Tips for Traveling with Kids
From the time our oldest was about four-weeks old, we've been traveling with a little one(s).
There are several things we do to make our adventures with our kids run smoothly, and today, I want to share with you some of our best tips for a successful family vacation.
Before We Leave:
Whether we're headed to the beach or the mountains, we typically use VRBO/Home Away to find a great place to stay. In this stage of life, we are looking for condo-style accommodations that have kitchen amenities, an on-site pool*, and an in-unit washer and dryer. We always choose a non-smoking facility and prefer to stay in places that are listed as pet-free.
In addition to an outdoor pool, we love when an indoor pool is also available. It can be especially helpful on unexpected rainy days.
Before leaving home, we plan. - We search the following types of things: "things to do", "top ten attractions", Urban Spoon's restaurant recommendations, etc. We like to have a tentative idea of what we're going to be doing, where we're going to be eating, what days are going to be best for certain activities, etc. [especially when we're headed somewhere we've never been - and we love to try new places!]
Just before we get in the car, I allow each kiddo to pick one small toy and one book to take with them in the car. My only rule: the toy cannot be battery-operated...for many reasons. Their music comes along with us! This is a great time for learning with phonics cds, Scripture music, etc. I also pack other toys and books for them to enjoy when we get there! No matter where we are heading, I pack books, activities, etc. that fit the occasion. For example, if we're taking a beach trip, our ocean-themed memory game, our picture books about under-water animals, our seashore water color book come along with us. These kinds of things come in handy in the car, during down time at the condo, etc. *Some people will wait until they arrive to buy inexpensive sand toys, etc. at a local dollar store and then just let them behind at their hotel/condo - but we usually just bring ours along in a plastic tote. If we're traveling to the mountains, I will pack books and activities that fit that theme. While on vacation, we also continue with our home-school activities and family devotion routine~
Speaking of packing, I suggest under-packing clothes and over-packing diapers, wipes, etc. Because we usually stay in a condo that includes a washer and dryer, I know I can do laundry, so I try to pack light - except for when it comes to diapers and wipes. I have these supplies stashed all over the place....in the diaper bags (which stay in our car all the time)...in the suitcases...in the pool bag (which also stays in our car throughout the entire summer season)...in various totes/bins - When traveling, these supplies are always in reach.
You know what else I pack? Books - for me. I love to read - but I also pack other things for me to work on...my calendar, my lists, small projects I need to tackle, etc. Having some additional downtime to accomplish these kinds of things is relaxing for me. It is typically how I spend my time while my kids are napping/in bed anyway - so I continue that while they're sleeping when we're on vacation. You may prefer to leave everything behind, but I feel great about working on little tasks while I'm away. When I was teaching, I never brought work along with me to do, but I knew I would be able to tackle it later. At this stage of life, I take every chance I can get to mark tasks off my to-do list. (There's a little glimpse into my personality.)
On the Road:
When hitting the road, we plan ahead for lots of breaks - stopping before everyone is about to wet their pants...stopping before everyone is starving to death saves us lots of drama. (We don't get this right every time, but it's our goal. Did I tell you about the time...nevermind, that story is gross...moving on...)
When We Arrive:
Upon our arrival, we attack the condo with Lysol spray and Clorox wipes. I'm sure you can imagine this scene. David and I always assume that the previous tenants were overcome with a terrible stomach virus and this drives our crazed cleaning spree. I'm sure we could sell tickets to this show.
*A couple of other great things to pack: rubberbands/ponytail holders for securing open cabinets that may need to be off-limits to little ones and masking tape to cover electrical outlets (unless you want to bring your own outlet covers). I see all of the empty nest mothers rolling their eyes at such things, but these ideas have been a huge help to us when traveling. Is this where I tell you that we also cover all of the furniture/beds/etc. with our own sheets, blankets, etc?
After we disinfect the entire place, we get our groceries organized for the week! Whether we've packed all of our food or stopped at a grocery store on the way in to town, getting the kitchen organized at the onset helps make for a smooth week for this mama. We live in our kitchen area - How about you?
While We're There:
When traveling with little ones, we try to find a balance. We want to limit the number of activities we plan for each day. We want to include "break days". We want to pace ourselves a bit. Tired children are cranky children, and the same goes for adults...at least in our house. So no matter how excited we might be about our destination, we want to make sure that our kids stay on their sleep schedules (for the most part) and that they are not stretched way beyond their limits. Some of the best parenting advice I ever received was this: "Until your children are X number of years, do you not have any expectations." This wasn't at all meant in a negative way, so don't get me wrong! Expectations are incredibly important. I'm a huge fan of kids rising to realistic bars that are set for them...but in this sense, I'm talking about not writing your plans in pen...use pencil instead...especially on vacation, be flexible.
I am convinced that as long as the kids stay rested and you have plenty of snacks on hand, your trip will be a success! Snacks for the car....snacks for outdoor activities....snacks for indoor activities....I tell ya, my kids would eat in the bathtub if I let them. Recap: Don't forget the snacks.
Before heading out for various activities, apply everyone's sunscreen. This gives it time to soak in, and it is also much less stressful than doing it when you arrive at our activity.
Getting Ready to Head Home:
While we are away, I do a little bit of laundry each day; and before leaving to head back home, I make sure most all of it is done. You may think I am crazy, but it is worth it to me to not have to do allllll of the laundry when I get home.
While this mama is on vacation, she's still planning/organizing, cooking, cleaning up, and doing laundry - It just helps our trip flow smoothly. I will tell you: In this stage of life, [family] vacation isn't exactly relaxing, but this fall, hubby and I are planning to do a little traveling on our own. While away, I will not be cooking.,,at all. I will not be cleaning up after anyone. I will not be doing any laundry. I will probably still organize a little bit....before we leave....but other than that, this girl is going to let her hair down and pretend she has no responsibilities. It's going to be wild and crazy.
Ever thought of Packing Food for a Family Vacation? When traveling with a family, this can prove to be great for your sanity and even better for your budget!