Doing your family vacation right

No matter how well traveled you are, traveling with young kids is a very different experience than solo backpacking or couples travel. With no experience as traveling parents, you are bound to have questions along the way: How do we get a passport for a baby? Do we need to get clearance from a doctor before we travel? What do we need to pack? Will we get any sleep if we share the hotel room with our little one? How do we keep him entertained? What if something happens abroad?

Here are some relevant tips to make travel easy and fun:

1. Book accommodations with separate sleeping areas

Choose accommodations that offer one- or two-bedroom suites instead of the standard hotel room with two beds. You’ll pay a little more for this convenience, but a good night’s sleep is the key ingredient to a successful family trip.

Consider this: if everyone is piled into one room, you’ll likely have to go to sleep when your kids do. Now, if it’s been a long travel day and sleep is what you’re after, this won’t be an issue. However, if you want to have a drink, read a book, watch a movie, or have a conversation, it’s best to book accommodations that will give you and your kids separate sleeping areas.

Not every hotel offers one- or two-bedroom suites, so you need to do a little more research.

2. Play it safe; make reservations

Before kids, we rarely made reservations in advance. Part of the adventure is arriving without a plan and allowing the moment to guide you, right? The problem with this travel style is that when you have kids you need to consider their threshold for being uncomfortable.

Do yourself and your kids a favour: make hotel and transportation reservations ahead of time to avoid unnecessary frustrations.

Don’t assume that your hotel or apartment rental will have a crib or high chair available. Call ahead to confirm availability, even if the hotel’s website states that it has cribs on hand (they may be used by another guest during your stay).

3. Protect yourself and get proper travel insurance

Travel insurance can feel like an annoying, unnecessary expense, but it’s always best to play it safe, especially with young children. This is not the time to cut corners to save a buck, so get the right plan that protects everyone.

4. Load up your tablet

Being able to have our kids watch their favourite shows is a life saver, especially on long flights and in the evenings when we need some quiet time. It might be a good option to carry two, so while your kid is busy on one, it doesn't come in the way of getting your work done/ compromising on your source of entertainment.

5. Choose your destination wisely

Choosing the right destination can make or break your family trip. It’s important to consider your children’s needs, but it’s equally important to visit a place that interests you. Most destinations have some form of amusement park or family-friendly attraction, so when you make your short list, look for destinations that have some adult fun for you, too.

Do you still travel with a stroller? If so, consider destinations with proper streets and sidewalks, as it will be easier to get around than trying to navigate jungles and more obscure places.

Long travel days are hard on the little ones, so it’s wise to pick a destination that has direct flights. Choose hotels that are centrally located and/or close to attractions (like the beach), which reduces the need for taxis or public transportation. Make sure to factor these things in when picking a destination.

6. Treats and surprises are always a good idea

Bring small presents and/or treats and reward your little ones for good behaviour. When on a long flight or train ride, give your children a small present like a toy car, puzzle, or colouring book. Not only does it encourage good behaviour, it keeps them entertained.

It’s a good idea to let your children choose a few small souvenirs from the places you visit so they have a memento from the trip.

7. Check your ego with your bags

Most parents fear the dreaded meltdown while on a flight. The anxiety level of parents rise the moment the baby gets irritable and fussy as they don’t want to disturb others on the plane

But the reality is that even the calmest of children have a breaking point. Crying and misbehaving will happen, so it’s up to you to roll with the punches. How you react will set the tone for future flights. If you freak out too, there’s a good chance your children will associate air travel with daddy and mommy being angry.

Don’t worry about what others think. Many people on the plane are parents that have been in your position before. They can empathise with you and are usually willing to give a hand when needed.

Stay cool. Smile. Ask for help. It will be over before you know it.

8. Slow down

If there’s one tip I’d like all traveling families to take, it’s this: slow down!

Don’t try to replicate the way you used to travel before kids. Things are different now, so try not to squeeze too many activities or sightseeing into one day. Enjoy your big activity or adventure in the morning when everyone is fresh and recharged. Break up the day and spend some quiet time back at the hotel before you venture out again.

The most enjoyable travel experiences are the ones where we’ve set proper expectations for each day. Remember, travel is supposed to be fun. So make it fun!

Family travel doesn’t have to be a daunting experience that should be put on hold “until the kids get older.” It takes a little more planning and an adjustment of attitude, but you’ll be so glad you made the extra effort when you see the positive impact travel will have on your children…and you.