Low-Stress Ways You Can Travel With Kids

Guest article provided by: Anya Willis FitKids.info

Planning a vacation can feel like work while you’re trying to balance having fun with taking care of your children. You’ll want to make sure that you plan a fun time for family members of different ages and interests. Try some of the following tips to help ease everyone into vacation mode.

Pre-Planning Tips for Traveling with Kids

Chores around the house don’t necessarily end when you’re leaving on a vacation. Throw out food that may spoil during your time away from home. Make a grocery list for replacements when you return. Many grocery stores offer pick-up and delivery services from an app, so you can use the app as a digital grocery list. Taking out the trash and unplugging some electronics means that odors won’t build up in your house — and you’ll lower your electric bill.

To the Nations Worldwide notes that making a list of what to pack helps you remember important items while keeping your luggage light. Children love helping their parents, and carrying their own baggage is one way to show it. Some items you want to take include spare electronics chargers, camera batteries, headphones, toys, and games. Research your airline’s list of allowed and forbidden items to lessen travel delays.

Packing Tips

Checking the weather before you pack helps determine the clothing you need. Additionally, using only a few outfits for sightseeing and hiking helps you keep your bags light. Packing in advance, rolling your clothes, or folding them into cubes helps save time and space. Packing non-perishable snacks can nourish hungry and tired kids who aren’t used to sightseeing trips. Applesauce cups, dried fruit, nuts, baked chips, energy bars, and pre-popped popcorn are all healthy snack options. 

Involving the Kids

Children who are old enough can be great helpers in preparing for trips. They can help with researching kid-friendly destinations, hotels, and rentals. Ask them what they’d like to do as you plan an itinerary with everyone in mind. Help inspire your kids’ imaginations by telling them about your childhood vacations, or read travel books together. 

Enjoying Vacation 

Going on vacation offers many benefits, but only if you’re able to relax. Coping with stress is an important habit regardless of your location. For instance, you may find yourself in situations where making a choice creates stress. Should this happen to you, stepping away and taking deep, slow breaths may help you evaluate your choices. Mind Is The Master explains that guided meditations can also help lessen anxiety and are useful when you have at least 20 minutes of alone time.

Sometimes busy families decide the best way to cut costs, time, and stress levels is with a ready-made destination. Investing in a vacation home can not only mean a getaway of your own, but renting it out can mean it pays for itself. You’ll have that home away from home any time you wish to get away, plus you’ll be very familiar with nearby attractions and local restaurants. Of course, you’ll also save money by being able to prepare your own meals at your second home.

Another way to save money on vacations is by checking for sales. For instance, if you’re eager to take your family to Disney World, make sure you start by checking Mouse Life Today to help set your budget, plan your itinerary, and make the most of your money. Just click here to get started!

Scheduling Trips

Over-planning your schedule is easy to do, but having too many planned activities can defeat the purpose of a vacation. Make relaxing and doing nothing part of the itinerary. Discuss your budget with your children to teach them that financial responsibility and having fun go together. Consider which activities are doable and which can wait until the next family trip.

Planning Ahead When Traveling With Kids

By following the tips above – including early planning, smart packing, involving the kids, and even buying a vacation home – you can ensure that travelling with kids is fun for the whole family. So check the weather and make checklists to help make sure you don’t forget an item. 

Anya Willis is a mother of three and has been a yoga instructor for the past 12 years.  Reflecting on her younger years, she became passionate about kids being active and healthy.  She created FitKids.info to help parents find fitness alternatives to keep their kiddos moving.