Taking your kids everywhere makes memories that last a lifetime and gives them a great appreciation for other places and cultures. But, it’s often not easy traveling as a family. Flight delays, crummy weather, a weary toddler, and a host of other circumstances can all mess up the best laid plans.
One of my favorite tips is to encourage your kids to help you plan your trip. After you decide on a destination, have them read books about it, research online and watch videos about the place you’re going. That way, they have a vested interest and excitement before going, even if you were the one to decide on the location. We had the kids do a little research before our trip to Boston.
Nick and I had been several times, and the only thing we had on our list was walking the Freedom Trail and hitting up Mike’s Pastry Shop for the best cannoli this side of the Atlantic, but by having the kids read about Paul Revere’s ride made it even more meaningful for all of us. Nothing like your 8-year old yelling down the streets of Boston: “The British are coming!” They also discovered the New England Aquarium and The Science Center and asked to add both to our list of must-sees.
I asked some awesome family travel bloggers to share their best advice for traveling with kids. It’s all spot-on!
Cynthia, Mackintosh Travels
Go into your travels knowing that it’s not all about you. You have to compromise and know that you will be doing other things that other family members will enjoy and vice versa. You might actually enjoy what others will want to do. Go with a positive and learning spirit.
Melissa, A Little Time and a Keyboard
Sometimes, you can be overwhelmed with all of the attractions at your vacation location. Don’t feel like you have to do it all. A while ago, I heard some advice that if you like a place you should leave something undone so you have to go back. Highlight a few must-go places and leave room for exploring on the whim.
Sade, LexandLoTravel
My best travel advice for journeying families is to remember that it is an experience not only for you, but for the little ones too! Be patient, answer their questions, and enjoy making them good global citizens. Also, traveling can be long and boring to anyone, so pack something to stimulate their little minds while you are on the go.
Keri, Our Globetrotters
Have plans, especially accommodation in a good location booked in advance – but build in a lot of flexibility. Things can and do go wrong and if anything is too concrete, this is when it can feel like your trip is falling apart and everyone’s tempers get frayed. I like to know in advance what the possible things are we can do at a new location, but unless they vitally require tickets to be bought in advance, or a show that’s only on certain days or times for example, I let the timetable be very fluid. This allows for when legs are too tired to walk any further, when kids get sick or the weather doesn’t work your way.
Laura, The Rambling Ramnaths
Learn to be flexible! We have discovered that our plans rarely ever turn out exactly how we plan, but I’m discovering that the memories that last a lifetime are made in the unexpected. Plus, traveling with kids can be unpredictable, so having an open mind and being flexible from the beginning helps lowers expectations and allows me to keep a positive attitude during an entire trip.
Take this great advice and apply it to your travels for 2019 and beyond!
