You’ve been dreaming about the perfect family vacation—a chance to travel, do new things and share adventures with loved ones.
But traveling with kids gets hectic very quickly. In addition to keeping everyone entertained and the hassle of all the details, family trips can be tricky to plan.
Not to worry! We have a checklist you can do!
Plan and Book in Advance
Once you have settled on a destination, it is time to organize the details. Air tickets, hotel rooms, and transportation must be booked long in advance for a family vacation. You’ll rest easier knowing everything is lined up, and you scored the best deals and best rooms to support your family’s needs.
Seek out kids' clubs, babysitting, and pool-oriented hotels or resorts. Some even include cribs, highchairs, and rollaway beds, complimentary.
When we work together and plan ahead of time, I can usually offer you a package that requires a deposit and then you can make payments until the final payment date. This strategy secure rates for the best rates and availability!
Create a Flexible Itinerary
Kids traveling is a guarantee the unexpected can happen. Have an idea of what you do in certain scenarios. You want to be prepared to make it easy. So, don’t be afraid of surprises or free time. If your 5-year-old has his heart set on spending the whole day in the water park rather than a museum, go for it!
Allow for chill-out periods to rest up and change plans as necessary. It’s better to reserve any memorable sights or experiences for another day rather than rushing around to cover all the bases.
Pack Smart and Light
Too much baggage is literally carrying extra baggage around and can make for a stressful family holiday. I like to prepack and then go through my bags and really think about what I NEED versus what I think I need. I always end up taking stuff out. Begin with a checklist of must-haves for each member of the family. Stay with lightweight clothes that can be layered, mixed, and matched. I like to have black, tan, navy and white items. Throw on a scarf or cute purse for a pop or color.
Take travel-size toiletries, chargers, pills, snacks, and so on. Pack toys, books, gadgets, and other distractions. A small first aid kit can save you from small cuts and migraines. Include comfort items such as blankets or soft toys to comfort little ones.
You roll the clothing up and use packing cubes to put everything away clean and orderly. If you have room, you should also carry an extra blank bag for souvenirs. The fewer the bags you check, the better! If you can do just carry on, even better!
Choose Family-Friendly Destinations
Choose a family-friendly resort, and you are set up for success. Resorts, parks, beaches—see if they have a kids’ area. Kid-friendly attractions, a kid’s menu in restaurants, and kid-friendly activities are some of the things that make vacationing easier with the kiddos.
All-inclusive hotels are popular with families. The room, the food, and the shows are in one package, and they do everything for you, so you don’t have to. Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican are your best options for the all-inclusive experience. You will get the most bang for your bank!
The national parks also offer gorgeous outdoor adventures for nature-loving families. Pick easy trails for children.
Make Things Easier Through Technology
Use apps and technological assistance to help kids travel. Download offline maps and translators to keep you on track. Hotels, theme parks, and attractions offer mobile apps that show timetables, dining options, etc.
Maps, reservations, tickets, and other critical details can be kept safe using your phone wallet or travel company apps. You’ll skip through check-ins and stutter for documents. Adapter power banks and kid-sized tablets with movies are car trip revolutionaries!
Prepare For Comfortable Journeys
Going anywhere you want to go with the entire crew requires planning, especially for long flights and car journeys. Bring snacks, water, and boredom busters to make it through long waits and keep nervous little travelers busy. Pack extra wear and essentials for messy mess and delays.
On car journeys, make frequent stops to stretch your legs, grab snacks, and expend energy. Use tablet computers and play toys, books, coloring books, and games. Remember headphones—for children and adults!
Focus on Safety
Create identification bracelets or cards containing kids’ contact information. Tell someone at home about your plans and emergency numbers.
Find out about local medical centers in the area. You’ll also learn basic safety strategies, such as crowd proximity and asking who to call for assistance if you’re lost.
Always purchasing travel insurance.
Have Fun!
Ultimately, enjoy each other’s company instead of getting everything done.
Accept what the kids don’t want or have no idea about. Disappointments happen along the way, but that’s OK.
Are you ready to go on an amazing famly vacation? Book your next family travel vacation with Storymakers Travel. You’ll be glad did.
