Going on a trip with your children is a great way to bond and make memories that will last a lifetime. However, any parent will tell you that traveling with kids isn’t always easy. There can be a lot of preparation involved, and kids can be unpredictable when they’re in different environments.
So, what can you do to make traveling with your children fun and easy? With a little planning and prep, you can help to ensure a happy, stress-free trip with your little ones that you’ll both remember for years.
Get Them Involved
Traveling has many benefits for children, but it does take a lot of planning. If you’re in the planning stages of a family trip, get your kids involved. They’re more likely to be agreeable to different things if they feel like they have a say in what you’re doing. Read books about where you’re going, or look online and watch videos with your kids to familiarize them with what you’ll be experiencing. If there are any family-friendly activities available, give your children a list and allow them to circle three or four that they want to do.
You can even ask for their help when it comes to lodging choices and places to eat. The more involved they are, the more excited they’ll be when it comes time to try the things they selected.
Plan and Pack Accordingly
Packing for a trip with kids might seem stressful at first, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. The most important thing to keep in mind when packing for your kids is how you’ll keep them safe. Packing clothing that is easy to identify is a great start. Additionally, make sure to include any medications your children might need, as well as a first aid kit.
It’s also a good rule of thumb to plan ahead with a safety plan. Talk to your kids about adopting a buddy system while you’re traveling. They should know never to go anywhere by themselves. If you have older children, discuss designated meeting spots, and have rules in place to make sure you’re all aware of each other’s whereabouts at any given time.
Take Care of Yourself
When you’re traveling with kids, they’ll likely be your top priority. However, remember that it’s your vacation, too. You won’t enjoy it if you’re putting everyone else first and ignoring your own well-being. So, practice self-care as you lead up to your trip and make a point to keep taking care of yourself while you’re away. That includes things like:
- Prioritizing sleep
- Staying active
- Eating a healthy diet
- Trying stress-reduction techniques
You’ll want to make sure you have enough energy each day to keep up with your kids. Thankfully, even your morning coffee order can be made healthier by using less sugar or adding things like protein, so you won’t be weighed down and you’ll have a little extra “boost” to get you through the day.
There’s nothing like a fun trip with your whole family. You’ll establish memories that will linger with your children, and you’ll have wonderful experiences to look back on. Don’t let the potential stress of traveling with kids keep you from planning a fun trip. Use these suggestions to make it easier, and enjoy every second of your time away from home.
About the Author
Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “city of trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and the search for the truth. You can find more of her writing on her Contently.