How to Take the Stress Out of Traveling With Kids

By Daniel Sherwin

Having kids doesn’t mean you have to stop taking vacations! That said traveling with kids in tow does require some special considerations. Read this advice as you plan your next trip so you can ensure it’s a fun time for your family.

Flying with the entire family can be costly, especially if you’re booking a direct flight. But if you can afford it, you’ll save a lot of stress by choosing the option that gets you to your destination the fastest. Making a tight connection or waiting through a long layover is significantly more challenging with children. However, if you’re facing a particularly long flight, breaking it up into two shorter flights with a layover in between may be best. If you’re facing a long layover, check out Parenting.com’s guide to fun kid activities at major airports in the U.S. and beyond.

While babies are content to be pushed in a stroller while their parents see the sights, toddlers and older children require more engagement during family travel. Ask your agent for family-friendly destinations offer options like kids clubs for tailored kid-friendly. Just be sure to tell your agent that you’re looking for kid-friendly options, this way you’re prepared to keep the kids busy, rain or shine.

Older kids appreciate having some say in their activities. Come up with a list of options and let kids choose which activity they prefer each day. Kids can be certified as Junior Open Water Divers as early as age 10, so don’t be afraid to include them in your dive plans as well. The more ownership they have over travel plans, the fewer complaints of boredom you’ll hear. If you have teens, consider plans that let you each do your own thing in the same general area. For example, your teens may want to hit the shops while you enjoy an upscale dinner or take a kiteboarding lesson while you go scuba diving.

The high price of hotel rooms leads families to cram into a single room, but tight living quarters aren’t fun for anyone. Many of the hotels and resorts we offer have apartment-style accommodations that even have full kitchens. These spacious accommodations not only offer privacy, they also allow you to save money by eating meals in, rather than taking the whole family out to eat several times per day.

We offer plenty of all-inclusive options so you won’t have to cook and you don’t have to worry about picky eaters. Ask your agent about family-friendly all-inclusive resorts such as those in Cozumel, Bahamas, Riviera Maya, Fiji and other great destinations. Many offer child care centers and tons of kid-friendly amenities, which is an invaluable resource for parents craving adult-only time on their vacation.

Kids are sensitive to disruptions in their routines, especially when it comes to sleep. To keep your kids in good spirits throughout your trip, aim to change their sleep schedules as little as possible. Schedule outings so you can be back at the hotel for bedtime and carve out time during the day for young children to take naps.

Consider the layout of your lodging. If you’re staying in a hotel with little ones, it’s worth it to pay extra for a suite so the kids can rest in one room while the adults mingle in the other. Let your agent know you need additional bedding such as a crib in your hotel room. Making sure your accommodation fits the needs of your family (i.e. cribs or rollaway) will preserve safety and sleep quality. No one wants to travel with a pack-and-play on an international flight perhaps looking for or even asking your agent if there are local places where you can rent or buy one is more practical. However, there are travel cribs that are compact, lightweight and highly portable. Some even fit in overhead compartments on airplanes. If you shop online for a travel crib, pay attention to weight and size to ensure the crib you purchase meets your travel needs.

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean sacrificing nights out with your spouse or suffering with grouchy kids. In fact, it’s possible to plan a vacation that’s fun for everyone, whether you’re traveling with toddlers, elementary schoolers, teens, or one of each. Incorporate these tips into your planning, and you’ll have a vacation that your family will enjoy.

To start planning your kid-friendly, adventure packed vacation, talk to our travel specialists at 800-330-6611 or send a note to sales@caradonna.com.