You Can Now Have a Family Trip Sans the Drama

A trip with the whole family is definitely something to look forward to, but for most parents, it’s usually with no small measure of trepidation. This is because taking kids out of their natural habitat—the home—for a certain period of time can be a real exercise in patience and ingenuity. While older kids are more likely to be agreeable, younger ones are often not as adaptable, which can result in drama on the road. 

But before you write off the possibility of such a trip as a lost cause, know that it doesn’t have to be. With the right amount of planning and a positive mindset, you can, indeed, have all the fun and enriching experiences that a grand family adventure promises. Shertina’s Travel, LLC shares a few ideas that can help keep the drama to a minimum.

Safety First 

As beautiful as the world is at large, it’s also full of myriad dangers. Indeed, it doesn’t help that social media and the news seem to be full of stories of family trips gone awry. With that in mind, safety for the family is undoubtedly your top priority. Researching your destination is definitely a great place to start as this will give you a clear idea of what to expect—both the bad and the good—at your destination, so you are, in turn, better able to take precautions for your party. 

Another way to keep your family safe in a strange land is to have a solid safety plan in place and adequately communicate said plan to your kids before you even leave your home. When visiting attractions, designate a rendezvous point, in case you somehow find yourself separated—though, of course, keeping everyone close is still the better way to go. There are, of course, many other ways to stay safe that experienced parents swear by, so make sure to take a leaf out of their books. 

Needs Must 

Now, your family’s comfort is also another great cause for concern, which is why you really need to consider their needs when you’re all away from home. This, by the way, is easier said than done, especially when you have to take into account the myriad needs of kids of different ages. A packing list for toddlers will obviously be very different from what older kids need, which will undoubtedly put your ingenuity and skills in organization to the test. 

Bye, Bye, Boredom 

In the same vein, keeping kids entertained during long flights or for hours on the road will also vary with their ages. For younger kids, it’s always a good idea to pack activity kits that are chock full of both games and fun educational materials. These are great in keeping them engaged for hours on end without resorting to gadgets, while also squeezing in learning that’s essential to brain development.  

Teens these days, on the other hand, are more likely to be glued to their electronics. While it can be next to impossible to limit their use of tech at such a willful stage, you can still ensure that they learn as they entertain themselves, too. Consider investing in a smartphone or laptop that not only lets your children stream their favorite videos or check social media, but also play engaging and educational games, as well. And don’t forget to include a car charge for any smartphones and tablet you decide to bring — some of which can quickly repower your device. 

Have Fun 

And finally, don’t forget the most important part of your family vacation, and that is to have loads of fun and tons of meaningful experiences. Don’t stress yourself out by overthinking and overspending, nor should you take the excitement out of the trip by overplanning and rushing everyone in the process.  

You can also give your kids the chance to play a more active role during the trip. Perhaps you can make kids responsible for the travel journal or task them to take photos. Being more involved will surely make the trip a lot more fun for them. 

Suffice it to say, it’s important to really set up your family adventure for success in order for it to be one. With that said, you should be ready to hit the road, now. So what are you waiting for? 

Want to put together a memorable vacation but want someone else to handle the “leg work”? Get in touch with Shertina’s Travel, LLC, who can research and book your next trip! Use this form to get in touch with us today!