With kids in tow, a high likelihood of tantrums, and the general unpredictability that comes with traveling, family vacations could easily be placed into the “adventure travel” category. Many parents find the prospect of organizing an enjoyable, safe and affordable vacation to be overwhelming that many avoid trip planning altogether. With a little planning you can avoid some possible blunders. Keeping these family vacation survival tips in mind will help you plan a rewarding and low-stress trip.
Watch Out for Scams
Travelers and vacation planners in search of a deal are especially susceptible to scams and security issues. A good rule of thumb to follow is that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Keep your eyes peeled for scams and identity theft. If you’ve already fallen victim to one of these cons, report the crime, alert your bank and consider investing in a security service like Lifelock. Identity theft security companies like this will monitor your credit and notify you if there are any further breaches. Added peace of mind is always a good thing on any vacation.
Book an Apartment or a House
Most people are surprised to discover that booking an apartment or house through home rental sites can be cheaper than staying at a hotel. House rentals are convenient for bigger families because they can spread out in one large space, instead of having to reserve several hotel rooms. One of the perks of renting a house or apartment on vacation is you can save money by buying groceries and cooking on certain nights. After trying it once you’ll be more than happy to keep trading in room service and crowded pools for a full kitchen, laundry machines and a backyard.
Bring on the Apps
Whether it’s an international flight, a cross-country road trip or a journey on a European train, children are bound to get bored and cranky when they’re confined to one space for hours. By downloading iPhone, iPad and Android apps you can keep the kids entertained for the entire trip. Let your children each choose a few games and supplement their choices with apps like Instagram, FlightTrack and The Night Sky. These options will entertain and inform, giving you at least a few hours to relax.
Walk as Much as Possible
Depending on where your destination is, make sure to take full advantage of a city’s culture and accessibility. Not only is walking it a great workout that will burn off some of the kids’ energy, but it provides more exposure to the small details you would otherwise miss when zooming past them in a rental car. You can see the beach better and spot things you wouldn’t see zipping through in a cab.
Stick to Your Budget Like Glue
Much like at the grocery store, when you bring kids along for the trip, you’re more likely to overspend. Keeping a planned budget is important for unforeseen costs that can pop up while vacationing. it’s better to be safe than sorry.. Before you leave, research public transportation costs, theme park ticket prices, food menus and anything else you can price out in advance. Decide how much spending money each adult and child will receive and don’t allow any exceptions.
Traveling with your family can be one of the most fulfilling and memorable ways to spend your free time. Keep these five savvy suggestions in mind so you can kick back, explore and have a wonderful time with the people who matter the most.
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Its so true – sticking to the budget is key. My boys fav app on my iphone has a ton of animalsounds and every day object swith the sounds they make – they can occupy themselves for quite a while with that! ow to get them to use headphones so they don’t disturb others!
Leigh
Leigh @oneandoneequalstwinfun.com recently posted..Another Reminder from The Twins…
renting an apt or home is such fun with the extended family too =)
Pamela R recently posted..Pam’s Playhouse FUN WITH Tomie dePaola
I love the idea of a apt or house rental. Especially since they have full kitchens. Eating out everyday gets expensive!
Great recommendations. I write a family travel blog and recommend apartments over hotels, especially for families visiting cities. They offer more space, the “comforts of home,” and a greater opportunity to really experience the city like a local.
Karen at Family Travels on a Budget
Famliy Travels on a Budget recently posted..5 Tips for Surviving Flight Delays
I don’t have a larger family but that is a great tip about renting a house. Especially when you count the cost of eating out and stuff like that. I also never sleep great in a hotel because I can’t get that “just right” temperature.
Kenya G. Johnson recently posted..My constant companion…
Those are fantastic tips! Never thought about renting an apartment or house before.
WE also love to pack as much of the food as we can for like snacks and the sorts so we don’t have to spend lots of money on eating out. We bring food from the grocery store so we can eat as much on our grocery budget as possible. We do still have a meal or two in a restaurant, but it really helps cut costs.
Amber Edwards recently posted..My-Ditto Network Attached Storage Solution Access your Files From Anywhere
I like the tip to walk when possible. We do that and it helps oodles, plus we enjoy it. :)