With summer on the horizon, many families find themselves planning vacations over the next few months. Whether your summer trips include visits to far-off family or exciting adventures at popular attractions, you want your family vacation to be a success. Each family’s trip will look different, according to the needs and preferences of its members. Still, here are some tips to help you plan a stellar family vacation, no matter your destination or timeframe.
Lists Are Your Friend
Trip planning is a lot of work, and unfortunately the rest of your life doesn’t stop so you can focus on your vacation. Because you need to plan the details in between all the other parts of your life, using lists is an excellent planning strategy and a way to organize tips for a successful family vacation. You can keep your lists electronically or on paper, but try to keep them at-hand most of the day. Then, when a trip detail pops into your head, you can quickly jot it down and not forget it. For the greatest effect, make separate lists for different categories. For instance, make lists for packing, tasks to complete before you leave, must-have items for travel, and activities for while you’re gone. When you have time to plan, refer to your lists and cross things off as you go to keep yourself on track.
Have a Travel Strategy
Whether you are traveling by plane or car, traveling with kids brings unique challenges. Loading up on snacks and favorite toys is definitely a good start, but clarifying your travel strategy will get you there with minimal drama. For example, decide how you will use electronic devices on your trip. Will your children use them the whole trip or only after all other entertainment is exhausted? If you plan for them to watch movies or shows, be sure the media is downloaded and doesn’t require the internet to play. Also, if your trip is a long one, bring charging cables so you don’t lose power and headphones for any time you spend in public places. New activities like coloring books, playdough, puzzles, and finger puppets pass the time well. Wrap them in wrapping paper to make them feel even more special and exciting. These are great tips for a successful family vacation.
Include Your Kids in Planning
Small children may not know much about planning a family vacation, but they do love to be included. Before the trip begins, explain how you will spend your time so your child knows what to expect. You can even make a visual calendar to help them see where you will be each day. To help your little one feel positive about the trip, find ways that they can be a part of the decision-making. For instance, if you are trying to decide where to eat dinner, ask what they would like to eat. Or if two different attractions catch your eye, ask your child which they would like to do first. While children cannot have complete control over a family vacation, they can certainly participate in a way that helps them feel like a part of the process.
Alternate Busyness with Downtime
Being away from home and the normal routine is tiring, even for adults. Children may find a family vacation, however fun, to be stressful if there aren’t plenty of breaks built in. With this in mind, be sure to alternate your busy, fun days with quiet times with just family. If you are visiting theme parks, consider a day in between visits to just enjoy your hotel pool and play games in your room. If your family vacation includes visiting family, make time to spend just with your children doing something fun and calm together. Also, stick to nap and bedtime schedules as much as possible while away from home.
Family vacations create memories that last a lifetime. Use these tips and tricks to make your family vacation even more successful. And if you are looking for childcare closer to home, check out Legacy Academy Woodruff Road. Call or visit today for more information.
