As these summer days begin to wind down, the last thing you should be thinking about is winter, right? That is, unless you’re planning the winter family holiday of a lifetime.
It’s never too early to start organizing a family holiday, and with so many exciting options to choose from, you’ll definitely need the time. Once you decide on a winter family excursion, it’ll make all other prep work that much easier. Then, all you have to decide is whether or not you want to go international.
Winter Wonderlands
The most enjoyable part of planning a family trip can also be the most difficult: deciding what to do. With so many winter paradises, it can be hard to choose from. Here are a few ideas to inspire which winter time holiday adventure will be most effective for you and your family:
- Skiing and snowboarding are always popular and fun options. Not only will you experience majestic vistas, you’ll also get some exercise.
- There’s nothing like burning calories while you’re having fun. If your family is feeling adventurous, you can try ski touring. Scandinavia offers a week-long tour and an experience that can’t be missed.
- Snowshoeing is also a great activity you can do with the family. Decide on a forest you would like to trek through and experience it the only way you can during the winter months. A guide is essential to show you the way in and out, which lets you and your family focus on the beauty and nature that surround you.
- The Aurora Borealis is one of the most beautiful light shows in nature. Why not schedule a whole family trip around it? The best time to see them is between late September and late March.
- Alaska and Scandinavia (perhaps a combo ski tour trip?) are where you want to be during those months. You can also a hire a guide who will know the best spots to view these amazing lights.
- If you’re feeling especially fancy, you and your family can take a trip to Austria and stay at one of their igloo hotels. Nothing says “winter” like an igloo; why not make a holiday out of it?
Be Prepared
Once you decide which winter trip you would like to experience, it’s time to seek out traveling tips for your next holiday. When it comes to booking your flight, you need to do it as early as possible — the earlier, the better. You will receive the best deals this way instead of waiting ‘til the last minute.
Also make sure you don’t book any flights during major holidays or breaks, including the holidays and breaks in the country you’re visiting (if you decide to go international). If you do decide that international is the way to go for you and your family, there are a couple extra things you need to put on your checklist.
First, you need to make sure everyone’s passports are up-to-date. You should also exchange your money while you’re still in the country you live in to avoid any language barriers. Think about getting travel insurance as well if you decide to take your family on a more adventurous holiday.
Just as important, stay healthy and happy on your trip by maintaining routines and bringing familiar things along for your children if they need to be reminded of home in an unfamiliar surrounding.
Make an In-Flight Strategy
Now you’re ready to book your trip. However, an equal amount of planning needs to go to your in-flight strategy.
Yes, you will need a strategy if you are going to be on a plane for any length of time with one or more children. Here are essentials for any survival guide dealing with airplane travel and children:
- With turbulence and motion sickness, you never know when you’ll need an extra pair of clothes. When in doubt, have an extra shirt on hand.
- Always bring something to entertain your children (and yourself too for that matter). A bored child makes a grumpy child and one very long flight.
- Always — ALWAYS — have snacks on you. Hangry children do not make for great airplane passengers.
- Nobody likes pain in their ears due to pressure. Make sure you have either pacifiers or gum on hand to relieve any earaches during the flight.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun on your next family getaway. Being prepared for it makes it that much easier to accomplish.
