As one of the many families trapped indoors, it’s likely you’d love a break from being at home. If so, now’s the perfect time for a family weekend getaway. Whether you take a plane or go on a mini road trip, chances are it’s a bit trickier with small children.
Luckily, there are ways to have a fun, safe trip, even with young kids. Here’s a list of tips to consider during your weekend trip with your family.
Plan ahead.
Sure, it’s hard to predict every second of a trip, especially with small, unpredictable children. However, you can make things easier on yourself by planning the bigger details. For instance, if you’re going out of town, it’s wise to book sleeping arrangements in advance. There’s nothing worse than finishing a long commute and having to worry about making sleeping arrangements.
When planning family events, try sticking to the “rule of one” method. This involves planning one major activity for the day and playing the rest of the day by ear. Many parents make the mistake of planning an action-packed, moment-by-moment vacation. Doing so leaves everyone burned out. Small children also have difficulty sticking to a schedule, which can lead to wasted time and money.
Pay attention to how you pack.
Packing is an art form. When traveling with small children, it’s even more important to pack efficiently. Adults can go longer periods being uncomfortable than children, so make sure they’re accommodated for a smoother trip.
To start, make sure you have enough snacks, especially if there's very little to stop for meals. Bring mostly healthier options with a few sweet treats. Use the sweeter treats as rewards for good behavior throughout the trip. In addition to packing snacks, it’s a good idea to bring a rotomolded cooler along, like one from the RTIC brand. Not only do their reasonably-priced rotomolded coolers remain cold inside for several days, but you also won’t need to replace the ice as you do with a standard cooler.
When it comes to travel equipment like strollers and car seats, you can either rent or bring your own. Since we’re currently in a pandemic, rent these and other personal equipment with caution. If you’re driving, consider packing these items, as well as any electronics that will keep your children occupied.
If you have enough room, pack your own sleep essentials. Often, we rely on running to the store for last-minute items, but this isn’t always reliable. If possible, at least pack personal sleeping essentials, especially if you’re worried about germs or contamination.
Consider everyone’s interests.
Lack of consideration is a great point of contention on a family trip. Sure, everyone cannot have every detail cater to their interests, but it’s helpful to plan the trip with everyone’s interests in mind. For instance, if you have toddlers, refrain from long hikes in the mountain.
If you have teenage kids, the entire trip shouldn’t be centered around the little ones. Do your best to keep everyone happy as best as possible. If it’s hard to plan events for everyone, spend time relaxing and let your children safely entertain themselves. You’ll spend more time smiling and less time in petty quarrels if you diversify the activities.
Cherish the moment.
This lockdown has everyone trapped in the house, which may even cause tension now and again. Family trips are a way to escape your everyday problems at home and enjoy each other. Therefore, take advantage of every moment you spend away from your everyday troubles.
Don’t forget to take lots of pictures. Pictures are a way to capture memories that you can look at and remember for years to come. It’s also fun taking pictures of your vacations while your children are small since they’re less likely to remember these bonding experiences.
Amid trying times, you and your family deserve a break. Taking a family road trip is a great bonding experience, especially being trapped in the house for months. To improve the chances of having a great time, be sure to plan, and consult the experts for recommendations on safe outdoor activities. Traveling with small children can be challenging, so pack some snacks, plan some activities, and have the time of your lives, even if it's only for a weekend.
