We all know that travel can be stressful, but add kids into the mix and it can be a recipe for disaster. Here are 5 tips to help make your next family vacation a stress-free success:
1. Plan ahead and be prepared:
This may seem obvious, but it’s important to plan your trip in advance and make sure you have everything you need. This includes packing everyone’s clothes, toothbrushes, and favorite toys.
2. Travel during off-peak times:
Try to avoid traveling during peak times when airports and hotels are busiest. This will help minimize stress and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone.
3. Take breaks and allow for down time:
Allowing your kids to relax and take it easy is a great way to reduce stress and boost their mood. Let them wear their favorite pajamas, watch their favorite shows, or just relax on the hotel bed while you take a short errand run.
You may even want to consider having one adult take a “mental health day” while on vacation to refresh and rejuvenate.
4. Inform teachers and friends ahead of time:
It’t best to let people know how long you’ll be gone and how to reach you in case of an emergency. This will help minimize the worry for those at home.
5. Don’t get too focused on one thing:
Trying to see and do everything, especially for kids, is a sure-fire way to create stress. Focus on having fun together as a family, and let others take care of the planning, logistics, and details.