Vacationing with children can be very fun, but it can also prove to be quite intimidating and stressful. In order to get the most out of your vacation, there is one thing to keep in mind; children are used to the specific routine you have set up at home.
No matter what you do, there are bound to be tantrums, and moments that will test your patience but if you take things one step at a time, you will get through everything just fine and end up having a great time.
Be Prepared for Anything and Everything: Packing
Packing is a large part of any trip and when you have children to pack for, this can become even more crucial. Being away from home can be a pretty big shocker for any youngster, even if they’re having the time of their life so incorporate the things they love most into your travels. This may include their favorite blanket, snuggle buddy, treats or a completely new toy that will keep them busy during flights, drives and other times where there may be a lot of sitting still.
Even if you have checked the weather forecast what feels like 100 times and the weather looks fantastic, it never hurts to pack a jacket for each of you, and shoes for all types of weather. You may not need them, but if you end up needing them and don’t have them handy, this could prove to be disastrous.
Keep Your Belongings Safe
Every bag you pack, even those that you plan to have as carry-ons should be marked in case they are misplaced, even if all you put is a sheet of paper with your first name and phone number inside. It is very important that you plan well in advance and remember to think of the things that you use on a daily basis, such as your toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, glasses, and any medications that may be required.
These are some of the most commonly left-behind items. Also, check with the place you will be staying and see if they already have any of these things so you can save some space in your bags.
Find yourself struggling to fit everything into your suitcases? Why not roll your clothes instead of folding them? This is actually going to save you quite a bit of room and it’s easy for children to do, which you’ll both love!
What to Do While Away
Plan things that both you and your child can enjoy. A lot of parents find themselves struggling to keep their kids in line and this is because children get bored and antsy much quicker than we, as adults, do. They don’t have all the years of experience dealing with long lines and being on hold.
If possible, take them to locations they will remember from back home, such as their favorite restaurant. This can not only help with homesickness, but also keeping your child entertained for a period of time. Planning to take part in such events later in the evening may be the best choice so they have something to look forward to.
Safety Concerns, Be Gone
Safety is a very important aspect of any trip, whether it be to the grocery store or an adventure to a completely unknown destination. The most common problems that arise during vacations especially are sun stroke, burns and dehydration. Sun stroke (or ‘heat stroke’) occurs when a person’s body temperature reaches more than 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Be sure to always have food and water readily available, especially for the young or elderly members of your group, as they are the ones most easily affected. Instead of purchasing food and water while out and about, you may want to consider bringing your own reusable water bottle and snacks in a miniature cooler that you can take anywhere.
The Most Important Traveling Tip
Drum roll, please. Patience! As simple as that may sound, it is going to take quite a bit of patience in order to get through your trip. One way to make sure you don’t want to pull your hair out during your excursion is to give yourself plenty of time to get everything done, not only before but also during your trip.
Make sure you get to the airport at least thirty minutes to an hour earlier than you would if you were on a vacation solo. This is going to give you time to make sure your child can eat if they have forgotten to do so, or run to the restroom. Expecting the unexpected is the best thing you can do when vacationing with kids.