Among all the experts, professionals, and savvy grandparents we've spoken to about family travel over the years, these are the tips that come up most often. Take them all into account as you plan time away with your kids and grandkids and you'll create more great memories and fewer memorable meltdowns.
1. Be flexible
This is the most important thing to remember when traveling with the family. It's great to have an overall plan of where to go and what to do, but keep in mind that itineraries often go awry, children's interest can be fickle, and parents may have their own ideas about how much child-care you'll provide as they head off on their own. So be flexible, and always stay positive. Our columnist has more suggestions for successful intergenerational travel.
2. Learn the fine art of packing
There's a method to packing right and light, and a checklist of what to bring — and what not to — helps to streamline the process. Along with the necessities (like a sweatshirt and extra socks), it might behoove you to bring nonobvious items as well. We like the idea of taking maps along, so kids know where they're going. It teaches geography and engages them with something they can hold as they travel. Find more tips among our family packing suggestions.
3. Know your pre-flight routine
Air travel becomes easier when you come to the airport prepared for all possible scenarios. The terminal tip we like best: Take advantage of all potty stops, and insist that your toilet-trained grandchildren use the lavatory before takeoff and before landing. The rest of the journey will less stressful if you follow this tip and our other strategies for air travel with kids.
4. Broaden their horizons
Vacations are a great opportunity for the kids (and you!) to learn more about history, culture, and geography. Planning a trip around a historical village or monument can be fun, educational, and rewarding. Discover living-history sites where you can transport children through time and space. You might be surprised how much you enjoy them yourself.
5. Cruise wisely
We love cruises. They're all-inclusive, easy to plan, and can be relatively affordable. But not all cruise ships are created equal. Make sure you book your next vacation aboard a vessel that's geared toward families. Today's kid-friendly super ships have the amenities, activities, and menus to appeal to even the hardest-to-please tweens. Scan our list of the best kid-friendly cruises and see our tips for taking children on the high seas.
6. Stay at hotels that actually like kids
Keep the children happy by staying at hotels that caters to their needs. An increasing number of hotels and resorts are catching on to the family-friendly trend by offering kid furniture, activities and entertainment, day-care services, and even cookies and milk at bedtime. Here are some places where the kids will love to stay, here and abroad.
7. Save money by dining in
Three restaurant meals a day for each family member can strain any budget. One easy solution: Don't buy breakfast. Instead, keep granola bars or cereal and milk in the hotel. And if there's a kitchen where you're staying, do some grocery shopping and cook a few of your dinners. Learn more about traveling on a shoestring.
8. Have a plan, and keep them busy
Play the role of social director by creating a master plan mapping out days and nights of fun activities for all ages. But don't forget plenty of back-up ideas in case of rain. Being a social director can be hard work, so we've got you covered with these strategies.
9. It's your vacation, too
Your primary goal may be to make sure the kids have fun, but remember that it's everyone's vacation, including yours. Choose a spot with both kid and adult appeal. One location we like? Napa Valley, California. It offers a moderate year-round climate and a heap of family activities. And we have similar all-ages destinations for you to consider.
10. Get the little things right
There are a lot of dos and don'ts to keep in mind when traveling with children, but some are more helpful than others. For example, do bring a night-light when you travel — hotel rooms get dark at night. But don't expect the kids' excitement levels to last all day. Everyone needs down time, including you. See more helpful hints to make your trip as seamless as possible.
Visit our Travel section for more trip ideas and tips, including theme-park vacations, and find 101 things to do with the kids in a city near you!
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