3 Tips for Making Family Travel Less Stressful and More Fun

Let’s face it: family vacations can be tough! But they can also give you and your kids some of the most wonderful memories – even when (or especially when?) things go awry. While you don’t necessarily want to encounter too much spontaneous craziness, the right balance and attitude will help you navigate a family vacation without overwhelming stress.

Let’s look at a few ways that you keep everyone happier, more composed, and more prepared – whether you’re traveling halfway across the world or taking a weekend road trip!

Create an Adaptable Plan

Thorough planning for sure helps to minimize stress at the last minute – but being too rigorous can make the journey more difficult if you encounter unexpected delays.

Rather than planning down to the minute, build in as much extra time and flexibility as possible between beats for rest, snacks, or…meltdowns.

• Example: If your flight has a layover, look for routes that give you extra time to get coordinated, take a breather, and board your next aircraft. While you might be able to hustle between gates like a pro, kids are unpredictable, and you don’t want to put extra pressure on yourself (and your whole family!) because you wanted to save 15 minutes on a layover.

Consider it a framework rather than a rigid timetable.

Let Your Children Help with Planning

When kids get to help out with family vacation planning, they feel more involved and heard. Find ways to let your children decide a little part of the journey – like whether to go to the zoo or the aquarium, or even picking fun elements for their outfits each day. Give them small projects to help them look forward to the trip.

• Example: If you’re visiting an aquarium, find ways to encourage your kids to learn about the different animals they’ll see. When they actually encounter those amazing creatures, your little ones will be so excited to share fun facts about their favorites!

Getting your kids involved with planning will make this vacation all of yours – everyone’s part of it, and they won’t feel quite so dragged along.

Remember: Comfort is Key!

Kids experience travel stress differently from adults. This might be the first time they’ve been away from home for an extended period. They’re traveling through loud, busy, and bright airports, and they’re both overstimulated and bored. They can pick up on your stress and negative feelings, too.

Kids just don’t know yet how to deal with discomfort and confusion the way you might – so when planning your family vacation, assume your little ones will need far more comfort, time, and familiarity than, say, a day trip to an amusement park or a weekend stay with grandparents. Bring along plenty of entertainment (books, coloring pages, downloaded shows), plenty of comfy clothes that you can layer for changing temperatures (airplanes get COLD!), and plenty of familiar snacks.

And of course, don’t undervalue the importance of minor comfort aids for parents! Everyone can enjoy the trip better with the help of small items like neck pillows or eye masks – check out family travel guides from globetrotting parents for creative ideas and tried-and-true solutions.

Ready to Travel?

Children thrive on routine, which isn’t entirely conducive to travel – but there’s a lot you can do to keep your kids comfortable, happy, and excited about the journey! They want to explore and have fun, while ultimately knowing they’re safe and comfortable with you. Giving them tiny anchors, like bringing along a favorite plushie, and letting them be part of the planning process (even just a little bit!) will go a long way toward giving your kids a sense of security and familiarity in uncomfortable, new situations.

And remember: everyone’s attitude and energy levels can be restored with a quick break!

Featured image by Pixabay on Pexels.