Traveling can be a learning and enlightening experience for kids of all ages. There is so much to learn and explore, right from the new sights to foods and experiences. Most importantly, it is a chance to enjoy quality time with your loved ones. However, traveling with children can also become overwhelming because of the long packing lists, the unpredictable schedules, and the challenges that you may come across. Do not be discouraged. There are ways that can make traveling with your kids feel like a breeze. It is important that you and your kids enjoy every single moment and create memories of a lifetime. Here is how you can plan a fun trip with your kids.
Story Stages
Infants
If you have children in the newborn age up to 2 years, they are the easiest to travel with. Children this age are portable and you can take them anywhere you want to. They will also be happy as long as you provide them with a comfortable environment and do not mess up their routine. Schedules are very important for infants. So, if you ensure that your child eats and sleeps on schedule, you will have nothing to worry about.
Try to plan your days accordingly. Remember to carry your infant’s favorite books, bottles, and toys when traveling. Most importantly, do not keep him or her on the stroller or strapped to the baby carrier all the time. You must give them a chance to walk and get some exercise. If they are not walking yet, let them stretch on a mat whenever possible.
Toddlers
Traveling with a toddler can be a fun activity as this is the age when they begin to engage in different sights around them. All the destinations become a lot more enjoyable for them to explore. However, building the itinerary in the right manner is the key here. You need to leave a lot of downtime to let them be free and refuel their energy.
Ensure that you choose the right accommodation type. According to Keyah Grande, a luxury resort that offers Colorado destination wedding packages, you must choose safety over everything else and this is why families are opting for resorts over hotels. If you find the right accommodation, traveling with the toddler will be a breeze. It is also important to spend time in local parks with your little ones. The open space can make them happy and energized.
School-aged children
You can keep kids aged 5 and older engaged on a family trip by getting them involved in the planning, in any way possible. When you empower kids this age to choose what they want to do, they will be more engaged. Allow them to pick from different activities instead of giving them no direction. Depending on the destination you choose, there could be options like fishing excursions, snorkeling trips, or more. You can also consider walking tours, and let them pick one that most appeals to them.
It also makes a lot of difference when you choose the right guide. It will keep the kids excited about the destination and will let them learn. Always look for guides that can engage well with kids and have experience with their job. Great guides can have a lot of impact on your kids and they can become an excellent part of the family tour around the city.
Teenagers
The easiest way to keep teenagers excited and engaged on a holiday is to allow them to take ownership in planning at least some part of the trip. Allow them to choose a few attractions that they are interested in seeing or let them design a couple of days of the itinerary for you. Parents can also consider giving older teens an option to spend a couple of hours exploring the destination on their own. You can let them check out a neighborhood or allow them to go to specific stores. If you feel safe, this can be very exciting for your teenager.
Do not push your kids into doing something they are not interested in. This can demotivate them and make them feel frustrated on a holiday. When it comes to infants and toddlers, remember their meal and nap times. If you mess with their routine, you could end up ruining the trip. It is not as difficult to plan a trip with children if you know how to go about it. Keep the age and destination in mind before you set the itinerary.
If you are traveling with other members of the family, divide responsibilities and ensure that everyone gets to spend quality time with your little one. There is no joy like a family holiday with kids and this is one opportunity you should never take lightly. Be calm and start planning in advance to ensure that you do not miss out on anything.
