Traveling with loved ones can be an exciting, unforgettable
time. It can, however, also be a big headache if proper planning and
accommodations aren’t made. Below are some things you should consider for a
smooth and memorable vacation:
Destination and Accommodations
Plan accordingly for age-appropriate
destinations for children. Consider their safety, the busyness of the city,
fun attractions for kids and the affordability of the place you are visiting.
Also consider using a vacation
rental instead of booking a hotel – it is a great way to get a feel of how
the locals live. You can save some money too by looking for vacation rentals on
sites such as Vrbo
or Airbnb
for affordable accommodation options for your family.
Air Travel
When it comes to air travel, try booking window seats so that the family can stay together and
children have a little more freedom and space from other passengers. If anyone
in your family has special needs, be sure to notify the airline you are using
beforehand. They will most likely be able to accommodate any special requests
that you may have.
Packing
Don’t pack anything
you can’t carry. Ancient streets often mean cobbled or unevenly paved roads,
making rolling backpacks difficult to navigate. And, If you go to gems of
cities such as Florence, Italy, the buildings stay true to their old world
appeal, meaning tiny elevators or no elevators at all. Hauling heavy luggage up
many flights of stairs may be a good workout, but it is nonetheless a hassle.
Moreover, if you’re planning a trip across many cities via
train or plane, lugging your luggage from one form of transport to another is a
burden.
Also, instead of packing your whole closet, pack a few key clothing pieces for you
and your family that can be mixed and matched effortlessly with other
easy-to-wash clothing items.
A favorite toy can keep a child company during a long trip,
so be sure to include this with your packing. Also remember to pack any
necessary medications and keep your family’s immune systems strong and healthy
with plenty of vitamin C.
Budget
There will be plenty of souvenirs that will be tempting to
buy; however, it is important to keep a budget for your expenses. Research beforehand for popular cheap eats
that you know your children will enjoy. If your children are picky and you’re
worried they won’t be interested in the local food you want to try, consider
telling them about the places you hope to visit and “hype” up the food, so
they’ll be excited to try it when it comes. You can also pack familiar snacks
from home that the children already like in case the local cuisine isn’t to
their liking.
Keep in mind
Being in close parameters with people who know you well (and
therefore, know how to push your buttons) can take its toll on anyone,
especially after a long day of traveling. While traveling is supposed to be a
form of a getaway, there is always a chance of getting on each other’s nerves.
Just be aware of this possibility and step outside (safely, don’t get lost!)
for a breather when needed.
Traveling has so many benefits, especially for
children. When kids have the opportunity to travel, they gain exposure to different cultures and languages, and they gain a
better appreciation for their own culture and other cultures’ ways of living.
Such exposure to different languages is brain expanding, and promotes a sense
of adventure and creative thinking.
Safety
It is important before your trip that you discuss safety measures with your family,
such as
what to do when a family member gets lost. If you’re
bringing electronic devices, have each others’ phone numbers ready, and have
local family members or authorities’ numbers ready for emergencies.
Traveling can be a fulfilling, grand adventure that creates
bonds with your family. By planning ahead and being prepared, you and your
family can have a shared experience that you won’t soon forget.
