A successful family vacation is all about what you do once you arrive. And with a little advance planning, you can arrange a variety of activities that will please all members of the family—from high-energy little ones to restless teens.

Doing the theme parks? Hop on your hotel’s free shuttle and you’re there in a flash. Better yet, stay within walking distance. Enjoy all the comforts of home (with the added bonus of daily maid service!). Get a suite with a kitchen and serve up home-style meals. Share a multi-room suite or connecting rooms; get bunk beds and fun, character-themed rooms for the little ones.  Avoiding theme parks?  Any age can enjoy the fruits of outdoor pursuits with minimal hassle and expense that include swimming, canoeing, and fishing.

Stay closer to home and visit national or state parks, where the setting’s natural splendor can be explored on family friendly adventures such as rafting, horseback riding, tours of ancient ruins, Jeep excursions, and bike rides.  Explore your options—and expand the whole family's horizons.

Parents without a lot of vacation prep time can turn to the all-inclusive resort, where lodging, meals, entertainment, and activities are all included in the price.  Just think: no daily packing or shifting of venues—just a gorgeous beach with water-sports gear at your disposal, a variety of restaurants, and even a kids’ club for making new friends. But be forewarned: “How much longer?” will most assuredly be replaced by “Do we have to leave?”

5. Book through a Family Adventure Vacation Provider

Escorted tours take parents and kids around the globe and the companies promise a quality vacation with no time wasted on hassles or anything mediocre. Someone has already done the groundwork, identified the best experiences, and booked you in, so all your time is spent on enjoyment.  Most companies offer a discount for kids,

typically 10% to 20%, but check for deeper discounts especially during off season.

 Items to always have on hand when traveling:

• Frisbee - great for some quick exercise when making a stop

• plastic boxes - one for each child, to hold their supplies - the lid makes a great desk or place to hold food. 

• clean water - several bottles of water work best for drinking, a quick wash up, cleaning a scrape and so on.

• lightweight blanket - small child's blanket for cuddling with at nap time.

• paper towels - for quick clean ups.

• snacks - saltines, goldfish crackers - any kind of lightly salted dry cracker. 

• compass - fun for the kids if they want to help navigate.

• trash bags - for storing laundry, wet items or just for trash.

TRAVEL FOOD

• dry crackers - small snack pack size

• individual size water bottles (a permanent marker will help to keep these separate)

• individual cereal boxes

• snack bars 

• juice boxes/bags

• jar of peanut butter and loaf of bread (for car travel and don't forget a plastic knife)

One to two weeks before the trip make a note of what will be needed on the trip.  As you gather these items, store them in grocery bag or box. 

Provide all family members with their own case for toothpaste, toothbrush, comb, shampoo and soap.  Trial size baby bath works well in place of bars of soap.

Make a list of like items that each family member will be responsible for packing.  Have them check off the items as they pack.  (ex. 5 pairs socks, swim suit, jacket ...)

Allow each child to bring a small bag or games, toys, stuffed animals or other personal items to make them feel comfortable.

Practice the 5 "P's" to have the best time traveling with young kids:

1. Prepare. Take lots of snacks, drinks, amusements, on long plane rides-- and, really, everywhere you go. 

2. Pace.  Don't try to do too much!  For young kids, schedule one major activity each morning, or afternoon.  If all goes well, you can perhaps slip in a second activity. Don't mention the second activity until you're certain, though to avoid disappointment!  

3. Pacing also means allowing extra time in the day for some down time, and some wild time: kids need rest periods, and they also need to run around and let off some steam.

4. Pre-empt: offer snacks and drinks before kids get too hungry or thirsty. Take a break before they are overtired.

 

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