Five Tips for Traveling with Your Family

Make the Travel Easy with 5 Great Tips for your Family

 

*this is a guest post written by Kendra Thornton

It's no secret that traveling with children can be challenging. That said, there's no reason to feel overwhelmed. With these five tips moms can step forward boldly to take on the family vacation with panache and flair. With proper preparation, your dream of a great family vacation is easy.

Don't book accommodations without research

Pulling up to a hotel after a long day of travel and adventure and looking around at a dive you wouldn't wish upon anyone can really put a damper on the trip. Take the time to do research before you book a room. Hotel pools can vary from glistening water to virtually swampy. If you want to cut down on your event planning, find a hotel or resort that provides dining, entertainment and kid friendly amenities right at your doorstep.  My family’s last big trip to Hawaii wouldn’t have been the same without the top rated kids club available at our Honolulu hotel. If you will be camping, don't assume just any spot is a good spot. Most campsites have photos online. Some time spent surfing can save the hours that could be spent looking for a better site upon arrival.

 

 

(photo is from the personal collection of the Juliani family)

 

Break up activities to keep it fresh

No matter how excited kids say they are about a particular destination, spending the entire day sightseeing will be tiring. Incorporate breaks into your routine that include fun snacks and some downtime. If you are traveling by car, think about stopping at a park or visiting a monument to break up your trip. Slipping in some well-timed breaks will make everything else go smoother.

Toss aside the everyday but keep the routine

You want to ensure your vacation is something all of you will remember fondly. It should be different from everything you do at home. That said, you need to keep in touch with the routines of home life. You might be tempted to eat on the fly to keep your pace. Just remember the kids might not have the same game plan. Keep mealtimes as close to what they are used to as possible. Bedtime in a strange room should resemble going to sleep at home as closely as you can. Keep story time alive and don’t skip the naps. When everything around them is new, little familiar things can make a world of difference.

 

 

(photo is from the personal collection of the Juliani family)
 

Get a bang out of the Fourth of July without getting burned

Independence Day is integral to family summer fun and one of the most traveled weekends in the U.S. Amazing fireworks displays will take place across the country. Tying one in with a beach BBQ or a few hours at a water park or mountain lake is natural symmetry. Wherever your Fourth of July plans take your family this year, remember safety.  Sparklers can heat up to 2,000 degrees, hot enough to melt certain metals.  Use caution at any fireworks show and be sure to set up your blanket a safe distance from the professionals. Being safe and healthy is absolutely essential for a great family trip.

Pack toys but leave most home

You don't want to add to your luggage count with piles of toys. Ask the kids what they want to take and make sure the choices are favorites. Pick a few that can be carried on a flight if traveling by air. An inevitable part of travel is occasional boredom. Having a small toy from home to ease the malaise will do wonders.

Bio: Kendra Thornton: Travel advocate, TV spokesperson, PR businesswoman, proud wife and mama of 3. I am a long time travel expert who has been packing my bags and traveling the world since I was 3 months old! I've found my utmost desire in life is right here in my own home. I have taken my excitement for travel and brought it to you with some of my favorite travel tips and tricks. Enjoy!

Thank you Kendra for the awesome travel trips !