There’s no getting around it: Traveling with kids is not easy. In fact, it can be quite difficult and stressful, especially if you don’t do some planning and preparation ahead of time. From non-stop potty breaks to all-out meltdowns, from riding in a messy vehicle to trying to keep your children from bothering other passengers on the plane, a lack of planning can result in a nerve-wracking and tiring trip.
Of course, that doesn’t take your own stresses into consideration. For many people, travel is a way to unwind for work and other responsibilities. For people in management positions, who are often under a considerable amount of stress compared to others, the need for a relaxing getaway is beyond necessary. That’s why it’s important to take steps to reduce stress.
But if you prepare and strategize for your trip, the entire family’s experience can be easier, more fun, and possibly even relaxing! So don’t shy away from traveling with your children in tow. Instead, implement some (or all) of these budget-friendly tips so that you can have a trip that creates good memories for the whole family:
Go somewhere that appeals to everyone.
First things first: You need to plan your trip to a destination that offers something to each person in the family. For example, younger children might love visiting a Disney theme park, waterpark, or miniature golf course. Perhaps you and your partner want to check out a museum or take a tour of historic sights. Also, think of activities all of you can enjoy, such as hiking, skiing, or going to a festival.
Bring a tablet for the kiddos.
Along with going to a destination that has activities for the whole family to enjoy, you will want to consider the times in between sightseeing and travel. For instance, your kids will need to stay entertained at night. Bring a tablet with you so that your kids can watch shows and movies while they’re winding down in the evening. If you don’t have a tablet yet, look to stores like Walmart, which offers daily deals. You can expand your Walmart savings by requesting a price match, signing up for a Walmart credit card, and finding promo codes and cash back deals.
Pack all the snacks.
Hunger is the enemy when it comes to traveling with kids. And to save yourself from having to buy lots of food at convenience stores or airports, prepare some healthy snacks beforehand to bring along. Just be sure not to pack too many sugary snacks!
Emphasize the journey.
If you’re driving to your destination, it’s important to focus on the journey, not the destination. Try to make the road trip fun by playing free car games, such as I Spy, Slug Bug, the license plate game, or a scavenger hunt. Along with bringing a tablet, come prepared with some educational activities, such as Road Sign Math, Fuel Fill-Up Math, or the Geography Game.
Furthermore, take regular breaks to use the bathroom, stretch and rest; too many hours in the car can be tough for children, and you’ll need breaks too! If you don’t embrace the journey, half your trip might be lost in the rush of trying to get where you’re going.
Book well in advance.
Sure, you might be able to score some good last-minute deals. But it’s a risky strategy to wait until a week or two before you leave on your trip to book your lodging, flights, and so on. You can be certain that you’ll save money if you book everything months in advance. And if you’re traveling in peak season, you won’t have as many problems finding a place to stay, getting tickets to your favorite theme park, and making dinner reservations.
With a little planning and preparation, you can have the best family trip ever. Choose a destination that offers something for everyone, and bring a tablet along so your kids have something to do at night. Also, pack plenty of healthy snacks, focus on the entire trip rather than just the destination, and make your bookings months in advance. Oh, and remember to adjust your expectations since traveling with kids is much different than traveling solo or as a couple!
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