Traveling with kids is a whole different kind of adventure, but getting to show your kids the world and see the delight on theory faces is one of the best experiences there can possibly be for any parent, and you can make it happen without all of the tantrums and tribulations if you simply make a few smarter choices on your next family trip…
1. Choose a Kid-Friendly (and Sanity-Friendly) Place to Stay
The right accommodation can make all the difference, and no, a shoebox-sized hotel room isn’t going to cut it when you’re dealing with toys, snacks, and “Mom, I’m bored!” every five minutes. Cue the residential suite. Trust me, you’ll be thanking past-you for booking a place with actual space, like the residential apartment suites at The Forth Atlanta (https://forthatlanta.com/hotel/residential-suites). These kinds of suites give you multiple rooms to spread out, so you’re not tiptoeing around while the kids sleep. Plus, a small kitchen or kitchenette can be a lifesaver for quick meals or midnight snack cravings (because we know how picky young travelers can get!).
2. Skip the Overloaded Itinerary
While it’s tempting to plan every minute, kids aren’t exactly known for their love of rigid schedules. Instead, pick one or two must-do activities each day and leave room for downtime – whether it’s a stop at a local park, an impromptu ice cream break, or even a nap (for both kids and adults!). Kids are natural explorers, so a flexible schedule lets them soak up experiences at their own pace. And honestly, it means you get a break from sprinting between attractions like you’re training for a marathon.
3. Pack Smart – Not Like You’re Moving
It’s easy to overpack when you’re prepping for every potential kid-related emergency, but lugging around half your house isn’t fun for anyone. Go for a “just enough” approach: a handful of outfits, a few favorite toys, and a tiny pharmacy of essentials. A bonus tip? Pack a “magic bag” with a few new (and cheap) toys or activities that you can pull out during delays or downtime. Dollar store coloring books and mini puzzles can work wonders when little ones start to get antsy.
4. Embrace the Snack Game Like a Pro
Hungry kids are cranky kids. Pack a variety of snacks – and then double it. From crunchy to sweet, having options can help you dodge a meltdown and buy a few more precious minutes of peace. And remember, snacks aren’t just for the kids; you’ll thank yourself when you’re halfway through a long travel day and craving something other than stale pretzels.
5. Take Travel Days Slow and Steady
Getting from point A to point B with kids can be a marathon, so pace yourself. Get to the airport early, allow extra time for bathroom stops, and expect the unexpected. Kids are slower, louder, and have a sixth sense for wanting a bathroom break at the worst possible times. Accepting this from the start will make everything feel easier – or at least, less frustrating.
Ready, set, relax… kind of
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