your own, you may be itching to go on vacation again, this time with your own children in tow. Here’s how you can plan a stress-free vacation with your kids.
Depending on how old your kids are, you may have to plan your vacation differently. We’ve divided this guide into three sections, based on the age of your children, and a last section for some general tips.
Traveling with Babies and Toddlers
- Stick to their eating and sleeping schedules. Sleeping and eating are much easier for infants if they’re following a schedule for them. It’s important to continue following this schedule even during vacations, so make sure to add them to your daily itinerary.
- Give them proper exercise. Infants and toddlers aren’t strong enough to walk long distances during travel. Still, giving them the opportunity to walk a few steps is a great way for them to exercise. If your infant can’t walk yet, let him or her stretch or roll around on a mat in your hotel room.
Traveling with Young Children
- Include kid-friendly activities in the itinerary. If there’s an amusement park nearby, purchase some tickets. If your hotel has a swimming pool, take a day out of your vacation to go swimming! Including activities that are fun for children will ensure a memorable vacation for them.
- Bring entertainment. Long flights, car rides, or lines are difficult for young kids, who get impatient quite quickly. Allowing them some time on their phone, tablet, or video game console can help them deal with any long waiting times without fuss.
Traveling with Teenagers
- Invite them into the vacation planning. It’s likely that teens have their own tourist spots or destinations they’d want to visit, and they might be disappointed if the itinerary doesn’t include them. Avoid this situation by allowing them to plan the vacation with you. Doing this will make them enjoy the trip even more and make their voices feel heard.
- Allow them some solo traveling. Teenagers value their independence and privacy, and they may want to explore the destination without worrying about derailing the family’s plans. Give them the option and time to explore on their own for an hour or two. You can stick to well-known, safer areas and keep their locations on so that you can keep track of where they are.
General Tips for Traveling with Kids
- Leave the house early and take it slow. Rushing to your flight may be fine when you’re traveling solo or with friends. This time, though, you have to keep your kids in mind. Seeing their parents stressed will stress them out too, which will only make traveling harder. Instead, leave the house earlier so that you have no reason to rush.
- Keep your kids updated. Children are easily overwhelmed, especially younger ones whose brains aren’t developed enough to fully understand what’s happening around them. Knowing how each day will go will help them feel more at ease throughout the trip.
- Keep medicines with you at all times. Getting aches and pains are par for the course when it comes to traveling, especially for kids. Painkillers, antacids, and other over-the-counter medicines can help combat any unexpected headache or stomach aches.
With these tips, you’ll be able to plan a stress-free and memorable vacation for you and your children.