Traveling is a great way to see the world and spend time with your family, but it can also be a bit of a hassle — especially if you have young children in tow. Reports show that most parents would not want to travel with their kids under two years old. They also think that the age of three is still too young. But since family time is paramount and priceless, some parents are willing to take the plunge and bring their young ones on a trip.
If you finally made the decision to travel with your young children, here are some tips to make it a hassle-free experience for everyone:
Choose Your Destination Wisely
Keep your little ones in mind when deciding on a place to go. You might want to avoid somewhere with many steps or a long flight if you have very young children. Find a place with activities that will be fun for the whole family. An excellent way to do this is to research family-friendly attractions in the area before you book anything.
For example, if you’re thinking of going to Hawaii, you can look up things to do with kids in Hawaii ahead of time. That way, you can make sure there are plenty of activities that your children will enjoy. This will also help you avoid stressful surprises when you’re on vacation.
It also helps to ensure that your travel destination is close to friends or family. This can provide a support system in case you need it and help with childcare if needed. This is especially true when you are traveling with many kids or when traveling for both business and leisure.
Think About Your Accommodations
Your choice of accommodations can make or break your trip. When traveling with young children, find a comfortable and convenient place for your family. This might mean choosing a hotel with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals or finding an Airbnb centrally located and close to family-friendly activities.
You should also make sure that your accommodations are safe for young children. If you’re staying in a hotel, this means avoiding rooms on high floors or near the pool. If you’re staying in an Airbnb, ensure the property has a childproof gate around the stairs.
Another accommodation-related tip is ensuring you have enough space for your family. This is especially critical if you’re traveling with young children who need a lot of gear, like cribs or strollers. You want to be comfortable during your trip, so ensure you have enough space for everyone at your party.
Plan Your Outfits Ahead of Time
Dressing up on vacations can be stressful, especially if you’re trying to keep track of everyone in your family. A great way to avoid this is to plan your outfits ahead of time.
Pack clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in. You don’t want them to be too hot or too cold, and you want them to be able to play without any restrictions.
Consider packing matching swimsuits or choosing a color scheme for your family’s clothes. This is also a cute way to take family photos while on vacation. Many online shops sell matching outfits for families, so you can find the perfect one for your trip. It would be better if you could find a shop with an excellent returns policy. If the clothes don’t fit well, you can easily return and exchange the items before the trip.
If you want to make things even easier, you can pack each person’s outfit in a separate bag. You can simply grab whatever you need without rummaging through everyone’s luggage.
Make a Light Packing List
This might seem like a no-brainer, but making a packing list before you start packing for your trip is necessary. This will help ensure you don’t forget anything your child needs — like your child’s favorite toy or blanket. It can also be helpful to make a list of things you need to pack each day so you’re not scrambling to find something at the last minute.
Pack as light as possible to make your trip more enjoyable. This means bringing only the essentials and leaving anything your family can live without at home. For example, if you’re traveling by car, there’s no need to bring a stroller. And if you’re flying, see if you can leverage the airline’s baggage allowance by getting a smaller bag for your child’s things.
Stick to a Schedule
A schedule is crucial for kids at home. This will help them know what to expect and help avoid meltdowns. When you’re on vacation, it makes sense to stick as closely to your child’s routine as possible. This will help ease them into new surroundings and make them feel more comfortable.
For example, if your child usually takes a nap at 1 p.m., try to make sure they have a chance to rest at that time while you’re on vacation. It might mean returning to the hotel room for a few hours or taking a break in the afternoon, but it will be worth it in the long run. Doing so will help your child — and you — enjoy the vacation more.
Keep Them Entertained
When little kids get bored, they’ll start to get cranky. To avoid this, pack plenty of activities to keep them occupied while you’re on the go. This might include books, small toys, or mobile games. It’s also a good idea to download some kid-friendly apps on your phone or tablet before you leave.
If you’re traveling by car, consider packing a small bag of activities for each child. This will help them stay entertained during long periods in the car. And if you’re flying, bring along some snacks and extra drinks to keep them happy during the flight.
By following these simple tips, you can ensure your next family vacation is as stress-free as possible. Just remember to choose your destination wisely, consider your accommodations, pack light but smart, and keep your kids entertained, and you’ll be all set for a great trip!
