I have always loved to travel. When I was growing up, my parents took us to a new location during every summer and winter break. My siblings and I had a blast visiting new cities and states and my parents always made sure we learned a lot about the local cultures. I especially loved trying new local foods, since every city had their local specialties. My parents were always impressed at my willingness to try new foods at my young age. I loved traveling so much that I decided to become a traveling nurse, and I now get paid to travel around the country! I know there are many people out there new to traveling who need tips on choosing destinations, preparing for trips, and packing well. I plan to share tips on these travel topics and much more on my new travel blog!
Four Tips For A Perfect Family Vacation
Family vacations are one of the most exciting things to do together. It's about creating fun memories, exploring new places, and just enjoying your time with family in a way you may forget to do on a daily basis. Vacations are designed to be stress-free, but when you travel with children, you might face certain levels of stress unless you plan accordingly. Follow the steps in this family vacation guide to get the most stress-free vacation possible.
Don't Rush
The most important thing to remember is to not rush. Nobody enjoys being raced from one attraction to the next, and kids enjoy it even less. If you are driving, take a lot of stops for bathroom breaks or even just to let everyone stretch their legs and get out of the vehicle for a bit. Calculate the route and add on a few hours for breaks so you can travel comfortably.
Make It Age Appropriate
You should plan the vacation around the age of the youngest child. If you have a baby, you're going to want to take lots of breaks and visit attractions that aren't overstimulating. A lot of people take vacations during the summer, but it's best to plan the vacation when the weather isn't severely hot if you are taking a baby with you. If you do vacation during the summer heat, try to plan a lot of visits to indoor attractions with air conditioning. And vice versa, plan for warm attractions if you are vacationing in winter months.
Don't Overpack
When you have kids, it's easy to over pack. The last thing you want is to be stuck somewhere without some essential item. However, a lot of items simply aren't needed or can be purchased once you reach your destination. Also, a lot of people buy souvenirs when they travel. You don't want to run out of room in the storage area of the vehicle.
Plan for Boredom
Kids can easily get bored when traveling in a car for long periods of time. Do your best to stave off the boredom ahead of time. Pack a small bag for each kid to keep with them for the car ride. The bags should be easily accessible during the trip. Place small toys or electronics inside the bags, making them age appropriate for each kid. Ask the older kids to help entertain the babies or younger kids if necessary.
Conclusion
Write out your itinerary before you leave. Make sure you leave enough time throughout the days for naps with younger children. You don't want them to be tired and miserable when you are sightseeing or visiting attractions. Also, make a 'rainy day' plan in case you are stuck inside during inclement weather.