Traveling together as a family is an experience that will last you and everyone in your group a lifetime. The exposure to new people and places and the life lessons learned along the way are invaluable.
Whether you’re planning a weekend road trip or a globetrotting adventure, you may be wondering what steps you can take to ensure everyone has an exciting and safe time. In this guide to family travel, we take a deep dive into the benefits of family travel and provide some tips to help you get the most out of the opportunity.
Why is it important to travel as a family?
Traveling as a family strengthens the bonds you’ve forged in your day-to-day-routines while exposing you to new, exciting experiences you’re not likely to find at home. And without all the work and school responsibilities to distract you, you’re free to focus on what matters most – deepening your connection while taking in the sights.
Here are some other benefits of family travel:
Encourage togetherness
Uninterrupted time together provides extensive opportunities for shared activities that encourage teamwork and bonding. Whether you’re exploring a foreign city, catching waves at the beach, or hiking a trail, the conversations and interactions you have while traveling bring you all closer together.
Maximize educational opportunities
Exposure to new cultures, cuisines, and languages provides rich educational opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Historical sites and museums bring history to life in a way that textbooks can’t replicate. Additionally, traveling bolsters geographical and cultural understanding by allowing families to experience different landscapes, climates, and ways of life firsthand.
Build resilience
Travel challenges, such as navigating unfamiliar locations or losing important items, strengthen your family’s ability to handle adversity. Thinking on your feet and handling what the journey throws at you teaches problem-solving and critical-thinking skills that you can apply anywhere.
Create lifelong memories
Whether discovering a tucked-away bakery or encountering an interesting group of locals, your family’s travel experiences are a bond you’ll share forever. Photographs and other keepsakes are tangible reminders of these special moments, allowing your family to revisit their journeys whenever they want. And establishing travel traditions, such as annual trips to a favorite destination, helps strengthen family identity.
How to have a seamless family travel experience
Follow these steps to ensure your clan has a safe and fulfilling trip:
Choose the right destination
Seek out family-friendly destinations with suitable activities and accommodations for all age groups. Consider the interests of everyone in your group and ensure that where you’re going has something they’ll enjoy. You can also read reviews and travel blogs for valuable insights about your destination, so you can make an informed decision.
Create a detailed itinerary
It’s important to include a variety of experiences that appeal to different interests and energy levels, from adventurous outings to relaxing leisure activities. When traveling with kids, incorporating downtime in your itinerary allows for rest and spontaneous exploration, which can prevent burnout and ensure an enjoyable trip.
Sharing your itinerary with a trusted individual back home is also a good safety move because it ensures that someone knows your planned whereabouts and can check on you if necessary.
Pack wisely
A good travel practice, no matter who you’re with, is to pack light. This can be especially advantageous for families with adults carrying gear for themselves and kids or with kids who want to carry their own stuff. The weight of each item starts to add up, and carrying a heavy load can slow down your travel and lead to fatigue.
Here are some essentials for traveling families:
- Clothing: Pack comfortable, climate-appropriate clothing for each family member, including layers for changing temperatures and shoes for long walking trips.
- Toiletries: Although your accommodations may provide them, it can be convenient to carry travel sizes of your own toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal care items.
- Medications: Make sure you have enough of your prescriptions to last through your trip, and consider carrying treatment for common ailments like headaches and stomachaches.
- Documents: Carry important documents such as passports, identification, travel insurance information, and medical records. It’s also wise to carry digital or physical copies separately in case of loss or theft.
- Snacks: Pack healthy snacks to keep everyone fueled during outings.
- Compact child gear: If traveling with little ones, choose lightweight and foldable strollers, travel cribs, and car seats to minimize strain.
- Entertainment: Bring books, tablets, portable games, or coloring books to keep children entertained during travel and downtime.
- Travel accessories: Travel adapters, power banks, reusable water bottles, and collapsible bags bring an added layer of convenience to your trip.
Maintain your health and safety
Before embarking on your journey, research potential health risks, such as food contamination or waterborne illnesses, and consult with your family doctor about any necessary vaccinations and medications. Practicing proper hygiene, such as by washing hands before meals, can also minimize illnesses. Staying hydrated, eating nutritious foods, and getting enough rest are integral to maintaining good health while traveling.
Being prepared for emergencies is another way to protect your family while traveling. Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and protocols at your destination, including the nearest hospitals or medical facilities. Keep a list of important contacts, including local authorities, embassy or consulate information, and emergency contacts back home. Consider purchasing travel insurance for additional peace of mind in case of the unexpected.
Maximize value with savings tips
If sticking to a budget is important to your family, there are many savings opportunities to take advantage of when booking travel. Early booking often means lower rates and special promotions that can significantly reduce overall travel costs. Airlines and hotels may offer discounts for advance reservations, and you can leverage travel rewards and loyalty programs for substantial savings.
Unless you’re traveling for a holiday or other scheduled event, consider making off-peak travel arrangements. Airlines, hotels, and attractions often offer reduced rates during times of lower demand throughout the year. Off-peak travel typically means smaller crowds at popular destinations, which can provide a more relaxed and enjoyable experience besides being cheaper.
Opting for less tourist-y meals and activities can help you stretch your family budget even further, since local eateries tend to be cheaper than tourist-focused establishments. For activities, seek out free or low-cost attractions to keep everyone entertained without breaking the bank. Many destinations have public parks, beaches, and hiking trails that offer natural beauty, as well as free festivals and seasonal events.
Manage stress to ensure a pleasant trip
Keeping a semblance of routine, such as by keeping regular meal times, bedtime routines, and daily rituals, can help children feel more secure amidst the uncertainties of travel. Familiar routines can ease the transition and reduce the likelihood of travel-related stress or meltdowns, especially for younger children.
At the same time, being flexible with plans is crucial to handle the unexpected and make the most of spontaneous opportunities. Travel often comes with surprises, such as weather changes, delays, or discovering a must-see attraction you hadn’t planned for. Embracing flexibility allows you to adapt to these changes and have a fulfilling vacation no matter what.
By Casey Clague