This is an article by Grown-up Travel Guide contributor Nick Jennings
Let’s not beat around the bush – taking a vacation with young children is often no vacation at all. In different surroundings and with none of your usual support network around you, even a dream trip away can be tough to get through. And, when you get home, might be in need of another vacation to recover!
The good news is that there are a few things you can do if you want to remove some of the stresses of going on vacation with young children. And, today, we’re going to go through some of them with you. Take a read, and with any luck, your next trip away will be a much more enjoyable one – for everyone!
Choose the right vacation
It’s an obvious starting point, but some vacations are more suitable for young kids than others. That watersports activity vacation you have been planning might have to go on hold for the time being! Also, make sure that you choose the right accommodation.
There are obvious things to look for – facilities for the children being the major one. But, also think about limiting your journey to one place. You don’t want to be hopping from hotel to hotel, so it’s important to do a lot of research beforehand to make sure you have made the right choice.
Travel tips
One of the toughest parts of getting away with young children is the travel. Make sure you check out our guide on how to deal with the many situations that can arise. However, in short, there are a few things to remember.
Pack as little as you can get away with, and make sure that everyone is in comfortable travel clothes. Also, ensure that you give the little ones as many opportunities for playtime as possible. Whether that is pulling in at a service station every couple of hours, or planning your layovers better on a long distance journey is up to you.
Food problems
Another enormous issue for traveling families with young children is food. Are they going to enjoy the local cuisine as much as you do, and, of not, what are they going to eat instead? It might be worth introducing new food into their diets before you go, so take a look at the local food culture and start getting creative in the kitchen.
Also, it’s important to be aware that different countries have different restaurant cultures. In certain places, young children will be welcomed with open arms, but in others, they will be frowned upon. Make sure you understand the local customs and you will avoid being the subject of many glares!
It’s your trip away, too
Finally, don’t forget that you need a vacation, too. It’s important to take a step back and relax while you are away, even if that means cutting a few things out of your busy holiday schedule. You and your partner could take it in turns to go out for a day, or you could find a reputable babysitting service one evening. Ask your hotel – they will know who to turn to, and they may even offer you a service themselves.
OK, well, we hope that has helped. Make sure that you have a great time, and don’t take on too much – enjoy your trip away!
