Last Updated on 6th April 2024
Are you and your kids eager to get away from it all this holiday season? With a little bit of planning and preparation, you can make it a stress free family holiday and ensure that everyone has a great time. This applies whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or the perfect trip abroad. In this article, we’ll provide helpful tips on how to travel with your children so that you can enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
Make It A Joint Decision
This means involving your children in the planning and preparation stages of the family holiday trip so they feel included. Encourage them to make suggestions on activities or destinations they’d like to visit. This way, they’ll be far less likely to become bored or grumpy whilst on vacation.
You can also involve all family members in packing by giving them a list of things to choose from. Let them select their own clothes, toys, and books to bring along. By doing this, you delegate some responsibilities and give your child a sense of control.
By using this approach, you can teach your children valuable life skills (such as problem-solving, collaboration, and responsibility).
Look For Family-Friendly Holidays
It’s important to choose destinations that offer something for everyone. This means finding activities and attractions that cater to children as well as adults. Beach destinations offer plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun in the sun. They include swimming, building sandcastles, and beach games. Alternatively, theme parks are great for families with kids who love rides and attractions.
In terms of accommodation, look for hotels or resorts that offer kid-friendly amenities. Some examples include pools, play areas, and organized activities. All-inclusive packages can make things easier by including all the facilities, meals and some activities at the price of the room.
If you go online in search of relaxing Guernsey family holidays, you can find top family-friendly hotels and advice on activities and tours. You can learn about weekend breaks, self-catering packages, beach hotels and hotels with pools.
Create An Itinerary In Advance
This doesn’t have to be complicated, but it should be detailed enough to cover all of your planned stress free activities. Start by researching your destination and making a list of all the attractions that interest you and your family. Next, prioritize them based on their importance and proximity to each other.
This will help you plan out your days efficiently and ensure you don’t miss anywhere important. You should also schedule some downtime for rest or any unexpected events that arise.
You should also research restaurants beforehand and make reservations if necessary. This will help you feed your kids quickly before they become ‘hangry!’ You can alternatively prepare picnic lunches for a more budget-friendly option.
Prepare Some Travel Entertainment
It can often be a challenge to keep kids content during long journeys. Fortunately, plenty of options can keep your kids happy and occupied. A great example is downloading (in advance) movies or TV shows onto a tablet or laptop. This way, your child can watch their favourite programs on the go. Just be sure to bring headphones and a charging cable. Also, many libraries offer free digital audiobook rentals. Once again, they can be downloaded onto devices such as smartphones and tablets.
Another great way to keep your children happy is through games and activities. Card games, colouring books, and puzzle books are easy to pack and can provide hours of fun. You could also try playing games like “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to help pass the time on long car rides or flights.
Monitor The Use Of Technology
Whilst electronic devices can keep children busy during long trips, it’s essential to oversee their use. Too much screen time can negatively affect children’s physical and mental health. It’s wise to designate specific times of the day for device use or to limit the amount of time spent in total per day. It’s important to ensure that children have boundaries and are engaging in other activities (such as reading or playing outdoors) that don’t involve screens.
Parents should ensure their children watch age-appropriate videos and play games that align with their values and beliefs. Additionally, parents should talk with their kids about recognizing safe online practices – such as not giving out personal information or talking to strangers online.
Keep Everyone Healthy
To ensure that everyone stays hydrated, it’s important to pack plenty of drinks. Bring enough water bottles for each family member and some juice boxes or sports drinks for extra energy. Another tip for your travels is to pack healthy snacks. Avoid sugary treats and opt for fresh fruits, raw veggies, and whole-grain crackers. This will give you and your kids the energy needed to explore without crashing or feeling sluggish.
By providing regular snacks and drinks during your journey, you’ll be able to keep your kids more content and occupied. Finally, travelling can be exhausting, especially when exploring new places with excited young children. Schedule breaks throughout the day where you can all take a moment to relax and recharge. This will allow everyone to stay alert and avoid getting sick from exhaustion or over-exertion.
Manage Your Money Wisely
Before you travel, create a budget for your trip – and stick to it as much as possible. Consider all expenses, including transportation, accommodations, meals, travel insurance, activities, and souvenirs. Research online for information on deals and discounts when travelling abroad like flights, airport, hotels, tickets, and attractions. By bringing snacks from home or packing sandwiches, you can avoid having to buy expensive food options and save money at your destination.
Plan free or low-cost activities like hiking trails or visiting local parks and museums. Finally, avoid impulse buying by setting limits with your children before leaving home. Make sure everyone is aware of how much spending money they have available for each day of the trip.
Thanks to these helpful hints, you’ll be all set to have an amazing time. There’ll be something for both young and old, and plenty of space for relaxation. When you return home, your family will have lots of happy memories and photos to treasure for a lifetime.
