The Best-kept Secrets of how to travel with kids

/ Articles / By Sarah Rothschild

As a family who loves to travel, we’ve learned a lot about making trips fun and stress-free with our four kids, including twins. We’ve visited over 40 countries on six continents¹. Our secret to a great trip is simple: Snacks, Activities, and Sleeping Aids.

These three things are key for a smooth flight or road trip with kids¹. We pack snacks in special containers or bags¹. We also have stackable containers for when the snacks are all gone¹. Keeping healthy snacks on hand helps keep our kids happy and full during the trip¹.

Keeping our kids busy and happy is also crucial. We have lots of activities, from fun games to quiet time¹. We use things like BusyBags and mess-free painting to stop boredom¹.

Rest is also key for family travel. We use blankets, neck pillows, and an Amazon Fire tablet with controls for entertainment¹.

Key Takeaways

Develop a simple and effective S.A.S. strategy (Snacks, Activities, Sleeping Aids) for successful family travel
Pack nourishing, portable snacks in reusable containers to keep kids fueled and satisfied
Curate a variety of engaging activities, from interactive games to relaxing diversions, to keep young minds occupied
Prioritize quality rest with comfortable sleeping aids and entertainment options
Embrace the adventure and create lasting memories with your little explorers

Preparing for the Journey: Essential Tips

Going on a family trip can be thrilling and a bit scary. To make it smooth and fun, planning is key. Think about renting a house or apartment for longer trips. This gives kids more room to play, a place to make meals, and separate beds for better sleep².

Getting your child used to sleeping in new places is important. Use portable cribs or new sleeping spots to make it easier. Kids often struggle to sleep in new spots². To help them, get them moving with activities like walking, playing, or meeting new people before settling in².

Snacks: Nourishing Bites for the Road

Every family trip needs a good snack plan. The author lets each family member have one bag for snacks on long flights. They use stainless or cloth containers to keep snacks fresh. For the plane, they use lunch boxes with many compartments for all the snacks³.

Activities: Keeping Little Minds Engaged

It can be tough to keep kids busy on the road, but planning helps. The author sorts activities into fun and calm ones for when kids are worn out. For quiet times, they bring books, an Amazon Fire tablet with controls, and headphones³. Activity bags or DIY ones with dollar store items are great for keeping kids busy³.

It’s key to understand and manage kids’ feelings on trips. New places can be too much for them, leading to upset or resistance². With good planning and flexibility, you can make the trip fun for everyone.

Kids Clubs: Your Vacation Lifeline

Planning your family’s next trip? Think about kids clubs. They offer a break for parents and keep your kids happy and safe⁴. But, make sure to check the club’s safety first, like the staff-to-child ratio and emergency plans⁵.

Safety First: Vetting the Club

Look for kids clubs run by the resort itself. They usually have stricter rules for their staff⁴. Make sure they have good safety steps, like secure sign-ins, trained staff, and follow safety rules⁵. Your child’s safety is the most important thing when picking a kids club.

Managing Guilt: A Balanced Approach

Kids might not want to go to the kids club at first, but they might like it⁶. Try a half-day first and plan a fun activity together later⁶. The kids club lets parents relax and enjoy some alone time while still being with their family.

Accommodation Options	Pros	Cons
All-Inclusive Resorts	– Supervised childcare programs – Activities and entertainment for kids	– Higher overall costs
Cruise Ships	– On-board kids clubs – Age-specific programming	– Limited flexibility for families
Vacation Rentals	– More space for families – Potential for cost savings	– Less structured activities for kids

“Using a kids club can change the game for family vacations. It lets parents rest while making sure their kids are safe and having fun.”⁶

Making Memories: Experiences to Cherish

Traveling with kids lets you share the local culture with them. This can make memories that last forever. Going to local shows and cultural events is a great way to bond and learn about new places. Exploring food markets and picnics lets you taste and experience the local flavors.

Local Shows and Cultural Immersion

Encourage your kids to try new things at local shows and events. These activities are fun for kids, showing them new sights, sounds, and traditions. For example, your son might remember the Tlingit tribal dance in Sitka, Alaska, where he met Eskimo kids. Your daughter might still talk about learning a Tahitian hip-shaking “drumming dance” at the Polynesian Cultural Center in Oahu.⁷

Exploring Food Markets and Picnics

Food markets are great for immersing your family in local culture. Let your kids check out the stalls, try new foods, and see the “crazy” items. Picnicking in parks is another fun option, letting kids eat while they sightsee and then play freely⁸.

These cultural experiences make lasting memories for your family. By stepping out of the usual and exploring the unique sights, sounds, and tastes of your destinations, you create unforgettable moments. This helps your kids understand the world better.

how to travel with kids: Mastering the Art

Traveling with kids can be both exciting and tough. But, with the right mindset and planning, you can ace traveling with kids and make memories that last⁹.

For successful family trips, find a balance. Mix planned activities with spontaneous fun to keep everyone happy⁹. Being organized and flexible helps you handle the journey smoothly, making it fun for all⁹.

Packing light is key when traveling with kids. The idea is to bring just one suitcase and a personal item for a short trip⁹. This makes things easier and lets you enjoy the trip more, not worrying about heavy bags⁹.

Packing Recommendations	Quantity
Bathing suits	2
ExOfficio underwear	3 pairs

With a light pack, you can wash clothes during your trip. This keeps you fresh and comfy⁹. The article suggests quick-drying clothes and travel clotheslines for easy laundry⁹.

