Each summer thousands of parents pack up and head out on a fantastic voyage with their kids. Some hop on an airplane to visit far-away places, while others jump in their cars and hit the road closer to home. Either way, family vacations are a great way to spend quality time together. However, the stress of planning and budgeting for a vacation can take the fun out of the process. These ideas will help parents find the best ways to travel with kids and take the stress out of the planning. Planning early can go a long way. Desirable vacation destinations can book up by February for the summer months.
Traveling to the Destination
Be realistic about what the kids can really handle. Parents know their children best and they will know whether 9 hours on an airplane is too much. Kids do not come with manuals and parents might be surprised to find out that their child who flew great last year, is scared this year. A good indicator of how kids will travel on a longer trip is to gauge how they do on shorter trips. If a trip to the supermarket or to a relatives house in the same town stresses them then a closer destination might be best. Most times kids will travel great when they are excited and they know what to expect. Prepare them so there are no surprises.
Low-Budget Kid-Friendly Accommodations
Camping is a great idea when traveling with kids. Families can enjoy the great outdoors with each other and in the evenings gather around a campfire. Most campgrounds have activities geared towards kids as well. Parents with very young children or those who don’t like the outdoors, but enjoy the campfire atmosphere can find a happy medium like a cabin or yurt, check more details here. Both cabins and yurts are usually located on campgrounds but there is the luxury of camping indoors. Yurts and cabins provide a warmer camping experience with beds or cots and most of them have electricity as well. They are more expensive than tent camping, but cheaper than most hotels. KOA campsites are very kid-friendly and are located all over the United States and Canada. They have great cabins , with comfortable beds and fire pits outside so families can still sit around the campfire.
Hostels with Kids
Hostels are no longer just for backpackers. Many families who are traveling on a low budget stay in hostels with their kids. Hostels can be fun places where families can meet other travelers. Hostels cost less than hotels. There is some sacrifice to be made with staying in a hostel. Most of the time they have shared showers and kitchens. However, occasionally there are private rooms equipped with private bathrooms. Private rooms have a bed and breakfast feel without the high cost. Check the policy of the hostel before booking as most hostels are for international travelers. And if you are traveling internationally, check out family friendly hostels online.
Travel Smart, Go Prepared
Bring the shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, deodorant, sand toys, beach chairs, towels, firewood, and other miscellaneous items. Often resorts, hotels, and even campgrounds will raise the cost of the personal items because there is a demand for them. Traveling with personal items and even food will make the vacation more affordable.
Find a Hotel with a Kitchen
Find an accommodation with a kitchen. Eating at restaurants is a huge expense while on vacation. Most cities and towns will have some type of accommodation with access to a kitchen. Hostels have shared kitchens with all the utensils and space to store the food. Shop at the local supermarkets to get the best prices. Have the kids help with the cooking
Plan as much as possible but leave a little wiggle room for the fun stuff that will come up. Family vacations are meant to be fun and every minute cannot be planned. However, the important stuff like accommodations can be. Travel smart and have fun!