Five Key Tips to Remember When Planning Family Vacations

I’m very happy to present this article written by guest author Kendra Thornton!

Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I’ve found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

With spring in full bloom and summer vacation around the corner, it is almost time for your family vacation!  Whether you’re months into planning or haven’t even had time to even pick a destination, adding some extra steps now will save you a headache in the long run. From making sure the kids have eaten before departing to providing entertainment during transport, proper preparation before a vacation will lower the stresses of travel and help to ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience.
Packing Tips

When packing for your vacation, keep the trip home in mind. Pack extra plastic bags to hold dirty clothes and wet swimsuits and include extra snacks like juice boxes or potato chips for the return trip. If your kids are anything like mine, its hard to pull them out of the water, even on departure day. Think about investing in a waterproof bathing suit bag to allow them the extra pool time without adding the sand and water to the rest of your luggage.

In going, as a precautionary measure, include a few items of clothing in your carry-on just in case your checked luggage gets lost. Also, keep in mind the time of day and possible weather for the return trip and pack blankets and sweaters if they’re needed.

 

Book Travel and Hotel Accommodations Early

One of the first lessons you learn as a seasoned traveler is the importance of purchasing your tickets and booking the hotel room as early as possible. As with anything, waiting until the last minute carries the consequence of higher prices and the risk of seats or rooms no longer being available.

Regarding the flight, early morning flights are your best bet. Later flights are prone to delays as congested runways and other issues accrue over the course of the day. Additionally, the kids will usually sleep through the entire early morning flight, which will allow you time to relax as well.

 

Choose Kid-Friendly Hotels

On business trips or when it was just you and your spouse, the specifics of the hotel weren’t always important. With young children, that couldn’t be less true. First off, read reviews of the hotel to determine whether there’s a kid-friendly atmosphere. When my family was planning a trip to Oahu, I made sure to read up on all of Honolulu’s top hotels to ensure we picked the best one for our needs.  Check to see if they offer a pool for kids or even a gym or play area either on the premises or nearby.

Another feature to look for is a room with a fridge. Minibars are expensive so ensure you’re able to stock your fridge with plenty of drinks and snacks for the kids. Depending on the length of your stay, choosing a hotel near a local grocery is a great idea.

 

Preparing for Long Car Rides

Some kids enjoy long car rides while others are prone to motion sickness. Whatever the case, everyone gets antsy if they’re required to spend more than four hours in a car. If your vacation includes a long car ride, pack everything you’ll need to make your kids comfortable, including blankets and pillows for their naps as well as window blinds or sleep masks to block out the sun. The key is to make the backseat as comfortable as their bed at home.

 

Stick to Routines

When you go on vacation, particularly on travel days, sticking to your daily routine isn’t always possible. Nevertheless, it’s important to maintain a semblance of a routine with your kids to prevent frustration. Keep track of their eating schedule to make sure their stomachs are always full and don’t neglect naptime. While it’s OK to break some rules on vacation, kids require structure and routine, especially in a new environment.

 

 

 

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2 Responses to Five Key Tips to Remember When Planning Family Vacations

  1. Pingback: Family Vacation Tips | Family and Children

  2. Melissa says:

    These are really great tips for travelling with kids! Family vacations are some of my favorite memories, but I am really looking forward to my solo trip to a new hampshire spa resort!

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