7 Ways to Survive and Thrive while Traveling with Kids

Ah, children. Our sweet angel-faced offspring who bring us so much joy right up until the moment they start kicking the seat in front of them on an airplane… Or fighting with their siblings in the back seat during a road trip. Or incessantly crying or screaming.

Here are seven ways to survive traveling with kids and hopefully thrive on shared experiences.

Expectations

Have them, lower them, and then keep repeating them to yourself. Traveling with children is different than traveling kid-free and is often more of a ‘trip’ than a relaxing vacation. Knowing beforehand that you’ll be making memories and having fun, but quite possibly not sleeping in or getting much rest will help shoulder any disappointment at a vacation that ‘could have been.’

Compromise

Sure, we’d all love a culturally rich day of strolling museums or enjoying a ten-course tasting menu at a new restaurant – but will that keep your smallest travelers happy? Finding activities that can please everyone from tiny tots to adventurous teens may be tricky – but it’s certainly not impossible. Resist the urge to make every excursion educational. The right destination, resort, and especially travel advisor can arrange activities that suit the entire family’s interests, abilities, and ages.

Say Yes to Help

While it’s a luxury not all can afford, many resorts offer licensed nannies or babysitters – and in return, you get a few hours to yourself. Have a doting grandparent that would spring at the chance to spend more time with their grandkids? Again, another luxury not everyone has in their lives – but if you do, this may be the perfect opportunity to invite them on a dream holiday and get a bit of built-in babysitting to boot!

Bend, But Don’t Break

Bedtimes, healthy meals, and routines are all great. However, it may be worth bending the rules just a bit not to be bound to super-strict guidelines when traveling. You’re on vacation, remember? Know your hard lines and choose when to bend your rules to allow for a memorable vacation where everyone’s having a good time. This could mean your kids don’t touch a vegetable for days or stay up a bit later than usual. Pick your battles. Whatever works best for you, your family, and your sanity!

Entertainment Coordinator: At Your Service!

Consider building a special ‘vacation’ bag for your kiddos to only open during their travels. Fill it with some new toys, books, stickers, whatever they happen to be into these days – pack it chock full. Got a tablet and are ok with your children watching tv? Download a few programs in advance so that WiFi issues won’t hinder their entertainment (aka your sweet moment of silence), and for the sake of everyone: GET THEM HEADPHONES. This is your moment of silence, remember?

Cruise rather than Hotel Hop

Cruises work well for families because each person can choose an activity they enjoy during the day, then come together in the evening to share their experiences during dinner. There are multiple price points and ship sizes with a variety of dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest eater. Unpack once and explore a new port each day.

Make the Memories Last

A great idea for a family vacation is to set up a photo shoot with a professional photographer. Flytographer offers local photographers in over 350 destinations around the globe for fun, hassle-free photo shoots. Visit exciting landmarks and enjoy the moment while the professional captures those memories forever.

Traveling together brings families closer, but it’s important to pick destinations and plan activities that are enjoyable for everyone. I’d love to help you plan the ultimate family vacation and ensure that even your tiniest travelers are taken care of.

Let’s get started planning your luxury vacation. Reserve your complimentary consultation call with me to begin!

Featured image by Mika Baumeister