Traveling with Kids: A Comprehensive Guide to Getting It Right
Traveling with kids shouldn’t feel like more work
Traveling with kids can be both a challenging and rewarding experience. From the excitement of exploring new places together to the inevitable logistical hurdles, there's a lot to consider when planning a family vacation.
As a parent, how do you choose a destination that is fun for the whole family – while still being manageable for the head of the crew? Is there any way to make a trip not feel like more work than vacation? In this guide, we'll explore the key factors to keep in mind when selecting a family-friendly destination and setting up the logistics to work for you!
Destination Selection
Finding the perfect fit for your family
When it comes to traveling with kids, not all destinations are created equal. Here are some essential factors to consider when choosing where to go:
Availability of kids clubs and childcare services: Opt for destinations that offer kids clubs or childcare services: This gives you the opportunity to enjoy some adult time, while knowing your children are having tons of fun – in safe hands.
All-inclusive resorts as convenient options: If you love to stay put and have everything taken care of, consider staying at all-inclusive resorts. This arrangement can help alleviate travel stress by offering a wide range of amenities and activities onsite, including dining options tailored to kids’ preferences.
Proximity to family-friendly attractions and activities: Look for destinations that are close to family-friendly attractions and activities. The chance to spend a day at the aquarium, on rollercoasters, or a local attraction made for kids ensures there's never a dull moment for the little ones. A beach trip may be the most convenient and fun option for parents who like to sit with their toes in the sand while kiddos spend hours building sand castles.
You know your family best. Do you love water sports and activities, or sipping cold drinks while the children play nearby in the sand? Then a beach vacay is for you! Do you love exploring cities and have older kiddos who don’t mind getting their steps in? Then an urban destination may be just the ticket.
Consider your kids’:
Age
Interests
Stamina in activities
Need for naps or other things that may make it important to stay close to where you’re living
Trying to force a trip that won’t work for your family may feel like a waste of time and money. If your kids are afraid of the water but you want them to learn all the fun things about being near the ocean, maybe pick a destination where you can do a little of both. If your kids can nap hanging upside down next to a police siren, then maybe you’ll feel confident in booking an urban exploration trip where naps will have to take place on the go.
Balancing Fun and Relaxation
Finding the perfect balance between excitement and relaxation is key to enjoying a family vacation, no matter if you’re 4 or 40. Here's how to do it:
Incorporating downtime for relaxation and rest: Don't forget to schedule some downtime for relaxation and rest, allowing everyone to recharge their batteries and fully enjoy the rest of the trip. For little kiddos, this might just be their nap time, but older kids also need a chance to read on the couch or wander around with no agenda.
Scheduling family-friendly activities and excursions: Plan ahead and schedule family-friendly activities and excursions that cater to everyone's interests. This ensures there's something for everyone to look forward to. If you have older kids, maybe a fun way to prepare for the trip is to pick activities together. Younger kids may love knowing there’s a surprise to come.
Flexibility and adaptability in itinerary planning: While it's essential to have a rough itinerary in place, don't be afraid to go with the flow and adapt your plans as needed, allowing for unexpected adventures and spontaneous moments of fun. Maybe keep a few plan B options in your back pocket for a rainy day, or allow yourself to cancel a planned activity and spend the day lounging around and playing board games, if everyone is tired of the excitement.
This is your vacation, after all, and vacations are meant to be enjoyable and re-energizing. If you are stressed about doing every single thing there is to do in a location, you may all burn out quite quickly.
On the other hand, while some of us adults may be happy to sit in a beach chair for five days straight and zone out, a little kiddo may quickly grow bored and wreak havoc. Balance is key!
Consider Additional Help: Traveling with a Nanny
A nanny can make your vacation feel like a vacation
Having a nanny on hand can provide parents with much-needed breaks and the freedom to enjoy some adult time knowing their children are well cared for.
You may be able to go out to adults-only dinners (often a slightly more peaceful meal than when trying to wrangle toddlers into their high chairs) or enjoy where the kids can’t come. Meanwhile, your kids will get to do fun activities especially tailored to their interests and timing without having to go along with the adult world’s rules and regulations. It’s a win for all!
Do consider this before bringing your nanny along
There are a few things to keep in mind if you bring your nanny on a trip:
Cost: You will need to pay your nanny a special rate when traveling, typically their hourly rates for hours worked plus an overnight rate for being away. You can read more here about how to compensate for travel.
Logistics: Where will the nanny stay? If they are responsible for getting the kids up in the morning, can you have adjoining rooms so the nanny can access the kids’ bedrooms? Is a vacation home a better option than a hotel? Also consider the logistics of travel and who is responsible for the kids while you are in transit.
Compatibility: Even if you have worked with this nanny before, if you are traveling together for the first time, you may want to set up a little “intake interview” before arranging the trip. Is your nanny comfortable traveling? If you are going abroad, do they have experience traveling to other countries? Do they have any specific needs during overnights or while being away, and does that work for your needs? By communicating as much as possible before going, you give yourself the best chance at having a fun trip with a nanny you like.
If bringing a nanny isn't feasible, explore alternative options such as resort childcare services or group travel with other families, providing additional support and socialization opportunities for everyone involved.
Smart Sitting’s own Co-owner and Director of Operations, Suzie Zeldin, wrote about her insights from her family’s first trip with a nanny – get access to all her wisdom in this post about top takeaways of traveling with her nanny.
How can we help you have a good trip?
Choosing the perfect destination for a family vacation can seem daunting, but with some planning and a bit of wishful thinking, it's entirely possible to enjoy a stress-free and memorable trip with kids in tow. (Although a pro-tip is to read this guide to flying with kids, with smart advice from some of our top nannies).
And if you need a stellar, dedicated, and well-traveled nanny to come with you on your travels, Smart Sitting has you covered. Our community has nannies who aren’t just experienced in working with kids on the home front, but who know how to engage and delight kiddos on the go, giving you a chance to actually relax on your vacation (what a novel concept!). So go ahead, pack your bags, give us a call, and then you’ll be all set to embark on an adventure the whole family will treasure for years to come.