Going on a Vacation with Kids? Here's How to Make it Safer and More Fulfilling

Planning a vacation with the kids is fun, but it can also be stressful if you don’t prepare well. You have to choose the right travel destinations, activities and transportation. You also have to pack and carry everything the kids will need- proper clothing, snacks, medication, toys, and sunscreen, just to name a few.  But if you start planning early enough, you can have a less stressful, more enjoyable time with your kids on vacation. And if you're worried about safety measures or ways to travel with a larger family, here are some tips that might help make your trip more fulfilling. 

Have Your Family Car with You

If you decide to take a trip by plane or train and don't feel comfortable renting a car, you might want to consider shipping your own vehicle to your location. It might sound like a lot of work to ship your car to your travel destination, but you’ll appreciate the effort once you arrive there and have a small, safe comfort from home to get you from place to place! It also could be less expensive than a taxi or Uber, depending on your location. So just how do you transport your car to a vacation destination? Well, you can hire a reputable shipping service company like Shiply car transport. They are fast, affordable and reliable. Your vehicle will arrive at your preferred destination before you get there. It’s reassuring when you have your family car with you, fully loaded with all your kids’ safety accessories to cruise around. You won’t need to hire a tour bus or depend on a public transportation system that you're not familiar with. When driving in unfamiliar areas, you need to pay extra attention to your surroundings to avoid accidents. If you do find yourself in an emergency, it is a good idea to have a set of contact numbers such as local emergency services or tow trucks and insurance details. Document everything, and this will help you in the future should you need the services of a car accident lawyer.

photo from Unsplash

Rent a House

Do you plan to spend a week or even a month on vacation? Instead of booking a hotel room, consider  renting a house. A rented house can be big enough to accommodate an entire family, with more space, less cost and more privacy. You’ll also have more freedom with your schedule, such as when to eat or wake up, than a hotel. You’ll also have the liberty to prepare meals, do laundry, and entertain guests.

If you book a hotel, you’ll probably have to reserve several rooms depending on your family size. Larger suites and multiple hotel rooms can be costly. You’ll also have to rely more on what the hotel offers, which can be limiting when traveling with young children.

photo by D. Cooper, Unsplash

Plan a Longer Trip

Sometimes it's hard to fit all of your plans into your schedule when vacationing. Young children can get exhausted (and cranky!) quickly. To make a vacation less stressful, consider an extended one, and don’t rush through the planned itinerary. Schedule days when you just relax in your room and let the kids recharge, or add in 'pool days' so you can enjoy some sun and relaxation. 

photo by J. Rivera, Unsplash

Make Sure You Have Enough Money for Your Trip

Although it’s very doable to enjoy a family vacation on a limited budget, you don’t want that to stop you from having a great time making memories. Worrying about money while you’re on vacation can put a damper on your spirits and make you feel as though you can’t let loose. Planning out your budget beforehand is one way to ensure that you have enough funds to make your family vacation unforgettable. Another method that works for families all over the world is a specialized app that allows you to quickly receive money from friends and family when you're abroad. Whether you’re looking at the USD to COP exchange rate or checking out European money transfers, the process couldn’t be simpler. Setting this up before you go and making sure you’re able to access money quickly whenever you need it will take stress off your shoulders when you’re on vacation with your family. As long as you have a family member or friend who’s willing to send you money, you’ll be all set and ready to make the most of your time away with your loved ones!

Stick to Kid-Friendly Activities

Going to fancy restaurants, bars or even shopping might seem like fun things to do on vacation, but if you're bringing kids along, you might need to be more accommodating. When creating your trip itinerary, ask your kids about the activities they want to include. Let the kids share some input as to what they'd like to do and experience, and it might just be a better trip for everyone!

photo via Unsplash

A family trip doesn't have to be stressful. But no matter what you plan, be grateful for the special time you spend together. Vacation memories are always priceless!