Family vacations and road trips are a blast – but as any parent knows, they can also take a considerable amount of work to pull off. Happily, just by employing a few simple tips (e.g. learning to pack just enough clothing and gear for the visit, remembering to bring along a blanket, and being sure to plot a flexible itinerary in advance so you have stopovers and fallbacks if needed) it’s easy to make any voyage far more enjoyable. Following, you’ll find a variety of expert hints and tips that can help make traveling with kids simpler – be sure to check our travel section frequently for more great ideas on how you and your family can make the most of every adventure.
Most flights offer TV shows and WiFi connections, but not all boast reliable Internet capabilities or serve up children’s favorite picks. To avoid running out of digital diversions, just preload your favorite phone or tablet in advance with a variety of apps, games, movies, music you know your tots will like. However, where possible, it’s best to focus on real-world fun and games – coloring books, novels, low-tech activities, etc. – and save tech toys for when they need an emergency break from boredom.
Costs can vary depending on the items you’re looking to send ahead, but if you’re looking to shed a few pounds of luggage and save on transportation charges, consider preordering items and gear and shipping them ahead to your destination. Amazon Prime users may especially find this option useful, as they can have everyday items or special needs goods sent ahead in no time flat so deliveries are ready and waiting on arrival. Using this trick can also help you save luggage space for more essential items.
If you’re on a long road trip, switching drivers – and seating positions in the vehicle – can help make the voyage more entertaining. For example: Having an adult in the rear of the car not only offers them a helpful rest break. It also provides them with the opportunity to engage with kids, play games, and enjoy more hands-on activities during the trip.
Whether you’re traveling with a newborn or a teen, regular breaks from travels can be a necessity, but also a helpful one. On the road, stops can help serve as a chance to break up the monotony of driving and – if you plan ahead and scout out opportune spots – provide a fun way to build in time for parks and roadside attractions. Likewise, it’s important to break up lengthy flights, and give yourself some time to stroll around and relax: Scheduling pitstops at different cities, or using popular apps to pinpoint the best restaurants or rest stops at airports, can help make your travels go much smoother.
Hotels offer great service and amenities – and they’re also a wise choice for single parents or families who may wish to take advantage of the opportunities they offer in terms of activities, babysitting, and chances for kids to interact and meet new people. But just as often, it pays to rent a local apartment, condo, or house online and live like a local – as well as enjoy a more permanent home away from home. Consider which best meets your needs before booking your trip, and – as always – be sure to check popular sites to see which venues enjoy the top star ratings from a wide cross-section of reviewers.
A native New Yorker, Carlos knows a lot(!) about pro-wrestling and still foolishly supports the Mets. Now living in New England with his wife and daughter, Carlos has written for www.Fatherly.com, ESPN, WWE, Men’s Journal, and Muscle & Fitness. When he’s not writing, Carlos is always looking for a new craft beer to drink.
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