How to Plan a Family Trip That Keeps Everybody Happy
Do you look forward to family getaways or do they strike a sense of dread deep into your heart? If you relate to the latter, remember you’re not alone; there are many reasons to feel this kind of angst. Thankfully, The Rad Traveler shares a few clever strategies that parents can enact for a family vacation that keeps everyone happy — including themselves.
Embrace the Electronics
Many parents have policies regarding electronic usage, and rightly so. According to CBS News, excessive screen time is damaging to children. Because of the sedentary time using gadgetry, kids can be prone to long-term health issues like cardiovascular disease and high cholesterol, among many others.
However, most kids do love their electronics, and sitting through road trips or waiting in airports is sedentary time anyway. Why not turn them loose with their favorite games or some safe surfing time, rather than having them bored and irritable? They can put away their electronics during outings and events, but — just for vacation — let them have at it during those times when they might be hard-pressed to maintain good behavior. Think of it as setting them (and you) up for success.
Imagine an Invincible Itinerary
Planning a great itinerary is half the fun of your vacation, and the other half is going on the vacation. However, this is entirely dependent on how well-thought out and carefully planned the activities and plans are.
For one thing, you don’t want to overfill your days. As Smarter Travel explains, booking an itinerary too full means very little wiggle room for the inevitable issues that can go hand-in-hand with having children—forgotten items, tantrums, and so forth.
You should also give each child a say in the events and activities that go into the family itinerary. That will ensure everyone has a part in the planning, and a sense of being valued as well. Involving everyone in the planning process will help your kids be more patient during each others’ choices too.
Lastly, make sure you plan time for meals and restroom breaks into your days and bring along some convenient, healthy snacks to ward off the munchies.
Burn Off Bad Energy
Keep in mind you want to mix up what kind of activities you arrange, and toss in some physical options each day. Being too stationary is bad for kids and adults, but getting some exercise each day is a benefit to their well-being. keeping them moving can help them stay positive, reduce stress, and burn off that energy they built up while reaching your destination.
Make the experience pleasurable by choosing something for everyone. Rent bikes or visit a waterpark, maybe do some hiking. Playground time or just tossing a ball around is a great way for kids of all ages to stretch their legs. Don’t forget many children’s museums incorporate activities like indoor climbing walls and outdoor sports in their exhibitions and displays.
Plan for All Ages
When traveling with seniors and very young children, this often means limiting your schedule and seeking out activities and events that are easy to navigate. This can be a juggling act for sure, but by having your older family member contribute to planning, you’ll have a more well-rounded approach that fits everyone. You also need to build in some extra downtime, particularly if your little ones need an afternoon nap.
They say you can’t please everyone all the time, but when it comes to family getaways, you can actually come pretty darn close with these tips and tricks in mind. Let your kids play with their electronics when they are stuck sitting around, create a well-rounded itinerary, and make sure you include exercise and comfort in your daily plans. Everyone will have a blast and make great memories as a result.
Contributing Author- Daniel Sherwin