Even if you are a pro at traveling, traveling with family is a different experience altogether. You have to keep in mind that there are people along with you and you have to make sure that they have an awesome time. You can double the fun and enjoyment but one small mistake can ruin your entire trip. So, listed below are 14 helpful tips that you should keep in mind during family travel. Plan smart, pack smart and travel smart because YOLO!
1. Go for light luggage
Well, traveling light is a suggestion for every traveler whether traveling with family or solo but you should be more particular when you have a family to look after. It not only helps you in staying cool and carry your belongings with ease from one place to another but it also makes you tension free and you can look after your kids instead of paying more attention to your luggage.
2. Mind your booking habit
When you are traveling with your family and you have kids along, you should be careful while booking hotel rooms. Do not go for common sleeping areas because maybe you will want to spend some time with your spouse and with kids sleeping in the same area, it will get uncomfortable for the two of you. Try to book rooms with a separate sleeping area for kids.
3. Go for apartments
Apartments are readily available nowadays and they come fully furnished with more than 1 room, kitchen, bathroom and much more. Your kids will get a homely feel and there will be lots of space for each one of you. Also, make sure that the apartment is housed centrally so that you can head towards any attraction, marketplace or restaurant in a few minutes.
4. The right travel insurance
So, you feel travel insurance is a waste of money, right? But when you have kids along you should not back off. The right travel insurance is a must and if you are not confident enough about how to get travel insurance, take proper tips from an experienced person.
5. Avoid impromptu plans
Impromptu plans work fine while you travel solo but with your family along, you must make sure to plan and chalk out your trip from day 1 to your returning tickets. You cannot take chances when traveling with kids. Do not forget to make all the reservations pre hand so that your kids and spouse feel comfortable all the while.
6. Pick up the perfect destination
You have to be very wise and careful while selecting the perfect destination for an awesome family trip. Kids always look for fun and activities at amusement parks. Alternately, you and your spouse require your dose of adult fun as well. Your chosen destination must have something for everyone. Do not go for too childish or too adult a place. Maintain a balance while visiting attractions so that neither you nor your children get bored.
7. The perfect family picture
Carry an awesome camera with you to click pictures. Travel photos tend to get more interesting when there are a greater number of participants present. Pictures from your solo trip consist of monuments, buildings, scenery, etc. But when you have family along with you, try and make your pictures interesting because they make good memories.
8. Food habits
Teach your kids to enjoy the local flavor. You will find it tough sometimes when you kids will demand their regular food with the exact taste but you have to teach them that it is cool to enjoy the local flavors. Also, let them have their desired choices at some point of time during the entire tour.
9. Control your pace
You tend to cover several attractions in a day when you travel alone but with the number of people increasing, the pace cannot be kept the same. You have to maintain a proper balance and let your kids rest from time to time. Do not just keep running from the morning till late at night. Take short breaks, and consult your kids if you notice that they are feeling exhausted.
10. Surprises work wonder
Plan a cool surprise for your little ones and reward them with prizes when they promise to behave well in flights, public places and elsewhere. Also, surprise your spouse with a romantic dinner date or a short outing somewhere near your stay area, while kids are asleep or taking some rest.
11. Be prepared
With a greater number of people, the chances of emergencies increase and you have to be ready to face them anytime. Your kids can throw up while on the go or they may fall homesick but you have to tackle the situation like a pro and avoid panicking.
12. Interact with locals
Teach your kids to interact with the locals. Your kids will get smarter this way and they will inculcate a good habit of conversing with people. You must also make sure that your kids learn the difference between just interacting and getting swayed by people. They must be taught that some people may cheat upon you and you must be smart enough to know who is genuine and who is trying to fool you.
13. The road trip
Interact with your spouse and kids during a long road trip and laugh your heart out. Make sure that every single person is taking an active part in the discussions. Converse with your driver and ask him anything and everything about your journey. Take several halts, click pictures and do not forget to munch on in between.
14. Set your budget
It is not necessary that you have to be extra lavish during family travel. Do not say a ‘no’ to your kids but also, make sure that your kids are not making unnecessary demands. Set your budget before leaving for the trip and be ready for some extra expenses but do not cross your limits. You have to manage the month’s expenses after returning from the trip.
Are you ready to plan a trip of your lifetime? Get going and have a fun time. Happy and safe travel!
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