Planning is also crucial. Book flights and activities early to reduce stress and improve your trip¹⁰. Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed, and preparing kids for flying helps them feel more comfortable¹⁰.

Learning how to travel with kids helps make lasting memories and brings your family closer. Whether it’s exploring new places, trying tasty foods, or just enjoying the moment, your trip will be filled with joy and laughter¹¹.

Collecting Souvenirs: A Fun Mission

Collecting souvenirs on a trip is a great way for kids to remember their adventures. They can gather things like colorful postcards, detailed maps, and hotel signs. These small items become special keepsakes¹².

Postcards, Maps, and Hotel Mementos

Ask your kids to pick up postcards from each place they visit. They can write notes to family and friends about their fun times. Tourist offices have maps that are cheap and can be turned into art for their rooms¹². It’s also fun to collect hotel do not disturb signs. They can be unique decorations and spark interesting conversations.

Seashells from Around the World

Seashells are great souvenirs that link kids to the beaches they’ve been to. Have them collect shells from different beaches and keep them in separate groups. This activity gives them a sense of purpose and keeps them connected to the places they’ve visited¹².

It’s important to choose souvenirs that your kids will truly value and keep¹². By letting them pick out the items, you make sure they’ll be proud to show them off. Souvenirs help keep the memories of your family’s trips alive.

“Collecting souvenirs is a wonderful way to keep the memories of a trip alive, especially when traveling with kids. It’s a fun mission that engages them and creates lasting keepsakes.”

Embracing Adventure: A Mindset Shift

Family travel can be incredibly rewarding if you embrace adventure and stay flexible¹³. Most families have a short time for vacation, usually 1-2 weeks¹³. Slow travel is gaining popularity, challenging the old idea of rushing to see everything¹³. It’s about taking it easy and diving deep into the local culture¹³.

Slow travel means enjoying downtime and exploring at your own pace, without a tight plan¹³. It’s about living like a local and connecting with the community¹³. Even with little time, slow travel lets you relax and enjoy the journey¹³. Many travelers now prefer a calm and curious way of exploring, rather than just checking off sights¹³.

When you travel with your family, welcome the unexpected and be ready for surprises¹⁴. The author talks about traveling with their child since he was a baby, showing how early exposure to travel is common¹⁴. They share stories of surprises from others about traveling with kids, highlighting how people might see it differently¹⁴. Being flexible and open-minded can make your trips unforgettable and strengthen family bonds¹³.

Let go of the need to control everything and accept the surprises of traveling with kids¹⁴. The post talks about the importance of planning and mindset for stress-free family trips¹⁴. Being flexible with your plans means you can have memorable moments¹⁴. With an open mind and a readiness to adapt, you’ll find endless possibilities and make memories that bring your family closer¹³.

“The best journeys in life are those that answer questions you never thought to ask.”

So, get your bags ready, bring your family, and start a journey that will change your view and spark a love for exploring¹⁴. The author shows how traveling with kids can be rewarding, teaching and bonding opportunities¹⁴.

Conclusion: Creating Lasting Family Bonds

Throughout this article, we’ve learned how to travel with kids and make strong family bonds. Traveling with kids can change your family for the better. It’s full of chances to make memories and grow closer¹⁵.

Being adventurous and flexible helps you enjoy traveling with kids more¹⁶. You can hike, sit by a campfire, or explore new places together. These moments bring you closer, make talking easier, and make your family stronger¹⁶. With the right attitude and planning, your family trips will be something you always look forward to¹⁷.

Remember, the best part of family trips isn’t where you go but how you get there. Enjoy the mess, the surprises, and every moment with your family. These experiences create strong family ties and memories to keep for a lifetime¹⁷.

FAQ

What is the author’s key to successful family travel?

The author uses a simple acronym, S.A.S (snacks, activities, and sleeping aids), for successful flights with kids. Another useful acronym is HALT (hungry, angry, lonely, and tired), which helps tackle common issues during travel.

How does the author prepare snacks for long-haul flights?

For snacks, the author packs one special piece of hand luggage. She uses stainless containers or food-grade cloth to store snacks. Stackable containers help reduce space after eating. She also brings compartmental lunch boxes with various snacks for the plane.

What kind of activities does the author recommend for family travel?

The author suggests activities that are both fun and relaxing. For relaxation, she uses reading books, an Amazon Fire tablet with educational apps, and headphones. This helps kids settle down and sleep. She also recommends pre-made activity bags or making her own with items from the dollar store.

How does the author approach kids clubs on family vacations?

The author looks for kids clubs run by the resorts themselves. This ensures the counselors are well-checked. If kids are hesitant, she suggests trying it for half a day and planning a fun activity later.

What types of cultural experiences does the author recommend for families?

The author suggests taking kids to shows they might not see otherwise. The vibrant colors and activities can engage them. Food markets are another great way to experience local culture, letting kids try new foods and take photos. Picnics in big parks are also a good idea. Kids can explore, eat, and then play afterwards.

How does the author encourage kids to collect souvenirs?

Kids enjoy collecting postcards, maps, and hotel do not disturb signs. Gathering seashells from different places gives them a sense of adventure. It helps them remember where they’ve been.

What is the author’s approach to embracing adventure when traveling with kids?

The author believes in being flexible and open-minded when traveling with kids. Adapting to unexpected situations can lead to unforgettable experiences. This approach helps create strong family bonds and lasting memories.

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