5 Tips for Traveling with Kids

You've been there before, the dreaded long car ride, the layover at the airport when the toddler is melting down because they've missed naptime, maybe the teen rolling their ungrateful eyes at you while you wait in line to see the famous Eiffel Tower or some other iconic site.

I know, I know, why would you ever want to take kids with you on a trip, they are never going to appreciate it and you won't be able to do all the things you want to do. Well, here me out friends, traveling with kids, yes will be different, but it can also be FUN. Sharing and making lasting memories together in unique places around the world or country doesn't have to be a dumpster fire. Take it from the woman who loves to travel, but who also has three kids and it just isn't realistic to leave them for a week at a time. Plus, I grew up getting to travel a bit with my family and not only are they are the best memories, traveling created this great sense of adventure in me that exists still today.

On the heels of Spring Break and our family returning to normal crazy life after a super fun week in Mexico, I was really inspired to share with you some tips my husband and I have learned over the years traveling with our kids. We've taken them all over the world, and no, it has never gone exactly to plan, but at the same time, we never regret it. It has always been such a fun adventure and blessing to be able to travel with our kids and give them these unique experiences. So here are a few things we've learned first hand from traveling with our kids that hopefully can help you on your next family vacation.

5 things to remember when traveling with your kids:

1. Pack books and games (physical games, like cards, dominoes, etc.)

   

   Reading material and having some games like cards, Uno, road trip bingo for those long car rides have made such a huge difference in keeping little people entertained during downtime without sticking them always in front of a screen. More on that in a minute. Some coloring materials are also helpful for places you may need to keep restless hands busy. Not just crayons and a coloring book, but maybe just paper and pens to play a game of tic-tac-toe or hangman (I grew up on playing these at restaurants). Also pack SNACKS!!! No matter how old your kids get, having a handful of ready snacks can be a big help while traveling. Whether you are in the car, waiting at the airport, or waiting putsing around an old town, all kids (and maybe the adults too) will appreciate snacks. I am a firm believe that much of the bad attitudes that arise stem from either being overtired or hungry. So don't leave the house or the hotel room without a little something to munch on throughout the day.
   

2. Be flexible (with your plans and typical schedules) Regular life at home most likely has some sort of structure and routine. This is a good thing. However, when you are on vacation or traveling with kids, may I suggest holding the schedule loosely, even for little ones. They are more flexible than we give them credit for sometimes, and if not, this is a great way to teach them to be flexible with things that may change or come up. This is a good reminder for us "big kids" as well.
   

3. Still maintain rules and boundaries with technology. I know, I know, I know...those tablets and phones are so convenient and easy to pull out and throw in front of your kid to keep them quiet and entertained, but before you do it, might I challenge you to leave it in the hotel room. Reserve the screens for the long car rides or plane rides and teach your kids to be quiet and patient at the dinner table or in line. This is another reason having some games or coloring materials on hand can be helpful. Yes, the art of distraction is necessary sometimes, but I promise you, you will thank me in the long run if you persevere through maybe a few hard meals as your children learn to behave even at a restaurant or place that takes longer than 3 minutes to bring them their meal. Why I can say this, is because it is what we do. We have a rule in our family of no screens at the dinner table, at home and on vacation. And I'll tell you, our kids are only 7, 9, and 11, and they can sit at even a meal that takes an hour and half and stay engaged with us. It takes time, patience, and perseverance, but wow, it is worth it! Don't give up!
   

4. Try new things. Get everyone, especially the kids, out of their comfort zones.

   

   I am the queen of pushing my kids out of their comfort zones all of the time, but even on vacation. They don't always love me for this in the moment, but more times than not, the thing they didn't want to do has become their favorite part of that trip. Take our recent trip to Mexico for example. My middle and youngest were excited, but hesitant to swim with the dolphins, but I assured them it would be fun. We made the plans, got the quick debriefing and off we were to the docks. There wasn't much time to overthink anything and although both of them were really nervous and quite honestly freaking out for a few minutes, after getting in the water and getting to know the gentleness and sweetness of these amazing animals, both of them warmed up quickly. My middle even let two dolphins push him across the marina and still is talking about how this was the highlight of the trip.

   

   Getting out of your comfort zone can be hard sometimes, but we never grow inside our comfort zone and almost always we learn to love or like something new by at least giving it a try. Don't let fear keep you from trying something new. It is so fun to be able to model this for our kids, too.
   

5. Embrace patience.

   

   This is a big one mom and dad! Because guess what? Your kids are probably going to still have fits and meltdowns. Maybe have a bad attitude here and there and you may be tempted to let them rope you into their negativity. However, when these moments arise, because they will, remind yourself to take a deep breath, and that they are just kids. Of course they won't grasp the gravity of some of the places you visit. Of course they won't be able to fully appreciate how amazing it is that you are even taking them on this trip. But, in time, they will. It is our job as the parents to set the tone for the vacation. Which, I know, is really hard, because there are moments sometimes I question, am I crazy for bringing them here? But once the trip is all said and done and we are going around the table sharing our favorite memories from the vacation, it is always worth it. I love getting to be able to take my kids on these grand adventures and I hope and pray that they will look back one day fondly on the life we've worked really hard to give them. And if they don't, that's okay. I know that I will look back tenderly on these moments and have no regrets of having given them these experiences right alongside me.

Ultimately, keep planning those trips, even if you have kids. Don't wait until they are grown; do it now! You may have to embrace a little change and different activities than if it were an adult only trip (which I still say do those too), but don't let having kids stop you from having adventures right now. Your older self will be so grateful you have these memories to look back on!

Oh, and don't forget to HAVE FUN!!!! We live on such a big, beautiful planet, get out and explore it!

Happy Adventuring!