Summer travel is in full swing. With the post-pandemic surge in travel, travel tips for families are more relevant than ever. Whether you’re traveling with one young ‘un or three, there are ways to make your experience as enjoyable as possible.
While there’s no way to avoid the normal stresses of traveling, it’s possible to make your trip go smoothly with the right preparation and mindset.
Since traveling is one of the best ways to make long-lasting memories as a family, it’s definitely worth the trouble to go out and explore the world.
8 Travel Tips for Families
1. Involve Kids in the Decision-Making Process (If Possible)
If you have older children, inviting them to participate in the family vacation planning process can be a great way for them to feel more invested – and excited – about the trip.
Perhaps you want to hear your kid’s opinions on a couple of different vacation spots you’re choosing between. Or perhaps you have a free day on one of your trips and you want to give your children an option to choose what to do that day. There are many ways to involve your children in the decision-making process that don’t involve handing over the reins completely.
Giving your kids a voice will help them feel heard and appreciated. It may also get them more excited about the trip overall. This is a great opportunity to learn about your kid’s interests and hobbies and then participate in them – together!
2. Put in the Prep Work
When you travel with kids, preparation is key. It can help you avoid many stressful and sticky situations. While getting lost through the cobbled streets of Europe may be a fun detour when traveling on your own, with cranky kids, it can easily become a nightmare.
It’s impossible to avoid all hiccups, but planning will help you minimize the unexpected nature of traveling as best as you can. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Make sure to pack entertainment for the kids while traveling – that can mean books, toys, and electronic devices. Don’t forget to download videos and tv shows for your devices before heading on a plane or train – you won’t always have access to Wifi!
- Give your younger and older children your contact info. You can put it on a piece of paper in their pockets, their phones (if they have them), or you can make a wristband.
- Plan your flight times around your kid’s normal schedules. Do you really want to take a red-eye back home to save time and money? Or will you be paying for your kid’s lack of sleep later? Consider what times would fit in with your kid’s natural sleeping schedule so you don’t disrupt it – it could set the whole day off!
3. Pack Light
Many of us overpack for trips. While this is fine on your own, you will be carrying a lot more stuff as parents. You may even have to carry your children once they get worn out. With that in mind, try to pack only the essentials – you’ll thank yourself later.
Remember that you’re not only responsible for your own luggage, but your children’s, as well as any equipment, such as strollers, that they may need. This stuff can pile on quickly, so be strategic when you pack!
4. Mentally Prepare Your Kids
Travelling can feel very unfamiliar, especially to younger kids. They may get overwhelmed or even scared in new places. You can ease their mind by mentally preparing them for the trip.
Asking them questions can help you gauge their feelings, worries, and fears going into the trip.
- What are some things you’re worried about?
- What are you looking forward to on this trip?
- Are you nervous about being away from home?
- How do you feel about going on a plane ride?
- Will you miss anyone while we’re away?
Consider setting expectations for behavior in certain situations, like the plane ride or while on an excursion. Also remember to bring along something that can comfort your little ones during the trip – such as a stuffed animal, a blanket, or a favorite toy.
5. Consider a Trial Run
Short weekend getaways to the lake or a nearby city are a great way to test the waters if you will. You can see how your kids react to being in a new space and unfamiliar surroundings.
You’ll get a better idea of your kids’ energy levels, ability to sit through long car rides, and the activities they enjoy doing.
You’ll also figure out beforehand what type of activities suit your family the best. Do they enjoy relaxing on the beach? Tackling a hiking trail? Or exploring a busy city? There may be a choice that is better suited to the personality of your family than others.
6. Accept Things Will Not Go to Plan
As every traveler knows, even the best-laid plans go awry. That’s simply the nature of traveling. The best travel tips for families center around one idea: go into the trip with the right mindset.
Being in a new and unfamiliar place will require some flexibility. Going into your family trip knowing that things will inevitably stray from the plan will help you get into the right mindset.
So many of us put pressure on ourselves to create the “perfect” trip. Instead of focusing on perfection, enjoy the memorable moments you spend with your family, and don’t let the little things ruin your trip.
Here are some affirmations to remember when things don’t go exactly how you planned:
- I will breathe through the disappointment and shock of the change in plans.
- I am allowed to be upset about this change in plans.
- Being upset about the change in plans doesn’t make me a bad person.
- It’s normal to feel disappointed when things don’t go to plan.
- I will not let a shift in plans ruin my whole day.
- I will not go down a rabbit hole of “what ifs.” Instead, I will stay focused on the present.
7. Create a Flexible Schedule
While we’re on the topic of things not going to plan, remember to create a schedule that allows for adjustment. Plan in lots of downtime to accommodate for naps, snacks, and kids complaining about their feet hurting.
Make sure to be realistic when planning your trip. You probably won’t be able to hit all of the sights you want to see when traveling with kids – and that’s okay. Quality is more important than quantity. No one will have a good time if you’re running off to two museums, a walking tour, and two playgrounds all in one day.
Tackle your ‘must-do’ activities early on in the day, while your kids still have tons of energy. Leave afternoons and evenings for either relaxing or spontaneous activities.
8. Be Prepared for Tantrums or Meltdowns
There’s no guarantee you’ll be able to avoid tantrums or meltdowns on your trip. In these cases, draw upon methods you use at home to calm your children down. Consider going over some calming techniques with your kids beforehand so they feel more prepared.
Need More Travel Tips for Families?
It’s completely normal to feel stress and anxiety when planning a family trip. Therapy can help give you or your family the tools they need to cope with the stresses of traveling.
There’s no shame in seeking help. Our licensed counselors are here to help. You call, we match you. It really is that easy. With convenient locations in the Georgetown and Liberty Hill area, we can’t wait to help you.
In your corner,
-Jenna
